And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.

NUMBERS 21:24KJV
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Numbers 21:24 (KJV)

What does Numbers 21:24 mean?

Numbers 21:24 describes how Israel defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, in battle and took possession of his land, stretching from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River, but did not take land belonging to the Ammonites because their border was well-defended. The verse highlights Israel’s military victory and the specific territory they gained, while noting the limits of their conquest.

The context is Israel’s journey toward the Promised Land, where they encounter opposition from Sihon. Moses is leading the Israelites, and this verse records the outcome of their confrontation. The verse also clarifies that Israel respected the strong border of the Ammonites and did not invade their territory, focusing only on the land of Sihon.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 21:24

  • The word "smote" (נָכָה, nakhah) means to strike or defeat, emphasizing that Israel’s victory was decisive and forceful.
  • "Edge" (פֶּה, peh) literally means "mouth," but here it refers to the "edge" or "mouth" of the sword (חֶרֶב, cherev), a Hebrew way of describing battle by the sword.
  • "Possessed" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) means to take possession or inherit, showing that Israel not only defeated Sihon but also settled in his land.
  • "Strong" (עָצוּם, atzum) describes the border of Ammon as fortified or powerful, explaining why Israel did not cross into Ammonite territory.

Why Numbers 21:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s conquest was limited to Sihon’s territory and did not include the land of the Ammonites, countering later claims that Israel took land from Ammon.
  • The detail about the strong border of Ammon helps explain why Israel’s campaign stopped at a certain point, showing respect for established boundaries.
  • Numbers 21:24 connects to the broader narrative of Israel’s journey and the fulfillment of God’s promises, marking a key moment in their progress toward the Promised Land.

Where else these words appear

“Jabbok” Hebrew H2999 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 32:22 And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.
  • Deuteronomy 3:16 And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;
  • Judges 11:13 And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably.

“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;

“strong” Hebrew H5794 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • 2 Samuel 22:18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.
  • Song of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.

“Ammon” Hebrew H5983 · used in 98 verses

  • Genesis 19:38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.
  • Judges 12:1 And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:11 And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon.