What does Numbers 21:29 mean?
"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

Numbers 21:29 (KJV) says:
"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."
This verse from the book of Numbers in the Old Testament is part of a larger narrative detailing the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, the focus is on the Moabites, a neighboring nation to the Israelites.
The verse begins with a proclamation of woe upon Moab, a common prophetic expression denoting impending doom and judgment. The Moabites are warned that they are "undone," meaning they are about to be destroyed or brought to ruin. This warning is given due to their sins and transgressions against God. The specific sin mentioned here is the practice of offering their own children as sacrifices to their god, Chemosh. This was a common practice among pagan nations in the region, but it was considered abhorrent and detestable by the Israelites and, more importantly, by the God of Israel.
The verse also mentions Sihon, the king of the Amorites, who is taking Moabite captives. This is significant because it foreshadows the fate of the Moabites at the hands of the Israelites. Sihon's actions are seen as part of a larger pattern of judgment against Moab for their wickedness.
In this verse, there are several key themes and concepts at play. The first is the concept of judgment and retribution for sin. The Moabites are being held accountable for their evil practices, and the impending destruction of their nation is portrayed as a direct consequence of their actions. This theme is recurrent throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and obedience to God's commands.
Another important theme is the contrast between the faithfulness of the Israelites' God and the false gods of the surrounding nations. Chemosh, the Moabite god, is portrayed as powerless to protect his people or prevent their capture and downfall. In contrast, the God of Israel is shown as a righteous and powerful deity who holds all nations accountable for their actions.
The concept of captivity and enslavement is also significant in this verse. The Moabites are experiencing the consequences of their sin through the loss of their freedom and the subjugation of their people. This serves as a warning to the Israelites and to readers of the Bible about the dangers of turning away from God and the potential consequences of disobedience.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse as well. The mention of offering sons and daughters as sacrifices to Chemosh represents the depths of depravity and wickedness to which the Moabites had sunk. This imagery is used to highlight the contrast between the true worship of God and the abominable practices of idolatry.
In conclusion, Numbers 21:29 serves as a warning to all nations about the consequences of sin and disobedience. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of turning to false gods and wicked practices. The verse also demonstrates the righteousness and justice of God in holding all nations accountable for their actions. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of living in accordance with God's will and the severe consequences of straying from it.
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Numbers 21:29 Artwork
Numbers 21:29 - "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."
"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
Numbers 29:21 - "And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:"
"And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:" - Numbers 29:21
Numbers 29:7
Numbers 29:29 - "¶ And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:"
Genesis 21-29
Numbers 33:29 - "And they went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah."
Picture representing Numbers 21:21-35
Numbers 21:21 - "¶ And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,"
Numbers 4:29 - "¶ As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families, by the house of their fathers;"
Numbers 29:15 - "And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:"
Numbers 28:29 - "A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs;"
Numbers 29:5 - "And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:"
Numbers 29:10 - "A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:"
Numbers 29:4 - "And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:"
Numbers 3:29 - "The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward."
Numbers 29:40 - "And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses."
Numbers 29:37 - "Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:"
Numbers 29:30 - "And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:"
Numbers 29:27 - "And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:"
Numbers 29:33 - "And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:"
Numbers 29:18 - "And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:"
Numbers 31:29 - "Take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, for an heave offering of the LORD."
Numbers 2:29 - "¶ Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan."
Numbers 29:24 - "Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:"
Moses serpent numbers 21
Numbers 34:29 - "These are they whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan."
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29