Judges 11:20
Judges 11:20 in Multiple Translations
But Sihon would not trust Israel to pass through his territory. So he gathered all his people, encamped in Jahaz, and fought with Israel.
But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.
But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his border; but Sihon gathered all his people together, and encamped in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.
But Sihon would not give way and let Israel go through his land; and Sihon got together all his people, and put his army in position in Jahaz, and made war on Israel.
But Sihon didn't trust the Israelites to pass through his territory. So he assembled his army, set up camp at Jahaz, and attacked the Israelites.
But Sihon consented not to Israel, that he shoulde goe through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Iahaz, and fought with Israel.
and Sihon hath not trusted Israel to pass over through his border, and Sihon gathereth all his people, and they encamp in Jahaz, and fight with Israel;
But Sihon didn’t trust Israel to pass through his border; but Sihon gathered all his people together, and encamped in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.
But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon collected all his people, and encamped in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.
But he also despising the words of Israel, suffered him not to pass through his borders: but gathering an infinite multitude, went out against him to Jasa, and made strong opposition.
But Sihon did not trust the Israelis; he thought that they would steal some of the things in his land. So he gathered all his troops and they set up their tents at Jahaz village and then they attacked the Israelis.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 11:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 11:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹא
הֶאֱמִ֨ין
סִיח֤וֹן
אֶת
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
עֲבֹ֣ר
בִּ/גְבֻל֔/וֹ
וַ/יֶּאֱסֹ֤ף
סִיחוֹן֙
אֶת
כָּל
עַמּ֔/וֹ
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
בְּ/יָ֑הְצָ/ה
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
עִם
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הֶאֱמִ֨ין
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
סִיח֤וֹן
Çîychôwn
H5511
Sihon
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
עֲבֹ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Inf-a
בִּ/גְבֻל֔/וֹ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֶּאֱסֹ֤ף
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
סִיחוֹן֙
Çîychôwn
H5511
Sihon
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עַמּ֔/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
chânâh
H2583
to camp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְּ/יָ֑הְצָ/ה
Yahats
H3096
Jahaz
Prep | N-proper | Suff
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 11:20
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הֶאֱמִ֨ין
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
סִיח֤וֹן
Çîychôwn
H5511
"Sihon"
N-proper
Sihon was an Amorite king who lived during the time of the Israelites' wilderness journey. He was defeated by Moses in Transjordan, as recorded in Numbers 21:21. His name means warrior.
Definition: A king of Amorites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.21.21 § Sihon = "warrior" king of the Amorites at the time of the conquest and defeated by Moses in Transjordan
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Sihon. See also: Numbers 21:21; Deuteronomy 29:6; Psalms 135:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
עֲבֹ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בִּ/גְבֻל֔/וֹ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
וַ/יֶּאֱסֹ֤ף
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
סִיחוֹן֙
Çîychôwn
H5511
"Sihon"
N-proper
Sihon was an Amorite king who lived during the time of the Israelites' wilderness journey. He was defeated by Moses in Transjordan, as recorded in Numbers 21:21. His name means warrior.
Definition: A king of Amorites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.21.21 § Sihon = "warrior" king of the Amorites at the time of the conquest and defeated by Moses in Transjordan
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Sihon. See also: Numbers 21:21; Deuteronomy 29:6; Psalms 135:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עַמּ֔/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
בְּ/יָ֑הְצָ/ה
Yahats
H3096
"Jahaz"
Prep | N-proper | Suff
Jahaz was a place east of the Jordan River where Israel defeated Sihon, the Amorite king. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is mentioned in the Bible as a significant site.
Definition: § Jahaz or Jahazah or Jahzah = "trodden down" a place in Reuben east of the Dead Sea where Israel defeated Sihon king of the Amorites; site uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Jahaz, Jahazah, Jahzah. See also: Numbers 21:23; Judges 11:20; Isaiah 15:4.
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Judges 11:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 11:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:20
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:20
Context — Jephthah Delivers Israel
18Then Israel traveled through the wilderness and bypassed the lands of Edom and Moab. They came to the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, since the Arnon was its border.
19And Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon, and said to him, ‘Please let us pass through your land into our own place.’
20But Sihon would not trust Israel to pass through his territory. So he gathered all his people, encamped in Jahaz, and fought with Israel.
