Numbers 21:1
Numbers 21:1 in Multiple Translations
When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked Israel and captured some prisoners.
And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners.
And the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who dwelt in the South, heard tell that Israel came by the way of Atharim; and he fought against Israel, and took some of them captive.
And it came to the ears of the Canaanite, the king of Arad, living in the South, that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, and he came out against them and took some of them prisoners.
The Canaanite king of Arad who lived in the Negev learned that the Israelites were approaching on the road to Atharim. He went and attacked Israel and took some of them prisoners.
When King Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt toward the South, heard tel that Israel came by the way of the spies, then fought hee against Israel, and tooke of them prysoners.
And the Canaanite — king Arad — dwelling in the south, heareth that Israel hath come the way of the Atharim, and he fighteth against Israel, and taketh [some] of them captive.
The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South, heard that Israel came by the way of Atharim. He fought against Israel, and took some of them captive.
And when king Arad the Canaanite, who dwelt in the south, heard that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners.
And when king Arad the Chanaanite, who dwelt towards the south, had heard this, to wit, that Israel was come by the way of the spies, he fought against them, and overcoming them carried off their spoils.
The king of Arad city lived in the area where the Canaan people-group lived, in the desert in the southern part of the land. He heard a report that the Israelis were approaching on the road to Atharim village. So his army attacked the Israelis and captured some of them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 21:1
BAB
Word Study
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Numbers 21:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֞ע
הַ/כְּנַעֲנִ֤י
מֶֽלֶךְ
עֲרָד֙
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב
כִּ֚י
בָּ֣א
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
הָ/אֲתָרִ֑ים
וַ/יִּלָּ֨חֶם֙
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וַ/יִּ֥שְׁבְּ
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
שֶֽׁבִי
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֞ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/כְּנַעֲנִ֤י
Kᵉnaʻanîy
H3669
Canaanitess
Art | Ngmsa
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
עֲרָד֙
ʻĂrâd
H6166
Arad
N-proper
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב
negeb
H5045
Negeb
Art | N-ms
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
הָ/אֲתָרִ֑ים
ʼĂthârîym
H871
Atharim
Art | N-proper
וַ/יִּלָּ֨חֶם֙
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּ֥שְׁבְּ
shâbâh
H7617
to take captive
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
שֶֽׁבִי
shᵉbîy
H7628
captivity
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 21:1
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֞ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
הַ/כְּנַעֲנִ֤י
Kᵉnaʻanîy
H3669
"Canaanitess"
Art | Ngmsa
A Canaanitess was a woman from the land of Canaan, known for being merchants and traders. The term is used in the Bible to describe a woman who was a mother of one of the tribe of Benjamin, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: Describing a woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.46.10; mother of: Shaul (H7586H) § a merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: Canaanite, merchant, trafficker. See also: Genesis 10:18; Joshua 11:3; Proverbs 31:24.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
עֲרָד֙
ʻĂrâd
H6166
"Arad"
N-proper
Arad was a place near ancient Palestine and also the name of a person in the Bible. Arad was a Benjamite who lived during the time of the Israelites' wilderness journey and was known for driving out the inhabitants of Gath. The name Arad means 'a wild ass'.
Definition: § Arad = "a wild ass" a royal city of the Canaanites north of the wilderness of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Arad. See also: Numbers 21:1; Joshua 12:14; 1 Chronicles 8:15.
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב
negeb
H5045
"Negeb"
Art | N-ms
The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.
Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country
Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הָ/אֲתָרִ֑ים
ʼĂthârîym
H871
"Atharim"
Art | N-proper
Atharim refers to a place near Palestine, possibly a mountain pass or caravan route. It is mentioned in the context of spies. In the Bible, it appears as a location related to the Israelites.
Definition: This name means perhaps mountain pass or caravan route
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: spies. b See also: Numbers 21:1.
