Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version That is why the Book of the Wars of the LORD says: “... Zahab in Suphah and the ravines, the Arnon New Living Translation For this reason The Book of the Wars of the LORD speaks of “the town of Waheb in the area of Suphah, and the ravines of the Arnon River, English Standard Version Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, “Waheb in Suphah, and the valleys of the Arnon, Berean Standard Bible Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: “Waheb in Suphah and the wadis of the Arnon, Berean Literal Bible Upon thus it is said in the Book of the Wars of YHWH: “Waheb in Suphah, and the brooks of the Arnon, King James Bible Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, New King James Version Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: “Waheb in Suphah, The brooks of the Arnon, New American Standard Bible For that reason it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, “Waheb in Suphah, And the wadis of the Arnon, NASB 1995 Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, “Waheb in Suphah, And the wadis of the Arnon, NASB 1977 Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, “Waheb in Suphah, And the wadis of the Arnon, Legacy Standard Bible Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of Yahweh, “Waheb in Suphah, And the wadis of the Arnon, Amplified Bible That is why it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: “Waheb in Suphah, And the wadis of the Arnon [River], Berean Annotated Bible Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD {YHWH}: “Waheb (now, come on) in Suphah (honeycomb / overflow) and the wadis of the Arnon (rushing stream), Christian Standard Bible Therefore it is stated in the Book of the LORD’s Wars: Waheb in Suphah and the ravines of the Arnon, Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore it is stated in the Book of the LORD’s Wars: Waheb in Suphah and the ravines of the Arnon, American Standard Version Wherefore it is said in the book of the Wars of Jehovah, Vaheb in Suphah, And the valleys of the Arnon, Contemporary English Version A song in The Book of the LORD's Battles mentions the town of Waheb with its creeks in the territory of Suphah. It also mentions the Arnon River, English Revised Version Wherefore it is said in the book of the Wars of the LORD, Vaheb in Suphah, And the valleys of Arnon, GOD'S WORD® Translation This is how it's described in the Book of the Wars of the LORD:"... Waheb in Suphah and the valleys, Good News Translation That is why The Book of the LORD's Battles speaks of "… the town of Waheb in the area of Suphah, and the valleys; the Arnon River, International Standard Version which is why the Book of the Wars of the LORD reads, "Waheb and Suphah and the wadis of the Arnon, NET Bible This is why it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, "Waheb in Suphah and the wadis, the Arnon New Heart English Bible Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, "Waheb in Suphah, the valleys of the Arnon, Webster's Bible Translation Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTherefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: “Waheb in Suphah and the wadis of the Arnon, World English Bible Therefore it is said in The Book of the Wars of Yahweh, “Vaheb in Suphah, the valleys of the Arnon, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiontherefore it is said in [the] scroll of the Wars of YHWH: “Waheb in Suphah, "" And the brooks of Arnon; Berean Literal Bible Upon thus it is said in the Book of the Wars of YHWH: “Waheb in Suphah, and the brooks of the Arnon, Young's Literal Translation therefore it is said in a book, 'The wars of Jehovah,' -- 'Waheb in Suphah, And the brooks of Arnon; Smith's Literal Translation For this it will be said in the book of the wars of Jehovah, Giving in the whirlwind, and the torrents of Arnon. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the Lord: As he did in the Red Sea, so will he do in the streams of Amen. Catholic Public Domain Version About this place, it is said in the book of the wars of the Lord: “As he did at the Red Sea, so will he do at the Torrents of Arnon.” New American Bible Hence it is said in the “Book of the Wars of the LORD”: “Waheb in Suphah and the wadies, New Revised Standard Version Wherefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, “Waheb in Suphah and the wadis. The Arnon Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, A flame of fire is in the whirlwind and in the river of Arnon, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because of this, it is said in the book of the Wars of LORD JEHOVAH, “The Flame In the Whirlwind and In the River of Arnon. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917wherefore it is said in the book of the Wars of the LORD: Vaheb in Suphah, And the valleys of Arnon, Brenton Septuagint Translation Therefore it is said in a book, A war of the Lord has set on fire Zoob, and the brooks of Arnon. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Journey to Moab…13From there they moved on and camped on the other side of the Arnon, in the wilderness that extends into the Amorite territory. Now the Arnon is the border between the Moabites and the Amorites. 14Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: “Waheb in Suphah and the wadis of the Arnon, 15even the slopes of the wadis that extend to the site of Ar and lie along the border of Moab.”… Cross References Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: Exodus 17:14-16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” / And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. / “Indeed,” he said, “a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.” Deuteronomy 31:19-22 Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. / When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. Then they will turn to other gods and worship them, and they will reject Me and break My covenant. / And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.” … Psalm 149:6-9 May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands, / to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, / to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with shackles of iron, … “Waheb in Suphah Exodus 14:21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left. Exodus 15:4-5 Pharaoh’s chariots and army He has cast into the sea; the finest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea. / The depths