Numbers 21:35 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land." This verse is part of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Numbers, which chronicles the Israelites' journey from Mount Sinai to the border of the Promise Land. This particular verse occurs in the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, the land that God had promised to give them as an inheritance.

The verse describes a brutal scene of war and conquest, with the Israelites engaging in battle against their enemies and subduing them. The "him" in this verse refers to Sihon, the king of the Amorites, whose territory the Israelites had come to possess. The Amorites were a people who inhabited the land east of the Jordan River, and they were one of the many nations that the Israelites encountered on their journey to Canaan.

The significance of this verse lies in its portrayal of the Israelites as a conquering force, carrying out God's command to take possession of the land that He had promised to them. It also reflects the theme of divine judgment and justice, as the defeat of Sihon and his people is depicted as a righteous act on the part of the Israelites, who were carrying out God's will.

One of the central themes of the Old Testament is the idea of the Promised Land as a symbol of God's covenant and faithfulness to His people. Throughout the narrative of the Israelites' journey to Canaan, the land is depicted as a place of blessing, abundance, and rest, which God had promised to give to His chosen people. The conquest of the land, as described in Numbers 21:35, is a fulfillment of God's promise and an affirmation of His faithfulness to His people.

At the same time, the verse also raises ethical and moral questions about the means by which the Israelites achieved their conquest. The language of "smote him, and his sons, and all his people" suggests a brutal and violent act of warfare, in which the Israelites engaged in the total destruction of their enemies. This raises questions about the morality of war and the extent to which God's commands to the Israelites can be seen as just and righteous.

In a broader theological context, this verse can be seen as part of the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan for His people. The conquest of the Promised Land was not simply about securing territory or power, but about establishing a community of faith and obedience to God. The defeat of Sihon and his people was a decisive moment in the Israelites' journey toward the fulfillment of God's purposes for them, and it was part of the larger story of God's sovereignty and providence.

Symbolically, the conquest of Sihon's land can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over the forces of evil and opposition. The defeat of the Amorites by the Israelites can be seen as a symbol of the triumph of righteousness over wickedness, and as a sign of God's ultimate authority and power over the nations.

In conclusion, Numbers 21:35 is a verse that speaks to the themes of conquest, divine judgment, and the fulfillment of God's promises. It raises important ethical and theological questions about the nature of warfare and the justice of God's actions. It also points to the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan for His people and the ultimate victory of His kingdom. As with all passages in the Bible, it invites readers to engage with the text thoughtfully and critically, and to seek a deeper understanding of God's purposes and His will for His people.