וַ/יִּלָּ֨חֶם֙
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַ/יִּ֥שְׁבְּ
shâbâh
H7617
"to take captive"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to take someone captive, like a prisoner of war. It involves transporting people away from their homes, often as a result of conflict or battle. The Bible uses it to describe the experiences of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to take captive 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take captive 1a2) captive (participle) 1a3) to lead captive 1b) (Niphal) to be taken captive
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (bring away, carry, carry away, lead, lead away, take) captive(-s), drive (take) away. See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Chronicles 6:38; Psalms 68:19.
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
שֶֽׁבִי
shᵉbîy
H7628
"captivity"
N-cs
This word describes someone who has been captured or taken away, like the Israelites who were exiled to Babylon. It can also refer to the act of taking someone or something away, or to the state of being a captive.
Definition: 1) captivity, captives 1a) (state of) captivity 1b) (act of) capture 1c) captives
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: captive(-ity), prisoners, [idiom] take away, that was taken. See also: Exodus 12:29; Isaiah 49:24; Psalms 68:19.
Study Notes — Numbers 21:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 21:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 21:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 21:1
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:1
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 21:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:1
- Sermons on Numbers 21:1
Context — The Defeat of Arad
1When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked Israel and captured some prisoners.
2So Israel made a vow to the LORD: “If You will deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction. ” 3And the LORD heard Israel’s plea and delivered up the Canaanites. Israel devoted them and their cities to destruction; so they named the place Hormah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 1:16 | Now the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, the Kenite, went up with the men of Judah from the City of Palms to the Wilderness of Judah in the Negev near Arad. They went to live among the people. |
| 2 | Numbers 33:40 | Now the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev in the land of Canaan, heard that the Israelites were coming. |
| 3 | Joshua 12:14 | the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; |
| 4 | Psalms 44:3–4 | For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them. You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. |
| 5 | Joshua 7:5 | And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water. |
| 6 | Numbers 14:45 | Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that part of the hill country came down, attacked them, and routed them all the way to Hormah. |
| 7 | Joshua 11:19–20 | No city made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites living in Gibeon; all others were taken in battle. For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts to engage Israel in battle, so that they would be set apart for destruction and would receive no mercy, being annihilated as the LORD had commanded Moses. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 2:32 | So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle against us at Jahaz. |
| 9 | Numbers 13:21–22 | So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath. They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. |
Numbers 21:1 Summary
The Canaanite king of Arad heard that the Israelites were coming and decided to attack them, capturing some prisoners, as seen in Numbers 21:1. This was an attempt to resist God's plan to give the Israelites the land of Canaan, which He had promised to them (Genesis 12:7, Exodus 6:4). Just like the Israelites, we may face challenges and enemies in our lives, but we can trust in God's power and promise to deliver us, as seen in Psalm 23:4. By trusting in God and seeking to fulfill His purposes, we can overcome any obstacle and fulfill our destiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Canaanite king of Arad attack Israel?
The Canaanite king of Arad attacked Israel because he heard they were coming along the road to Atharim, and he wanted to defend his territory, as seen in Numbers 21:1. This is similar to how other kings in the Bible, such as the king of Jericho, felt threatened by the presence of the Israelites (Joshua 6:1).
What was the road to Atharim?
The Bible does not provide a detailed description of the road to Atharim, but it is likely a significant trade route or pathway that the Israelites were using to travel through the region, as mentioned in Numbers 21:1. We can compare this to other significant routes in the Bible, such as the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13).
Why did the Canaanite king capture prisoners?
The Canaanite king captured prisoners as a tactic of war, likely to weaken the Israelites and gain an advantage, as seen in Numbers 21:1. This is similar to how other nations in the Bible, such as the Philistines, would often take prisoners to intimidate and subdue their enemies (1 Samuel 4:1-11).
How does this event relate to God's promise to the Israelites?
This event is part of the larger story of God's promise to the Israelites to give them the land of Canaan, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Exodus 6:4. The attack by the Canaanite king of Arad is an attempt to resist God's plan, but ultimately, God will deliver the Israelites and fulfill His promise.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the Canaanite king of Arad, may be resisting God's plan in my life?
