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.