Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.

NUMBERS 21:29KJV
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Numbers 21:29 (KJV)

What does Numbers 21:29 mean?

Numbers 21:29 is a poetic declaration of defeat and sorrow for Moab, saying that the people devoted to the god Chemosh have been conquered and their survivors—both sons and daughters—have been handed over as captives to Sihon, the king of the Amorites. The verse mourns Moab’s downfall and highlights the powerlessness of Chemosh to protect his followers.

This verse is part of a taunt or lament spoken after Israel’s victory over the Amorites, who had previously defeated Moab. The speaker addresses Moab directly, describing how their god Chemosh failed to save them, resulting in their people being taken captive. The verse uses strong language to emphasize the totality of Moab’s defeat and the humiliation of their god.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 21:29

  • Moab (מוֹאָב, Mo’av): This is the nation being addressed, historically Israel’s neighbor and frequent rival. Naming Moab directly makes the lament personal and pointed.
  • Chemosh (כְּמוֹשׁ, Kemosh): Chemosh was the national god of Moab. Mentioning Chemosh by name underlines that the defeat is not just military but also spiritual, as their god is shown as powerless.
  • Undone (אָבַד, avad): This word means “destroyed” or “ruined,” stressing the completeness of Moab’s loss.
  • Given (נָתַן, natan): The verb here means “delivered” or “handed over,” suggesting that Chemosh himself allowed his people to fall into captivity, which would be a deep humiliation in the ancient context.

Why Numbers 21:29 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Moab’s defeat was seen not just as a military loss but as a sign that their god Chemosh could not protect them, which was a powerful statement in the ancient world.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing that Israel’s victory over the Amorites also meant the downfall of those who had already been conquered by the Amorites, like Moab.
  • It helps explain the deep rivalry and history between Israel and Moab, setting the stage for later interactions and tensions in the biblical narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Chemosh” Hebrew H3645 · used in 8 verses

  • Judges 11:24 Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.
  • 1 Kings 11:33 Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.
  • Jeremiah 48:7 For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes together.

“escaped” Hebrew H6412 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.
  • Ezekiel 7:16 But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.

“Woe” Hebrew H188 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 24:23 And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
  • Isaiah 24:16 From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.
  • Jeremiah 45:3 Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.

“captivity” Hebrew H7622 · used in 27 verses

  • Deuteronomy 30:3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.
  • Jeremiah 30:18 Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.
  • Lamentations 2:14 Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.