Numbers 21:27

Wherefore they that speake in prouerbes, say, Come into Heshbon: let the citie of Sihon bee built and prepared. Numbers 21:27 (KJV)

The quotation attributed to Numbers 21:27 – “Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared” – is not found in the biblical text. In the KJV, Numbers 21:27 reads, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole; and it shall be unto thee for a sign.” The passage concerning the conquest of the Amorite king Sihon and the capture of Heshbon is recorded earlier, in Numbers 21:21‑24.

Context: It is essential to understand the broader narrative of the book of Numbers. The Israelites, led by Moses, were wandering in the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. During their journey, they faced various challenges, including battles with neighboring nations.

Victory over Sihon: Numbers 21 recounts how the Israelites, by God’s guidance and strength, defeated the Amorite king Sihon and took possession of his land, including the city of Heshbon (Numbers 21:21‑24).

Proverbs and Sayings: While the Bible contains many proverbs, there is no scriptural record of a proverb inviting people to “come to Heshbon” or to rebuild Sihon’s city.

Historical and Geographical Significance: Heshbon was a significant city in the region east of the Jordan River. It was an important stronghold of the Amorites and became a strategic possession for the Israelites after their victory over Sihon. The historical importance of Heshbon lies in its role as a fortified settlement rather than in any biblical proverb about its reconstruction.