Sihon
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(interpreted by Fürst as great or mighty and by Gesenius as sweeping away or overthrowing) (Num. 21:21–31 and elsewhere)—king of the Amorites, who lost his realm after refusing Israel passage through it on the way to Canaan. Sihon was killed in battle, his capital Heshbon was taken, and his land was divided among the Israelites. This victory and the following victory over Og king of Bashan greatly assisted Israel’s conquest of Canaan. Their memory endured as a means of strengthening the people’s faith: the LORD “smote great nations, and slew mighty kings; Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan ... and gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people” (Ps. 135:10–12).