Translations
Interlinear
Notes
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh settled in the area conquered at this time (compare chapter 32).
The Israelite victories over King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan previewed the Hebrew conquest of Canaan. It came to represent God's promise to help his people when they were in need (see 13:10–12; Deuteronomy 2:24–3:7; Joshua 2:10; 9:10; 12:1–6; Judges 11:19–22; Nehemiah 9:22; Psalms 135:10–12; 136:17–22; Jeremiah 48:45–46).
Israel had left the wilderness before reaching Pisgah (compare Numbers 21:18, 23; 21:20). So, this story probably indicates an earlier event before the movement in 21:18–20.
As Israel journeyed to the promised land, they traveled from Mount Hor to the plains of Moab (22:1). The story of Israel's journey emphasizes the Lord's patient plan to lead Israel into Canaan despite their weaknesses.
The general direction of their travel is clear. However, the exact path they took is not known today. Many of the places mentioned are difficult to identify.
Archaeological evidence at some sites does not match the time usually connected with the wilderness period. Because of this, there are still serious questions about geography and history in the wilderness journey.
Parallels
People
Amorites: Canaanite people group, enemies of Israel Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes
Places
Heshbon: Amorite city conquered by Moses, allotted to Reuben
Glossary
Amorites Balaam Book of the Wars of the Lord Bronze Snake, Bronze Serpent Deuteronomy, Book of Heshbon Joshua, Book of Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Shittim (Place)
Topics
Amorites: Conquest of Heshbon of the Amorites Israel: Defeat the Amorites Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To the Mountains of Abarim: Sihon Conquered Sihon: Conquest of his Kingdom by the Israelites The Amorites: Deprived of Their Eastern Territory by Israel