This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Numbers 21:21-35, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, the Israelites were traveling through the land of the Amorites on their journey to the Promised Land. They came to the kingdom of Sihon, and they sent messengers to him, saying, “We come in peace. Please let us pass through your land without any trouble. We won’t even drink from your wells or eat from your fields.” But Sihon refused to let the Israelites pass through his land, so he gathered all his people and went out to fight against them.
The Israelites were frightened, but they knew that God was with them. They put their trust in the Lord and went out to meet Sihon’s army. The two sides clashed in a fierce battle, but the Israelites fought bravely and with determination. With the help of God, they defeated Sihon and his army with the edge of the sword.
After the battle, the Israelites took over Sihon’s land, which extended from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River. They conquered all the cities of the Amorites, including Heshbon, and all its villages. Heshbon was the city of Sihon, who had previously conquered the land of the Moabites. Then, the Israelites sang a song to celebrate their victory.
Later, the Israelites came to the land of Bashan, which was ruled by a king named Og. Og was afraid of the Israelites, so he gathered his army to fight them. But God spoke to Moses and told him not to be afraid, because he had given Og and his people into the Israelites’ hands, just like he had with Sihon.
So the Israelites went to battle once again, and with God’s help, they defeated Og and his army. They conquered all of Bashan, and the Israelites took over all of Og’s land. The Lord had given them victory over their enemies, and the Israelites celebrated this by singing songs of praise and thanksgiving.
Biblical Lessons
- Trust in the Lord and have faith, even in times of fear and uncertainty.
- God can give us strength and help us to overcome our enemies, both physical and spiritual.
- Respect other people’s property and seek peaceful solutions to conflicts whenever possible.
- When we experience victory, it’s important to give thanks to God and celebrate his goodness.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
The Pursuit of God
A heartfelt call to pursue God Himself above all else, with a strong emphasis on holiness and devotion.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
Finally Alive
A biblical exploration of the new birth and why regeneration is at the heart of the Christian life.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Grace
Shows how God's grace and our disciplined effort work together in sanctification.
View on Amazon
Respectable Sins
Exposes the "ordinary" sins Christians often tolerate and calls us to gospel-driven holiness.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
Christian Beliefs
A shorter, accessible overview of 20 basic Christian doctrines for everyday believers.
View on Amazon
Expository Listening
Teaches Christians how to listen to expository preaching in a way that bears fruit.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Gospel Comes with a House Key
A call to radical, everyday hospitality as a means of gospel witness and discipleship.
View on Amazon
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
Shows how the gospel frees us from self-obsession to live in joy and service.
View on Amazon
The Hiding Place
The story of Corrie ten Boom's faith and forgiveness in the midst of Nazi persecution.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon