Numbers 21 27

Numbers 21:27 kjv

Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:

Numbers 21:27 nkjv

Therefore those who speak in proverbs say: "Come to Heshbon, let it be built; Let the city of Sihon be repaired.

Numbers 21:27 niv

That is why the poets say: "Come to Heshbon and let it be rebuilt; let Sihon's city be restored.

Numbers 21:27 esv

Therefore the ballad singers say, "Come to Heshbon, let it be built; let the city of Sihon be established.

Numbers 21:27 nlt

Therefore, the ancient poets wrote this about him: "Come to Heshbon and let it be rebuilt!
Let the city of Sihon be restored.

Numbers 21 verses

Numbers 21 27 Meaning

This verse introduces an ancient victory song or taunt, likely sung by Israelite bards or wise men, commemorating the swift and decisive defeat of Sihon, the Amorite king, by the Israelites under Moses' leadership. Having conquered Heshbon, Sihon's capital, the song proclaims a triumphant shift in ownership and future for the city. "Let it be built and established" refers to Israel's taking possession and fortifying Heshbon for its own habitation, solidifying their conquest of this significant Amorite territory.

Numbers 21 27 Context

Numbers 21 records significant events during Israel's final approach to the Promised Land. Prior to verse 27, Israel successfully conquered the Aradites, then encountered the obstacle of passage through Edom, and experienced a divine intervention with the bronze serpent. As they moved towards the east of the Jordan, they encountered Sihon, king of the Amorites, who resided in Heshbon. Despite a peaceful request for passage, Sihon gathered his army and attacked Israel (Num 21:21-23). The narrative highlights God's command to Moses to engage in battle, resulting in Israel's complete victory over Sihon, his army, and the capture of all his cities, including Heshbon and Dibon (Num 21:24-25). Verse 26 explicitly states that Heshbon was the capital of Sihon and that he had taken it from the previous king of Moab. Therefore, verse 27 introduces an ancient "song" or "taunt," quoted by the biblical narrator, that serves as a testament to Israel's divinely-assisted conquest and a public declaration of Heshbon's new ownership. This victory was a critical step in establishing Israel's claim to the trans-Jordanian territory and demonstrating God's faithfulness in clearing the path for His people.

Numbers 21 27 Word analysis

• Therefore (כֵּן - kēn): This adverb functions as a concluding or consequential particle. It signals that what follows, the song, is a direct outcome or established truth based on the preceding narrative of Sihon's decisive defeat. It introduces the pronouncement of the bards as a response to this momentous victory.
• the singers (הַמֹּשְׁלִים - ha-mōshlīm): This crucial term, often translated "proverb-sayers," "ballad-mongers," or "composers of parables/taunts," refers to a specific class of wise or skilled poets in ancient Israel. These individuals composed and recited various forms of literature, including triumphal or taunt songs. The definite article "the" suggests these were well-known figures or groups whose compositions carried cultural authority and reflected communal sentiment after significant events. Here, it identifies the authoritative source of the quoted poem, which acts as a memorial and a celebratory declaration of conquest.
• say (יֹאמְרוּ - yō'm'rū): The imperfect tense can convey an ongoing or habitual action, but in this context, it functions as a simple declarative "will say" or "do say," introducing the direct quotation of the song that follows. It signifies that these bards would famously proclaim these words.
• "Come (בֹּאוּ - bō'ū): An imperative verb in the plural form. It is a direct command or invitation addressed to unspecified listeners, likely encouraging Israel to occupy, inhabit, and consolidate their possession of Heshbon. It conveys a strong sense of seizing and holding the conquered territory.
• to Heshbon (חֶשְׁבּוֹן - Ḥeshbōn): The proper noun designating the capital city of the Amorite king Sihon. Its direct mention solidifies the focus of the song on this particular, highly significant conquest. Heshbon's strategic location and prominence made its capture a major trophy of war and a crucial new Israelite possession.
• Let it be built (תִּבָּנֶה - tibbāneh): This verb is in the Niphal imperfect, signifying "it shall be built" or "it is to be built." In context, it doesn't imply starting from nothing but rather reconstructing, restoring, and fortifying the city. This refers to the Israelites' intent to prepare Heshbon for their own habitation and use, transforming a defeated enemy city into a viable, functioning Israelite settlement and establishing a future for the city under new, victorious sovereignty.
• and established (וְתִכּוֹנֵן - və-tikkōnen): Derived from the root כון (kun), meaning "to be firm," "to be stable," or "to be fixed." In the Hitpolel imperfect, this verb emphatically highlights the city's future security, strength, and permanence under Israelite rule. It speaks of setting Heshbon firmly in place as a stronghold. This term powerfully complements "built," underscoring not just construction, but also enduring stability and lasting dominion.
• The city of Sihon (עִיר סִיחוֹן - ʿīr Sīḥōn): This phrase re-identifies Heshbon and unequivocally links its past identity to its now-defeated king, Sihon. By explicitly referring to it as "Sihon's city," the song subtly mocks the fallen king and starkly highlights the magnitude of his loss, emphasizing the completeness of Israel's overwhelming victory over him and his entire kingdom.

Numbers 21 27 Bonus section

This "Song of Heshbon" (which extends beyond this verse) is considered one of the oldest fragments of Hebrew poetry explicitly quoted in the Bible. Its inclusion serves multiple crucial purposes:

• Historical Authenticity and Vouching: It lends historical credibility to the narrative by presenting itself as an actual ancient record or popular composition, reflecting the genuine sentiment and cultural practices of the time regarding great victories.
• Theological Declaration: By quoting such a triumphal song, the narrative emphasizes God's direct and powerful involvement in Israel's military successes. The ease with which a mighty king like Sihon was utterly defeated showcased YHWH's omnipotence and faithfulness to His covenant people. It reinforces the doctrine that Israel's victories were not by their might but by God's hand.
• Legal Claim and Justification: The public singing of a victory song celebrating the conquest served as an informal yet powerful public declaration and legal record of the transfer of ownership. It establishes Israel's legitimate and divinely-sanctioned claim over the land previously occupied by Sihon, validating their subsequent settlement. The song implicitly refutes any potential counter-claims, such as those that might come from the Moabites (given Num 21:26 notes Sihon took Heshbon from Moab), by affirming Israel's God-given right to inherit Amorite land.
• Didactic and Mnemonic Purpose: The song served as a vital mnemonic device for future generations. Recounting God's past deliverances through such memorable poetry would encourage trust in His power for future challenges and inspire obedience. It would remind Israel of their identity as God's chosen people, led by His mighty hand.

Numbers 21 27 Commentary

Numbers 21:27 acts as an ancient reportorial insert, capturing a momentous victory through a quoted poetic taunt. It's not merely a historical record but a public, celebratory proclamation. The identity of "the singers" (ha-mōshlīm) is key, pointing to those skilled in oral traditions and public declarations whose words cemented the historical event in collective memory and conveyed its deeper meaning. The imperative "Come to Heshbon" is a triumphal invitation to occupy and consolidate the hard-won territory. The declaration "Let it be built and established" confirms the Israelite intent to make Heshbon, previously the formidable capital of King Sihon, into a functional and secure Israelite possession. This verse embodies Israel's crucial transition from nomadic wilderness wanderers to a nation beginning to claim its territorial inheritance through divine strength. It serves as a stark reminder of God's power in clearing obstacles and fulfilling His promises, illustrating how His people, through faith and obedience, overcome powerful adversaries to inhabit what God has prepared for them. Practically, it exemplifies God's ability to turn formidable enemy strongholds into secure havens for His people.