Numbers 21 1

Numbers 21:1 kjv

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.

Numbers 21:1 nkjv

The king of Arad, the Canaanite, who dwelt in the South, heard that Israel was coming on the road to Atharim. Then he fought against Israel and took some of them prisoners.

Numbers 21:1 niv

When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked the Israelites and captured some of them.

Numbers 21:1 esv

When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negeb, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, he fought against Israel, and took some of them captive.

Numbers 21:1 nlt

The Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that the Israelites were approaching on the road through Atharim. So he attacked the Israelites and took some of them as prisoners.

Numbers 21 verses

Numbers 21 1 Meaning

Numbers 21:1 records the first military encounter of Israel with a Canaanite king, King Arad, as they approached the Promised Land after decades of wilderness wandering. This verse signifies a crucial transition from nomadic existence to direct confrontation, demonstrating the king's vigilance and initial success against the Israelites, thereby setting the stage for subsequent battles and demonstrating God's pattern of allowing setbacks before ultimately delivering victory.

Numbers 21 1 Context

Numbers 21:1 opens a new chapter in Israel's wilderness journey. It immediately follows the account of Aaron's death and Eleazar's succession, symbolizing a generational and leadership transition. Israel has been seeking a path into Canaan, but Edom refused them passage (Num 20:20-21), forcing them to travel around Edom's borders and southward. This movement placed them in the vicinity of King Arad's territory in the Negev. The verse marks a shift from Israel being passively led through the wilderness to actively engaging hostile forces on the borders of their promised inheritance. It signals the beginning of the conquest narrative, directly leading into the successful vow against Arad (Num 21:2-3) and subsequent battles with Sihon and Og.

Numbers 21 1 Word analysis

• And when King Arad: (Hebrew: וַיִּשְׁמַע מֶֽלֶךְ־עֲרָד֙, vayyishma‘ melekh-‘Arad).
  • And: A narrative connector, often introducing a new event or continuation.
  • King Arad: "Arad" likely refers both to a specific city and the region governed by its king. Archaeological excavations have identified Tell Arad, a prominent site in the eastern Negev, supporting the historical accuracy of this account. This king was an independent local ruler in Canaan, actively defending his domain. His name means 'fugitive' or 'wild ass'.
• the Canaanite: (Hebrew: הַכְּנַֽעֲנִ֔י, hak-kəna‘ănî).
  • This explicitly identifies King Arad as belonging to one of the peoples designated by God for removal from the land (Gen 15:18-21). It reinforces Israel's divine mandate to conquer these inhabitants. The term underscores their identity as adversaries within the Promised Land.
• which dwelt in the south: (Hebrew: יֹשֵׁ֥ב בַּנֶּגֶב֙, yoshēḇ ban-negeḇ).
  • Dwelt: Implies an established, permanent presence.
  • South (Negev): Negev is a specific arid region in southern Judah. It was strategically important as a common route for accessing Canaan from the south, and a natural defensive frontier for the established Canaanite city-states. Arad's presence in the Negev meant he was well-placed to observe and respond to movement in that area.
• heard tell: (Hebrew: וַיִּשְׁמַ֕ע, vayyishma‘).
  • A repetition of the opening word, emphasizing that the intelligence King Arad received was crucial to his decision to attack. He did not act on impulse but on reliable information.
• that Israel came by the way of the spies: (Hebrew: כִּי־בָא֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל דֶּ֖רֶךְ הָאֲתָרִ֑ים, kî-ḇā’ yiśrā’ēl derekh hā’ătārîm).
  • Israel came: King Arad perceived Israel not just as a large nomadic group, but as an encroaching force, a direct threat.
  • Way of the spies (דֶּ֖רֶךְ הָאֲתָרִ֑ים, derekh hā’ătārîm): This phrase is debated by scholars.
    • Some interpret hā’ătārîm as a proper noun, a specific place or route called "Atharim."
    • Others understand it as "the way of the spies," referring to the route the twelve Israelite spies took in Numbers 13 when they first scouted Canaan, specifically through the Negev up to Hebron (Num 13:22). If this interpretation holds, it suggests that Israel was approaching from a direction known for reconnaissance or previous conflict, triggering Arad's defensiveness based on historical intelligence. It also creates a powerful literary parallel to Israel's prior failure on this same ground (Num 14:45).
• then he fought against Israel: (Hebrew: וַיִּלָּחֶם֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל, vayyilāḥem bəyiśrā’ēl).
  • Fought: Indicates immediate, aggressive military action. This was not a passive observation but an active engagement to repel a perceived threat.
• and took some of them prisoners: (Hebrew: וַיִּשְׁבְּ מִמֶּֽנּוּ־שֶׁבִֽי, vayyishbə mimmennu-sheḇî).
  • Took prisoners: This shows a clear victory for King Arad's forces in this initial encounter, indicating that Israel suffered casualties and a temporary defeat. This setback served as a crucial lesson and prompted Israel's humble appeal to the Lord in the following verses, leading to their ultimate victory. It highlights Israel's vulnerability without divine assistance.

Numbers 21 1 Bonus section

The geographical area where this event occurred, the Negev, has historical significance in the narrative of Israel. It was the same general region where Israel, years earlier, suffered a humiliating defeat by the Amalekites and Canaanites after their refusal to enter the land by faith (Num 14:40-45; Deut 1:43-44). The specific mention of "the way of the spies" can be seen as a literary echo, possibly implying a revisit to a site of past disobedience and failure. This second encounter in a similar locale, with a similar outcome (initial defeat), serves as a spiritual re-education for Israel. It underlines the continued need for God's explicit guidance and intervention, contrasting human effort and initial setbacks with God's promised victory when Israel humbles itself and seeks Him. The subsequent account in Numbers 21:2-3 of Israel making a vow and then destroying Arad's cities and naming the place Hormah (meaning 'utter destruction') indicates a successful re-engagement with God's will after the initial humbling defeat, turning a historical place of defeat into a symbol of divine victory.

Numbers 21 1 Commentary

Numbers 21:1 succinctly initiates the martial phase of Israel's journey into Canaan, signaling an end to the protracted wilderness wandering and the beginning of active conquest. King Arad's swift military response highlights the inherent conflict that awaits Israel as they claim their inheritance. The phrase "by the way of the spies," whether a specific geographical place or a reference to the notorious route of the unfaithful scouts, connects this immediate threat to Israel's past failures and the daunting challenges ahead. The verse intentionally details Israel's initial defeat—taking prisoners—not only to establish the enemy's strength but primarily to underscore Israel's dependence on God for victory. This setback forces Israel to reassess their approach and re-engage with God's covenant promises, setting the stage for the crucial vow and subsequent success described in the immediate next verses, illustrating a recurring pattern of divine permission of temporary failure to foster humility and reliance on God's strength for ultimate triumph. This battle is a foundational lesson for the conquering generation that true success against formidable foes only comes through God's empowerment.