21Then the LORD, the God of Israel, delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, who defeated them. So Israel took possession of all the land of the Amorites who inhabited that country, 22seizing all the land from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the wilderness to the Jordan.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 13:15–32 | This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Reuben: The territory from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, to the whole plateau beyond Medeba, to Heshbon and all its cities on the plateau, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon, Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath, Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley, Beth-peor, the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth— all the cities of the plateau and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon until Moses killed him and the chiefs of Midian (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba), the princes of Sihon who lived in the land. The Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor along with the others they put to the sword. And the border of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the clans of the Reubenites, including the cities and villages. This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Gad: The territory of Jazer, all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer, near Rabbah; the territory from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir; and in the valley, Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, with the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon (the territory on the east side of the Jordan up to the edge of the Sea of Chinnereth ). This was the inheritance of the clans of the Gadites, including the cities and villages. This is what Moses had given to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh: The territory from Mahanaim through all Bashan—all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, including all the towns of Jair that are in Bashan, sixty cities; half of Gilead; and Ashtaroth and Edrei, the royal cities of Og in Bashan. All this was for the clans of the descendants of Machir son of Manasseh, that is, half of the descendants of Machir. These were the portions Moses had given them on the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho. |
| 2 | Numbers 21:23–25 | But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok—but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified. Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon and all its villages. |
| 3 | Psalms 136:17–21 | He struck down great kings His loving devotion endures forever. and slaughtered mighty kings— His loving devotion endures forever. Sihon king of the Amorites His loving devotion endures forever. and Og king of Bashan— His loving devotion endures forever. and He gave their land as an inheritance, His loving devotion endures forever. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 2:32–34 | So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle against us at Jahaz. And the LORD our God delivered him over to us, and we defeated him and his sons and his whole army. At that time we captured all his cities and devoted to destruction the people of every city, including women and children. We left no survivors. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 9:22 | You gave them kingdoms and peoples and allotted to them every corner of the land. So they took the land of Sihon king of Heshbon and of Og king of Bashan. |
| 6 | Psalms 135:10–12 | He struck down many nations and slaughtered mighty kings: Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan. He gave their land as an inheritance, as a heritage to His people Israel. |
Judges 11:20 Summary
This verse tells us that Sihon, the king of the Amorites, did not trust Israel and decided to fight them instead of letting them pass through his land. This decision led to conflict and ultimately, Sihon's defeat, as God delivered him into the hands of Israel (Judges 11:21). We can learn from this that trusting in God's plan and sovereignty is important, rather than relying on our own strength or worldly alliances (Psalm 37:3-7). By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, even in uncertain or difficult situations, just like Israel did in this story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sihon refuse to let Israel pass through his territory?
Sihon did not trust Israel, and this lack of trust led to conflict, as seen in Judges 11:20, much like the distrust that led to conflict in other biblical accounts, such as Numbers 20:18-21.
What can we learn from Sihon's decision to fight Israel?
Sihon's decision to fight Israel instead of trusting them or seeking a peaceful resolution ultimately led to his downfall, as stated in Judges 11:21, illustrating the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan, as Israel did, rather than relying on human strength or worldly alliances, as seen in Judges 11:20, and as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7.
What role did God play in the conflict between Israel and Sihon?
God was actively involved in the conflict, delivering Sihon into the hands of Israel, as stated in Judges 11:21, demonstrating His faithfulness to His people, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty to my own life, especially in times of uncertainty or conflict?
- How can I distinguish between wise caution and unwise distrust, as Sihon did, in my interactions with others?
- What are some areas in my life where I am relying on human strength or worldly alliances, rather than trusting in God's plan?
- In what ways can I demonstrate faith and trust in God, even in the face of adversity or opposition, as Israel did in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 11:20
But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through, his coast,.... For fear they should seize upon his dominions, and retain them; and the more fearful he might be, as he knew that his people were one of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 11:20
And said unto him, Thus saith Jephthah, Israel took not away the land of Moab, nor the land of the children of Ammon: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 11:20
So Sihon was the aggressor or beginner of the war; and the Israelites were forced to it for their own defence.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 11:20
Judges 11:20 But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel. Ver. 20.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 11:20
(20) Trusted not Israel.—Sihon did not believe their promise to pass peacefully through his land. Pitched in Jahaz.—Numbers 21:33; Isaiah 15:4; Jeremiah 48:3. The site of the battle has not been ascertained.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 11:20
20. Jahaz] Numbers 21:23, Deuteronomy 2:32; a strong place on the high table-land (mîshor) of Moab (Jeremiah 48:21), in the country north of the Arnon given to Reuben (Joshua 13:18 P), near Kedçmoth (Joshua 21:36 f.), and thus in the S.E. of Sihon’s territory, between Dibon and Medebah (Euseb., Onom. 264, 96); but the exact site is unknown. Generally it was a Moabite city (Moabite Stone, lines 19, 20, Isaiah 15:4, Jeremiah 48:34).