The answer is: Sihon

Deut 2:26,30

In the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites encountered various kingdoms as they journeyed toward the Promised Land, and one of those kingdoms was Hesbon, ruled by King Sihon. This kingdom rejected the Israelites’ request to pass peacefully through its territory, which ultimately led to conflict.

Sihon is described as a formidable king, known for his strength and military prowess. Interestingly, according to biblical tradition, prior to this encounter, Sihon had taken control of the land from the former occupants, the Emim, highlighting a swirling tapestry of ownership and conquest that was part of the ancient Near Eastern narrative.

The Israelites' refusal to be deterred speaks to the determination inherent in their journey. They were not only physical wanderers but also spiritual seekers trying to reclaim their destiny as a nation. Sihon's resistance was not merely an act of defiance; it was a predictable outcome from the ancient principle—strong powers often reacted defensively against perceived threats.

Moreover, this event is an echo of wider biblical themes – the struggle for land, identity, and divine favor that reverberates throughout Old Testament accounts. In a curious twist of history, Hesbon later became a city mentioned during the time of King Solomon and is associated in the Song of Solomon as a romantic image of verdant beauty.

This little piece of history lets us peek into the complex relationship between the Israelites and their neighbors, revealing that the quest for a homeland was woven with encounters that were sometimes peaceful, sometimes bloody, but always significant in shaping Israel’s narrative.