Sihon: Striking down. The whole country on the east of Jordan, from the Arnon
to the Jabbok, was possessed by the Amorites, whose king, Sihon,
refused to permit the Israelites to pass through his territory, and
put his army in array against them. The Israelites went forth against
him to battle, and gained a complete victory. The Amorites were
defeated; Sihon, his sons, and all his people were smitten with the
sword, his walled towns were captured, and the entire country of the
Amorites was taken possession of by the Israelites
(Numbers 21:21-30)
(Deuteronomy 2:24-37) The country from the Jabbok to Hermon was at this time
ruled by Og, the last of the Rephaim. He also tried to prevent the
progress of the Israelites, but was utterly routed, and all his cities
and territory fell into the hands of the Israelites (comp.)
(Numbers 21:33-35; Deuteronomy 3:1-14; Psalms 135:10-12; 136:17-22) These two victories gave
the Israelites possession of the country on the east of Jordan, from
the Arnon to the foot of Hermon. The kingdom of Sihon embraced about
1,500 square miles, while that of Og was more than 3,000 square miles.
