Numbers 21:13
From there they set out and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that extends from the border of the Amorites, for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights how the landscape itself carried a history of conflict and conquest. The Arnon River wasn't just a geographical marker; it was a border that marked territory recently seized by the Amorites from the Moabites, setting the stage for the Israelites' own upcoming battles.
After the Israelites were delivered from the deadly plague of fiery serpents and received water from a miraculous well, they continued their journey. This verse marks their movement to a new encampment on the Arnon River, a significant boundary that historically separated the lands of Moab and the Amorites. The placement of this camp is crucial because it signifies their entry into territory recently conquered by the Amorites, setting the stage for their confrontation with King Sihon.
Rivers often mark the edges of lands, but what happens when those edges are redrawn by conquest? This verse highlights how geographical and political boundaries aren't static, especially in God's unfolding plan.
A Contested Frontier
The Arnon River wasn't just a geographical feature; it was a significant border. At the time of Israel's journey, it marked the boundary between the Moabites and the Amorites.
This detail is crucial. It explains why God could permit Israel to take and occupy the land north of the Arnon. It was no longer Moabite land, but Amorite land that God was giving to Israel, thus not violating the command not to wage war against Moab (Deuteronomy 2:9).
The Israelites were no strangers to the wilderness, but this specific 'wilderness' near the Arnon held a unique significance as they transitioned from wandering to conquering.
More Than Just Barren Land
The text mentions the Arnon being 'in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites.' This 'wilderness' wasn't necessarily empty desert, but rather the uncultivated, frontier territory.
Understand the original words
Emori · Hebrew Noun
A powerful and prominent Canaanite people group inhabiting the mountainous regions east of the Jordan; they represent the enemies of God’s people that were to be conquered during the conquest of the Promised Land.
This verse marks a crucial point where the Israelites, after years in the wilderness, are about to enter and conquer land previously held by the Amorites, not the Moabites. This distinction was vital to obeying God's command not to fight against the Moabites, as the territory they were entering was no longer theirs.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Depart Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, the Israelites are led out of Egypt by Moses, beginning their 40-year journey through the wilderness.
c. 13th century BC
Amorites Conquer Sihon's Kingdom
The Amorites, led by King Sihon, conquer territory from the Moabites north of the Arnon River. This land was formerly Moabite but now belongs to the Amorites.
c. 13th century BC— this verse
Israelites Camp East of Arnon
The Israelites make camp on the eastern side of the Arnon River, which now forms the border between the Amorite territory (north of the river) and the remaining Moabite land (south of the river).
c. 13th century BC
Israelites Defeat Sihon
Following the refusal of Sihon to let them pass, the Israelites wage war, defeat the Amorite king, and take possession of his land north of the Arnon.
This passage directly names the Arnon River as a boundary, further solidifying its geographical significance and its role in defining territories in the Promised Land.
Judges 11:13-26This narrative features Jephthah referencing the history of the Arnon River's border between the Amorites and Moab, explaining Israel's right to the land they claimed, which directly relates to the territorial context of Numbers 21:13.
Deuteronomy 2:24-25This passage describes Israel's instruction to cross the Arnon and take the land of the Amorites, providing the divine command that led to the encampment mentioned in Numbers 21:13 and explaining the shift in territory from Moab to Amorite possession.
Numbers 21:21-31Immediately following this verse, Israel battles and defeats Sihon, the Amorite king, who had occupied the land north of the Arnon, thus fulfilling the territorial description given in Numbers 21:13 and showing the significance of this border region.
gillNumbers 21:13: "From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites."
From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon,.... A river on the borders of Moab: which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites; according to Jarchi, they went round the land of Moab, all to the south and east, and came not into th…
calvinNumbers 21:4-20: "And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way."
And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
Itaque loquutus est populus contra Deum et Mosen, Ut quid ascendere nos fecistis ex Aegypto, ut more…
This verse highlights how the landscape itself carried a history of conflict and conquest. The Arnon River wasn't just a geographical marker; it was a border that marked territory recently seized by the Amorites from the Moabites, setting the stage for the Israelites' own upcoming battles.
After the Israelites were delivered from the deadly plague of fiery serpents and received water from a miraculous well, they continued their journey. This verse marks their movement to a new encampment on the Arnon River, a significant boundary that historically separated the lands of Moab and the Amorites. The placement of this camp is crucial because it signifies their entry into territory recently conquered by the Amorites, setting the stage for their confrontation with King Sihon.
After the Israelites were delivered from the deadly plague of fiery serpents and received water from a miraculous well, they continued their journey. This verse marks their movement to a new encampment on the Arnon River, a significant boundary that historically separated the lands of Moab and the Amorites. The placement of this camp is crucial because it signifies their entry into territory recently conquered by the Amorites, setting the stage for their confrontation with King Sihon.
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c. 13th century BC
Israelites Defeat Og
After conquering the Amorite territory, the Israelites proceed to defeat King Og of Bashan, expanding their control north of the Jabbok River.
"From there they set out and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that extends from the border of the Amorites, for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites." — This verse highlights how the landscape itself carried a history of conflict and conquest. The Arnon River wasn't just a geographical marker; it was a border that marked territory recently seized by…