have covered them; they sank there like a stone. Psalm 106:9-11 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; He led them through the depths as through a desert. / He saved them from the hand that hated them; He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. / The waters covered their foes; not one of them remained. and the wadis of the Arnon, Deuteronomy 2:24-25 “Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley. See, I have delivered into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle. / This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.” Deuteronomy 3:8-10 At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites the land across the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon— / which the Sidonians call Sirion but the Amorites call Senir— / all the cities of the plateau, all of Gilead, and all of Bashan as far as the cities of Salecah and Edrei in the kingdom of Og. Judges 11:18 Then 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. Deuteronomy 2:9 Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.” Deuteronomy 2:18-19 “Today you are going to cross the border of Moab at Ar. / But when you get close to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites. I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession.” Isaiah 15:1 This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night! Isaiah 16:7 Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth, you who are utterly stricken. Jeremiah 48:1 Concerning Moab, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Woe to Nebo, for it will be devastated. Kiriathaim will be captured and disgraced; the fortress will be shattered and dismantled. Jeremiah 48:34 There is a cry from Heshbon to Elealeh; they raise their voices to Jahaz, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah; for even the waters of Nimrim have dried up. Amos 2:1 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Moab, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he burned to lime the bones of Edom’s king. Treasury of Scripture Why it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, in the book Joshua 10:13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 2 Samuel 1:18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) What he did. Numbers 21:14-20 Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, … Jump to Previous Amon Arnon Book Brooks Ravines Red Sea Valley Valleys Wadis Wars WhereforeJump to Next Amon Arnon Book Brooks Ravines Red Sea Valley Valleys Wadis Wars WhereforeNumbers 21 1. Israel destroys the Canaanites at Hormah4. The people murmuring are plagued with fiery serpents 7. They repenting are healed by a bronze serpent 10. Various journeys of the Israelites 21. Sihon is overcome 33. And Og Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: This phrase references a now-lost ancient text, the "Book of the Wars of the LORD," which is not part of the canonical Bible. It suggests that there were other historical records or songs that chronicled Israel's battles and God's interventions. This highlights the importance of oral and written traditions in preserving Israel's history. The mention of this book indicates that the events in Numbers were part of a larger narrative of God's deliverance and guidance of His people. Waheb in Suphah: and the wadis of the Arnon: Persons / Places / Events 1. The Book of the Wars of the LORDAn ancient text referenced in the Bible, believed to be a collection of songs or poems celebrating the victories of the Israelites under God's guidance. It is not part of the canonical scriptures but is cited here to provide historical context. 2. Waheb in Suphah A location mentioned in this verse, though its exact historical or geographical identity is uncertain. It is part of the poetic reference to the victories of Israel. 3. The Wadis of the Arnon The Arnon is a river or wadi that served as a boundary between Moab and the Amorites. It is significant in Israel's journey to the Promised Land, marking a region of conflict and divine intervention. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in BattlesThe reference to the "Book of the Wars of the LORD" reminds us that God is the ultimate victor in the battles of life. We are called to trust in His sovereignty and guidance in our personal struggles. Historical Context and Faith Understanding the historical context of Israel's journey helps us appreciate the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness in our own lives. The Importance of Remembrance Just as the Israelites had records of God's victories, we should keep a record of God's faithfulness in our lives. This practice strengthens our faith and provides encouragement during difficult times. God's Guidance in Uncertainty The uncertain identity of places like Waheb in Suphah reminds us that even when we don't have all the details, God is still guiding us. We can trust Him even when the path is unclear. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 21:14?2. What is the "Book of the Wars of the LORD" in Numbers 21:14? 3. How does Numbers 21:14 demonstrate God's guidance in Israel's battles? 4. Connect Numbers 21:14 to other instances of God's intervention in battles. 5. How can we seek God's guidance in our personal struggles today? 6. What lessons from Numbers 21:14 apply to spiritual warfare in modern life? 7. What is the "Book of the Wars of the LORD" mentioned in Numbers 21:14? 8. Why is the "Book of the Wars of the LORD" not included in the Bible? 9. How does Numbers 21:14 impact the historical understanding of Israel's battles? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 21? 11. Numbers 21:14 – Does the mention of the “Book of the Wars of the LORD,” which is lost to history, raise doubts about the completeness or preservation of biblical texts? 