“Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.” (Numbers 21:29, KJV)
Historical Context: The book of Numbers is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which were traditionally ascribed to Moses. It documents the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt and their subsequent experiences.
Moab and Chemosh: Moab was a neighboring territory to the east of Israel. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. Chemosh was the chief god of the Moabite pantheon, and the Moabite people worshiped him. In this verse, the focus is on Moab’s downfall and the captivity of its people.
The Amorites and Sihon: The Amorites were another neighboring nation, and their king was Sihon. The Amorites occupied the land east of the Jordan River, including the region that belonged to Moab. Sihon’s conquest of Moab led to the capture of Moabite survivors, including their children, who were taken into captivity.
Judgment against Moab: The verse pronounces a “woe” upon Moab. The term “woe” is used throughout the Bible to indicate impending judgment or calamity. Here, it signifies the punishment that Moab would face due to its idolatry and opposition to the Israelites.
Divine Justice: The captivity of Moab’s people was a consequence of their worship of Chemosh, a false god. In the Bible, the worship of other gods is considered idolatry and is strictly forbidden by God. The captivity serves as a manifestation of divine justice against Moab for their rebellion and their involvement in opposing God’s chosen people.
Historical Fulfillment: The events described in Numbers 21:29 were part of the historical account of the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land. The Amorites, including King Sihon, were defeated by the Israelites under the leadership of Moses and Joshua. This victory over the Amorites was a significant milestone in the Israelites’ journey toward the land God had promised them.
Spiritual Application: While the historical context of this verse is specific to the events in the book of Numbers, there are spiritual principles that can be applied today. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and rebellion against God. It highlights the importance of staying faithful to the one true God and avoiding the worship of false gods or anything that takes precedence over a genuine relationship with God.
Overall, Numbers 21:29 underscores the principle of divine justice and the consequences of idolatry. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the importance of aligning ourselves with His will and purpose.
