Numbers 21:26

Sihon king of the Amorites captured the area north of the Arnon from the Moabites, who controlled it earlier. Israel then occupied this region for several hundred years. King Mesha of Moab reclaimed it around 830 BC (see 2 Kings 3:4–27). This came through a campaign detailed on the Mesha Inscription (also known as the Moabite Stone).

Heshbon is usually considered to be Tell Hesban. No evidence yet has shown that people lived there in the Late Bronze Age (see study note on Numbers 21:1).

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.