Homilies on Numbers, Homilia XIII
Sihon falls by the sword of the Word§1
1Sihon, proud and a barren tree, falls in battle with Israel — by the sword, that is the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. The spiritual Sihon, the devil, is laid low by that sword.
Latin · §1
Sihon elatus et arbor infructuosa congressu cum Israel victus est. Cecidit gladio — gladio spiritus quod est verbum Dei. Diabolus spiritalis Seon hoc gladio prosternitur.
Israel’s dominion in his land§2
2Israel dominated all his land. Every earthly region may be called Sihon’s land; Christ and the church dominate it when they conquer sins.
Latin · §2
Dominati sunt filii Israel in omni terra eius. Omnis regio terrena terra Seon dicitur; Christus et ecclesia dominantur in omni terra eius cum peccata vincunt.
Balak sends for Balaam§3
3Balak sends for Balaam to curse Israel. So begins Balaam’s story — a mixed prophecy, now blameworthy, now praiseworthy.
Latin · §3
Balac mittit ad Balaam ut maledicat Israel. Initium historiae Balaam: prophetia mixta, nunc vituperabilis nunc laudabilis.