Sihon

Sihon was the Amorite king who ruled the Transjordanian territory from the Arnon River in the south to the Jabbok in the north, with his capital at Heshbon. When Israel, approaching Canaan from the east, requested peaceful passage through his territory, Sihon refused and went out to battle against them at Jahaz. Israel defeated him decisively, took possession of his entire territory, and settled in his cities — including Heshbon (Numbers 21:21–31; Deuteronomy 2:24–37).

This victory over Sihon (paired always with the defeat of Og of Bashan) became one of the paradigmatic acts of divine deliverance in Israel's memory. It is recited as a sign of God's power in Psalms 135:11 and 136:19–20, in Nehemiah's prayer (Nehemiah 9:22), and in Jephthah's argument with the Ammonites (Judges 11:19–22). The song of Numbers 21:27–30 (Come to Heshbon!) is quoted as an ancient victory taunt over Sihon's former city. His territory became the allotment of Reuben and Gad.