Numbers 21 14

Numbers 21:14 kjv

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 21:14 nkjv

Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: "Waheb in Suphah, The brooks of the Arnon,

Numbers 21:14 niv

That is why the Book of the Wars of the LORD says: "?Zahab in Suphah and the ravines, the Arnon

Numbers 21:14 esv

Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, "Waheb in Suphah, and the valleys of the Arnon,

Numbers 21:14 nlt

For this reason The Book of the Wars of the LORD speaks of "the town of Waheb in the area of Suphah, and the ravines of the Arnon River,

Numbers 21 verses

Numbers 21 14 Meaning

Numbers 21:14 quotes from an external, ancient Israelite source known as "The Book of the Wars of the Lord." This quotation references specific geographical locations, "Waheb in Suphah" and "the valleys of the Arnon," as significant sites where the Lord intervened or fought on behalf of Israel during their wilderness journey and conquest, thereby affirming God's active involvement in their historical passage.

Numbers 21 14 Context

Numbers chapter 21 chronicles a crucial segment of Israel's journey in the wilderness as they near the Promised Land. The preceding verses detail their victory over Arad, the episode of the bronze serpent for healing, and their subsequent detours due to the Edomites' refusal to grant passage. Following this, the Israelites begin their approach to the plains of Moab. Verse 13 explicitly states their encampment at the Arnon, which serves as Moab's northern border. Verse 14, therefore, serves as an authenticating parenthetical statement. It validates the narrative account of Israel's journey and actions in these specific regions by referencing a widely recognized contemporary historical or epic poetic work, suggesting that these events (likely a significant divine act or battle near Waheb and the Arnon) were well-known and recorded even outside the direct biblical account. It precedes the decisive victories over the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, whose territories lay on the other side of the Arnon and were crucial for Israel's passage and future settlement.

Numbers 21 14 Word analysis

• Therefore (לָכֵן - lakhen): An adverbial conjunction meaning "for this reason," "wherefore," or "accordingly." It links the current narrative to a consequence or explanation that is about to be presented, implying that the details of the journey and the territories mentioned are attested elsewhere.
• it is said (נֶאֱמַר - ne'emar): From the verb אָמַר (amar), in the Niphal passive voice. It translates as "it has been said" or "it stands stated." This form suggests a widely acknowledged or established tradition or written record, lending authority to the quotation that follows.
• in the Book (בְּסֵפֶר - b'sefer): סֵפֶר (sefer) means "book," "scroll," or "document." It indicates a written record, signifying a structured collection of information. The mention of a "book" underscores the organized transmission of these historical accounts.
• of the Wars (מִלְחֲמֹת - milchamot): The plural of מִלְחָמָה (milchamah), meaning "war," "battle," or "conflict." The plural suggests multiple engagements or a chronicle of military events.
• of the Lord (יְהוָה - YHVH): The Tetragrammaton, the sacred, covenant name of God. This indicates that these "wars" are not merely human conflicts but battles in which God Himself is the primary actor, either directly or through His direction and power, fighting for His people.
• “Waheb (וָהֵב - Vaheb): This is likely a proper noun referring to a specific town or location, probably within the Transjordanian region conquered by Israel or associated with the Moabite territory. Its precise identification remains debated, though some link it to the area near the Arnon. The root of Waheb (ו-ה-ב) is similar to "give" (נתן), leading to some interpretive speculation, but generally accepted as a place name.
• in Suphah (בְּסוּפָה - b'Suphah): Suphah is a geographic name. While some connect it to סוּפָה (suphah - "storm" or "tempest"), others consider it related to יַם-סוּף (Yam Suph - "Sea of Reeds" or Red Sea). In this context, it likely refers to a specific place or region near Waheb, possibly signifying a stormy or wind-swept pass, or even "Zuph" or "Zophim" on a high point of observation (as in 1 Sam 9:5 or Num 23:14), further highlighting a specific geographic landmark related to the events of the Lord's battles.
• and the valleys (וְאֵת הַנְּחָלִים - v'et han'chalim): נְחָלִים (n'chalim) are plural of נַחַל (nachal), meaning "wadi," "riverbed," or "torrent-valley." These are significant geographical features in arid regions, serving as natural boundaries, routes for travel, and sometimes points of conflict.
• of the Arnon (אַרְנֹן - Arnon): The Arnon (Nahal Arnon) is a major river in Transjordan, characterized by its deep, rugged gorges. It formed a significant geographical and political boundary, primarily between Moab to the south and the Amorites (later Israel) to the north. Its mention here places the "Wars of the Lord" firmly in this crucial, disputed frontier region.

Numbers 21 14 Bonus section

• Lost Books: The "Book of the Wars of the Lord" is one of several non-canonical works mentioned in the Old Testament (e.g., The Book of Jashar, The Book of the Acts of Solomon). Their mention suggests that biblical authors drew upon existing national archives or historical poems, selecting material relevant to their inspired message while acknowledging a broader scope of ancient records. This does not imply that the lost books were inspired Scripture, but rather serve as contemporary historical references.
• Divine Historiography: This verse showcases a unique aspect of Israelite historiography where human events, particularly battles, are inherently viewed as divine acts. The history of Israel is portrayed as God's ongoing activity within human affairs.
• Geographical Precision: Despite the vagueness surrounding "Waheb in Suphah," the inclusion of specific geographical names like the Arnon highlights the grounded nature of the Israelite journey. These were real places with real significance in their history, underscoring the authenticity of the biblical account.
• God as Warrior: The very title "Wars of the Lord" strongly emphasizes Yahweh's character as a divine warrior who fights for His people. This theme is prominent throughout the Pentateuch (Exod 14:14, Deut 1:30) and continues into Joshua, Judges, and Psalms.

Numbers 21 14 Commentary

Numbers 21:14 stands as a remarkable verse within the Pentateuch, acting as an internal cross-reference to an ancient, otherwise lost, source. "The Book of the Wars of the Lord" was evidently a recognized, authoritative historical chronicle that detailed divine interventions in Israel's conflicts. Its citation here serves multiple purposes: it lends historical credibility to the narrative, affirming that the specific events and geographical movements described in Numbers were corroborated by other accepted accounts. It underscores the theology that Israel's military success and journey through formidable territories were not merely human achievements but were actively directed and empowered by Yahweh, hence "the Wars of the Lord." The reference to "Waheb in Suphah, and the valleys of the Arnon" pinpoints specific geographical locations where these divine battles or acts of provision occurred. While the exact event at "Waheb in Suphah" remains unclear to us, it was evidently a pivotal moment or place for the ancient Israelites, connecting a known location to a demonstrated divine act, solidifying the idea of God's concrete engagement in their geopolitical realities. This verse thus affirms the historicity of the journey, God's role as a warrior for His people, and the existence of a wider body of national records.