Numbers 21:26 - Emori's conquest from Moav

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 21:26, recounting the historical background of the land east of the Jordan River before Bnei Yisrael's conquest. The verse explains that Ḥeshbon was originally a Moabite city but was conquered by Sihon, king of the Emorites, who took it from Moav in battle. This historical note is significant because it establishes the legitimacy of Israel's claim to the land after defeating Sihon.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (on Bamidbar 21:26) explains that this verse serves as a response to Moav's later claims against Israel. The Torah records this history to demonstrate that Sihon had already taken this land from Moav, so Israel was not seizing Moabite territory but rather land that had become Emorite property. Rashi cites Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 24), which emphasizes that this was a divine arrangement—Hashem allowed Sihon to conquer Moav first so that Israel would not be morally culpable for taking land directly from Moav (since Moav was descended from Lot, and Hashem had forbidden Israel from provoking them, as stated in Devarim 2:9).

Ramban's Insight

Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that the verse underscores the providential nature of Israel's conquests. He notes that Sihon's earlier war against Moav was part of Hashem's plan to prepare the land for Israel. By the time Bnei Yisrael arrived, the land was no longer under Moabite control, thus removing any ethical dilemma in conquering it. Ramban also connects this to the broader theme of Eretz Yisrael being apportioned according to divine will.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:25) elaborates on the phrase "the former king of Moav", suggesting that Sihon defeated a particularly powerful Moabite ruler, demonstrating his military strength. This further highlights that Israel's subsequent victory over Sihon was miraculous, as they overcame a formidable enemy who had himself conquered others.

Halachic Implications

• Land Ownership: The verse establishes that the land was legitimately acquired by Israel, as it had changed hands from Moav to Sihon before Israel's conquest.
• Divine Justice: The sequence of events reflects Hashem's precision in ensuring Israel's actions were morally justified, avoiding conflict with Moav due to their ancestral ties to Avraham through Lot.
• Historical Validation: The Torah includes this detail to counter future claims by neighboring nations, as seen in later disputes (e.g., in Sefer Shoftim).