- How can I, like the Israelites, trust in God's power and promise to deliver me from my enemies?
- What are some 'roads to Atharim' in my life, where I may be traveling through uncertain or challenging terrain, and how can I trust in God's guidance and provision?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, devote myself to God's service and seek to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Numbers 21:2-3?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:1
And [when] King Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south,.... Arad seems rather to be the name of a place, city, or country, of which the Canaanite was king, than the name of a man, since we read
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:1
And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:1
NUMBERS CHAPTER 21 The Canaanites fight against Israel, and take some of them prisoners, . Through God’ s assistance they overcome them, and destroy their cities, ,3. The people murmur, ,5; are plagued with fiery serpents, . They repent, . A brazen serpent erected, to which they look, and are saved, ,9. They journey, . Their hymn for water given at Beer, . They sue for passage to the Amorites; are denied; fight them; overcome, and dwell in their cities, . Proverbial sayings concerning it, . Og king of Bashan, his sons, and all his people, are killed by the Israelites, and their land possessed by them, .
King Arad the Canaanite; or rather, the Canaanite king of Arad; for Arad is not the name of a man, but of a city or territory, as may seem from , if at least this was the same place with that. And he seems to be called a Canaanite in a general sense, as the Amorites and others sometimes are. In the south, to wit, of Canaan, as appears from , towards the east, and near the Dead Sea. By the way of the spies; not of those spies which Moses sent to spy the land, , for that was done thirty-eight years before this, and they went so privately, that the Canaanites took no notice of them, nor knew which way they came or went; but of the spies which he himself sent out to observe the marches and motions of the Israelites. But the words may be otherwise rendered; either thus, in the manner of spies, so the sense is, when he heard that divers of the Israelites came into or towards his country in the nature of spies, to prepare the way for the rest; or thus, by the way of Atharim, a place so called, as the seventy interpreters here take it, and it seems not improbable. Took some of them prisoners; which God permitted for Israel’ s humiliation and punishment, and to teach them not to expect the conquest of that land from their own wisdom or valour, but wholly from God’ s favour and assistance. See ,4.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:1
Numbers 21:1 And [when] king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took [some] of them prisoners.Ver. 1. And took some of them prisoners.] A sore affliction, worse than any of those outward crosses that Job suffered, whose captivity therefore, as that which comprehended all the rest, God is said to have turned, Barbarossa, the Turkish general, returned from Tunis towards Constantinople with such a multitude of poor Christian captives, shut up so close under hatches among the excrements of nature, that all the way as he went, almost every hour, some of them were cast dead overboard. The late Duke of Alva, governor of Flanders, roasted some of his prisoners to death, starved others, and that even after quarter; saying, though he promised to give them their lives, he did not promise to find them meat. Turk. Hist., fol. 750. Grimst., Hist. of Netherl.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 21:1
XXI.(1) And when king Arad . . . —The verse may be rendered thus: Now the Canaanite, the King of Arad, which dwelt in the south country (or, Negeb) heard (or, had heard) that Israel had come by the way of Atharim (or, of the spies), and he fought . . . The date of this occurrence is uncertain. The district of Arad appears to have extended to the southern frontier of Canaan. (Comp. Numbers 33:40; Joshua 12:14; Judges 1:16-17.) The attack probably took place either in the interval between the departure of the messengers to Edom and their return, or at the time at which the Israelites broke up from Kadesh, and before the direction of their march had been ascertained. The word Atharim, which is rendered in the Authorised Version spies, may be another form of the word which occurs in Numbers 14:6, and which is there rendered them that searched; or, as appears more probable, it may be the name of a place which does not occur elsewhere.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 21:1
CHAPTER XXI Arad, a king of the Canaanites, attacks Israel, and makes same prisoners, 1. They devote him and his people to destruction, 2; which they afterwards accomplished, 3. They journey from Hor, and are greatly discouraged, 4. They murmur against God and Moses, and loathe the manna, 5. The Lord sends fiery serpents among them, 6. They repent, and beg Moses to intercede for them, 7. The Lord directs him to make a brazen serpent, and set it on a pole, that the people might look on it and be healed, 8. Moses does so, and the people who beheld the brazen serpent lived, 9. They journey to Oboth, Ije-abarim, Zared, and Arnon, 10-13. A quotation from the book of the wars of the Lord, 14, 15.