12. What events are chronicled in the Wars of the Lord? 13. What events are chronicled in the Wars of the Lord? 14. Numbers 21:23-24 - Is there any archaeological or historical corroboration for Israel's defeat of King Sihon and the confiscation of his territory? What Does Numbers 21:14 Mean Therefore it is statedIsrael’s latest victory over the Canaanite king of Arad (Numbers 21:1-3) has just been recorded, followed by the miraculous provision of water from the rock (21:16-18). Moses pauses to quote a historical citation. The phrase “Therefore it is stated” signals: • a recognized written source already familiar to the people, confirming the event just described (cf. Joshua 10:13; 2 Samuel 1:18). • God’s faithfulness to preserve an accurate record of His mighty acts, reinforcing Exodus 17:14, where the Lord commands that victories be written down. in the Book of the Wars of the LORD Mentioned only here, this book was an inspired chronicle of Israel’s battles under God’s direction. • Its very title emphasizes that every conflict belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47). • By citing it, Moses shows that the Israelites’ conquests are not random skirmishes but parts of the Lord’s unfolding plan first promised in Genesis 15:18-21 and repeated in Deuteronomy 1:30. • The reference also anticipates future records like the books of Kings and Chronicles, grounding later history in the same divine authorship. “Waheb in Suphah The quote begins with two place-names. Though their precise modern locations are uncertain, the original audience knew them well. • “Waheb” identifies a site where God granted victory; “in Suphah” (“in the reeds”) hints at a terrain feature similar to the Sea of Reeds in Exodus 15:4. • The point is not geography alone but God’s consistent pattern: as He triumphed at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:26-31), so He triumphs here, underscoring Psalm 136:10-15. and the wadis of the Arnon The Arnon Gorge marked the northern border between Moab and the Amorites (Numbers 21:13). Mentioning its wadis (seasonal riverbeds) highlights: • the natural barriers Israel faced—steep canyons, flash-flood channels—yet God guided them safely through (Psalm 18:16). • the transition to the coming victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:21-31), showing that the Lord controls both the battlefield and the landscape (Deuteronomy 2:24-25). summary Numbers 21:14 preserves a quotation from an early, inspired record celebrating the Lord’s military triumphs. By invoking this “Book of the Wars of the LORD,” Moses roots Israel’s current journey in a larger narrative of God-won victories, linking past deliverance at places like Waheb and the Arnon to the fresh conquests about to unfold. The verse reassures every generation that the same faithful God who authored those victories continues to fight for His people today. (14, 15) The book of the wars of the Lord.--Nothing is known about this book. The last days of Moses, as Baumgarten has observed, may have been a suitable time for the commencement of such a work. The history of the journey from Kadesh to the Arboth Moab was not written by Moses until after the defeat of the two kings of the Amorites, and the subjugation of the land on the east of the Jordan.What he did in the Red Sea . . . --The original is very obscure. It is probable that some such verb as They conquered (or, subdued) is understood, and that the words may be rendered Vaheb in Suphah and the valleys (by) Arnon, and the bed (or, ravine) of the valleys which inclines towards the dwelling of Ar, and leans upon the border of Moab. Vaheb was probably the name of a town, and Suphah the district in which that town was situated, so called from its reeds and rushes. Some, however, think that Suphah here denotes a storm or hurricane, as in other places. Ar is supposed to be the same as Areopolis. Verse 14. - Wherefore, i.e., because the Amorites had wrested from Moab all to the north of Arnon. In the book of the wars of the Lord. Nothing is known of this book but what appears here. If it should seem strange that a book of this description should be already in existence, we must remember that amongst the multitude of Israel there must in the nature of things have been some "poets" in the then acceptation of the word. Some songs there must have been, and those songs would be mainly inspired by the excitement and triumph of the final marches. The first flush of a new national life achieving its first victories over the national foe always finds expression in songs and odes. It is abundantly evident from the foregoing narrative that writing of some sort was in common use at least among the leaders of Israel (see on Numbers 11:26), and they would not have thought it beneath them to collect these spontaneous effusions of a nation just awaking to the poetry of its own existence. The archaic character of the fragments preserved in this chapter, which makes them sound so foreign to our ears, is a strong testimony to their genuineness. It is hardly credible that any one of a later generation should have cared either to compose or to quote snatches of song which, like dried flowers, have lost everything but scientific value in being detached from the soil which gave them birth. What he did in the Red Sea, and in the brooks of Arnon. Rather, "Vaheb in whirlwind, and the brooks of Arnon." The strophe as cited here has neither nominative nor verb, and the sense can only be conjecturally restored. וָהֵב is almost certainly a proper name, although of an unknown place. בָּסוּפָה is also considered by many as the name of a locality "in Suphah;" it occurs, however, in Nahum 1:3 in the sense given above, and indeed it is not at all a rare word in Job, Proverbs, and the Prophets; it seems best, therefore, to give it the same meaning here.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Thereforeעַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against it is stated יֵֽאָמַ֔ר (yê·’ā·mar) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say in the Book בְּסֵ֖פֶר (bə·sê·p̄er) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book of the Wars מִלְחֲמֹ֣ת (mil·ḥă·mōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4421: A battle, war of the LORD: יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel “Waheb וָהֵ֣ב (wā·hêḇ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 2052: Waheb -- perhaps a place in Moab in Suphah בְּסוּפָ֔ה (bə·sū·p̄āh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5492: A storm wind and the wadis הַנְּחָלִ֖ים (han·nə·ḥā·lîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft of the Arnon, אַרְנֽוֹן׃ (’ar·nō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 769: Arnon -- 'a roaring stream', a wadi and stream in Moab Links Numbers 21:14 NIVNumbers 21:14 NLT Numbers 21:14 ESV Numbers 21:14 NASB Numbers 21:14 KJV Numbers 21:14 BibleApps.com Numbers 21:14 Biblia Paralela Numbers 21:14 Chinese Bible Numbers 21:14 French Bible Numbers 21:14 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 21:14 Therefore it is said in the book (Nu Num.) |
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