Text -- Numbers 21:27 (NET)

21:27 That is why those who speak in proverbs say, “Come to Heshbon, let it be built. Let the city of Sihon be established!

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Num 21:27

¹ sn Proverbs of antiquity could include pithy sayings or longer songs, riddles, or poems composed to catch the significance or the irony of an event. This is a brief poem to remember the event, like an Egyptian victory song. It may have originated as an Amorite war taunt song; it was sung to commemorate this victory. It was cited later by Jeremiah (48:45-46). The composer invites his victorious people to rebuild the conquered city as a new capital for Sihon. He then turns to address the other cities which his God(s) has/have given to him. See P. D. Hanson, “The Song of Heshbon and David’s Nir,” HTR 61 (1968): 301.

² tn Meaning, “rebuilt and restored.”