From Arnon they came to Beer, 16. Their song of triumph, 17-20. Moses sends messengers to the Amorites for permission to pass through their land, 21, 22. Sihon their king refuses, attacks Israel, is defeated, and all his cities destroyed, 23-26. The poetic proverbs made on the occasion, 27-30. Israel possesses the land of the Amorites, 31, 32. They are attacked by Og king of Bashan, 33. They defeat him, destroy his troops and family, and possess his land, 34, 35. NOTES ON CHAP. XXI Verse 1.
The way of the spies] אתרים atharim. Some think that this signifies the way that the spies took when they went to search the land. But this is impossible, as Dr. Kennicott justly remarks, because Israel had now marched from Meribah-Kadesh to Mount Hor, beyond Ezion-Gaber, and were turning round Edom to the south-east; and therefore the word is to be understood here as the name of a place.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:1
1–3. The attack made upon Israel by the Canaanites and Israel’s victory over them at Hormah. The source of this passage is a great problem. The verses appear to imply a movement on the part of the Israelites northwards from the desert through the Negeb. They have no connexion with Numbers 21:4 ff., in which the people moved S.E. towards the Red Sea. And it is difficult to find any point in the narratives of the wanderings to which a northward movement with a successful battle can belong, on the supposition that the passage has been misplaced, and that it belongs to J E . Possibly, however, it is to be ascribed to E . It is contradictory to the account in Numbers 14:40-45 , where it is stated that the Israelites were defeated by the Canaanites at Hormah. It is noteworthy that Judges 1:17 contains a narrative which is closely similar to the present one; it relates a victory over the Canaanites at Hormah, and (as here) the name Hormah is explained by a play on the word ḥ ?çrem ‘a ban’; and Hormah, moreover, is mentioned in close conjunction with Arad. But the conquerors are not the whole of Israel but the tribes of Judah and Simeon, with whom the Kenites had moved into the district.
It is far from impossible that the two passages are closely connected. In the present passage it is strange that the Israelites, after gaining such a decisive victory, should not have moved further northwards, and established themselves at once in Canaan. And an increasing number of modern students think that they actually did so, and that this passage is an isolated fragment from a circle of traditions according to which some of the Israelites did not travel round to Moab with the main body, but entered Canaan straight from the southern deserts. If that theory were correct, we should have to conclude that the victory which Judges 1:17 ascribes to Judah and Simeon with the Kenites is, in the present form of the verses before us, ascribed less accurately to the whole of Israel.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 21:1
King Arad the Canaanite - Rather, “the Canaanite, the king of Arad.” Arad stood on a small hill, now called Tel-Arad, 20 miles south of Hebron. In the south - See Numbers 13:17, Numbers 13:22. By the way of the spies - i. e.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:1
DEFEAT OF THE KING OF ARAD, Numbers 21:1-3. 1. King Arad — The Authorized Version is mistaken in making Arad a person and not a place. It is mentioned in Joshua 12:14, between the names Hormah and Libnah.
Sermons on Numbers 21:1
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Set Free From the Power of Serpents by Carter Conlon | In this sermon titled "Set Free from the Power of Serpents," the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to seek freedom from the influence of sin and the enemy. He encourages |
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Learning God's Word by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the uncertainty of the future and the need for guidance. He highlights the importance of the Word of God as a guide and a source of comfort i |
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God's Hornets by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God sends His own forces, likened to 'hornets', to prepare the way for His people, ensuring their victory over adversaries without direct confrontatio |
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Ascribe the Victory to God by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of ascribing victory to God, using the example of the Syrians who recognized the supernatural power behind their defeat at the hands of the |