Joshua 13:21-22
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This verse highlights that the defeat of Sihon wasn't just about a single king and his army; it also included the vanquishing of his allied princes from Midian. This detail reveals a complex political landscape where smaller kingdoms were subservient to larger ones, showing God's power extended beyond just Sihon to dismantle his entire sphere of influence.
that is, all the cities of the tableland, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses defeated with the leaders of Midian, Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land. Balaam also, the son of Beor, the one who practiced divination, was killed with the sword by the people of Israel among the rest of their slain.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse details a portion of the land conquered from the Amorites, specifically the territory of King Sihon, which is being assigned as an inheritance to the tribe of Reuben. It clarifies that this included Sihon's former kingdom in Heshbon and its surrounding cities, noting that Sihon had subjugated and was allied with the princes of Midian, all of whom were defeated by Moses. This sets the stage for the careful division of land that follows, ensuring each tribe knows its inheritance.
This verse drops us right into the aftermath of a fierce battle. It names not just a king, but his allies and territory, reminding us that every conflict has layers.
Joshua 13:21 details the land assigned to the Reubenites. It specifically mentions the 'kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites.' Sihon was a powerful ruler who had conquered territory from the Moabites before Israel arrived. His defeat by Moses was a pivotal moment, demonstrating God’s power and paving the way for Israel’s inheritance.
Notice how the text emphasizes that Sihon was defeated ('whom Moses smote'). This wasn't just a change of borders; it was a divine judgment against an oppressive power. The inclusion of his allies, the princes of Midian, further illustrates the scope of Israel's victory and God's judgment on those who opposed His people.
Ever notice how enemies often fight together? This verse reveals a surprising connection between Sihon and the princes of Midian, showing a united front against Israel.
The verse names the specific princes of Midian (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba) who were defeated alongside Sihon. While Numbers 31 details a later war against Midian, this passage in Joshua links them to Sihon's defeat.
This implies the Midianite princes were either allies of Sihon, vassals who paid him tribute, or otherwise supported his opposition to Israel. Their inclusion here serves as a reminder that opposition to God's people often comes in alliances. Their defeat, alongside Sihon's, underscores that those who align themselves against God's purposes will ultimately share in the downfall of their ungodly confederates.
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Understand the original words
mamlakah · Hebrew Noun
In the Bible, a kingdom represents a sphere of dominion, authority, and rule, often contrasting earthly kingdoms with the sovereign rule of God. It implies organized governance and territories subject to a ruler.
Emori · Hebrew Proper Noun
The Amorites were one of the prominent nations inhabiting the land of Canaan before the Israelite conquest. They were often characterized as enemies of Israel and objects of divine judgment due to their idolatry and wickedness.
nasi · Hebrew Noun
A leader, often translated as 'prince' or 'chief,' denoting someone with authority over a group, tribe, or territory. It carries the weight of responsibility and command within a societal structure.
qesem · Hebrew Noun
The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or hidden things through occult, demonic, or magical means. It is strictly forbidden in Scripture as it constitutes an attempt to circumvent reliance on God's revealed will.
This verse recalls the decisive military victories granted by God under Moses, which cleared the way for the Israelites to possess lands east of the Jordan River. The mention of Sihon and the Midianite princes highlights the divine justice in their defeat and the significance of these conquests for the tribal inheritances.
c. 1400 BC
Amorite kingdoms established
The Amorites, including Sihon who ruled Heshbon, establish kingdoms in the Transjordan region after displacing the Moabites and Ammonites.
c. 1380 BC— this verse
Moses defeats Sihon
The Israelites, seeking passage through Canaan, are denied by Sihon. Moses leads them in battle, defeating Sihon and conquering his Amorite kingdom. This event is central to the verse's context.
c. 1380 BC
Moses defeats Midianites
Following the incident with Balaam, Moses leads a retaliatory campaign against the Midianites, who had allied with Sihon. Several Midianite leaders, referred to as Sihon's vassals, are killed.
c. 1370 BC
Land division begins
After the conquest of Canaan, Joshua, following Moses' instructions, begins the process of dividing the promised land among the twelve tribes of Israel.
This passage directly recounts Moses's defeat of King Sihon and the Amorites, detailing the conquest of their cities and kingdom, which is the very territory being described as inherited here.
Numbers 31:8This passage lists the same princes of Midian, identified as dukes of Sihon, and describes their defeat alongside Sihon, clarifying their relationship and shared fate as enemies of Israel.
Joshua 12:2-3This chapter lists the kings that the Israelites defeated, including Sihon king of the Amorites, and highlights that their lands were given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, directly preceding the detailed inheritance description in chapter 13.
Genesis 14:1-2This earlier account mentions that the cities of the plain, which are part of Sihon's kingdom, were under the dominion of other kings, showing the historical context of political power shifts in the region before Israel's conquest.
Psalm 135:11This psalm celebrates God's deliverance of Israel and references the kings of Canaan by name, including Sihon king of the Amorites, framing the conquest as a divine act of justice and a testament to God's power.
calvinJoshua 13:15-33: "And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families."
And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.
Et omnes urbes planitiei, et universum regnum Sihon regis Aemorrhaei, qui regnabat in Hesbon, quem percussit Moses: et prin…
gillJoshua 13:21: "And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country."
And all the cities of the plain,.... In the champaign country, as well as those in the mountainous part: and all the kingdom of Sihon; or, as Masius renders the words, "which all had been the kingdom of Sihon"; for the whole kingdom…
This verse highlights that the defeat of Sihon wasn't just about a single king and his army; it also included the vanquishing of his allied princes from Midian. This detail reveals a complex political landscape where smaller kingdoms were subservient to larger ones, showing God's power extended beyond just Sihon to dismantle his entire sphere of influence.
This verse details a portion of the land conquered from the Amorites, specifically the territory of King Sihon, which is being assigned as an inheritance to the tribe of Reuben. It clarifies that this included Sihon's former kingdom in Heshbon and its surrounding cities, noting that Sihon had subjugated and was allied with the princes of Midian, all of whom were defeated by Moses. This sets the stage for the careful division of land that follows, ensuring each tribe knows its inheritance.
This verse details a portion of the land conquered from the Amorites, specifically the territory of King Sihon, which is being assigned as an inheritance to the tribe of Reuben. It clarifies that this included Sihon's former kingdom in Heshbon and its surrounding cities, noting that Sihon had subjugated and was allied with the princes of Midian, all of whom were defeated by Moses. This sets the stage for the careful division of land that follows, ensuring each tribe knows its inheritance.
"that is, all the cities of the tableland, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses defeated with the leaders of Midian, Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in…" — This verse highlights that the defeat of Sihon wasn't just about a single king and his army; it also included the vanquishing of his allied princes from Midian. This detail reveals a complex politica…
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Last reviewed October 2026
