Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,

NUMBERS 21:14KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 21:14 (KJV)

What does Numbers 21:14 mean?

Numbers 21:14 refers to a now-lost book called "the book of the wars of the LORD," which recorded events where God acted on behalf of Israel, including what happened at the Red Sea and at the brooks of Arnon. This verse points to earlier records that described God’s interventions during Israel’s journey.

In this part of the story, Moses is leading the Israelites through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. The verse mentions a written source that chronicled God’s military actions for Israel, suggesting that the people kept records of these significant moments. The reference to the Red Sea and the brooks of Arnon highlights specific places where God’s help was remembered and celebrated.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 21:14

  • "Book" (סֵפֶר, sefer): This word means a written record or scroll. Its use here shows that the Israelites kept historical accounts of God’s deeds, not just oral traditions.
  • "Wars" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah): This word refers to battles or conflicts. The phrase "wars of the LORD" emphasizes that these were not just ordinary fights but events where God was believed to be directly involved.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, underscoring that the actions described were attributed specifically to Him.
  • "Brooks" (נַחַל, nachal): This word means streams or river valleys. Mentioning the "brooks of Arnon" points to a real geographic location, grounding the story in actual places.

Why Numbers 21:14 matters

  • This verse shows that the Israelites valued remembering and recording God’s actions, hinting at a broader tradition of storytelling and documentation in ancient Israel.
  • By referencing the "book of the wars of the LORD," Numbers 21:14 connects the Israelites’ current journey to a longer history of God’s help, reinforcing their identity and trust in God’s ongoing involvement.
  • The mention of specific places like the Red Sea and Arnon helps anchor the biblical story in real geography, making the narrative more concrete and relatable for later generations.

Where else these words appear

“sea” Hebrew H5492 · used in 16 verses

  • Job 21:18 They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.
  • Proverbs 10:25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
  • Isaiah 66:15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.

“Arnon” Hebrew H769 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 21:13 From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.
  • Deuteronomy 3:8 And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;
  • Joshua 13:16 And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

“brooks” Hebrew H5158 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Judges 5:21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
  • Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.