Passage

Numbers 21:1-3

What happens when Arad attacks and takes prisoners?

Berean Standard Bible

1 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. 2 So Israel made a vow to the LORD: “If You will deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.” 3 And 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.

What is the context?

The Canaanite king of Arad attacks Israel and takes captives. Israel makes a vow that if the Lord delivers the enemy into their hands they will devote its cities to destruction.

The account says the Lord hears and gives victory, and the place is named Hormah. The severe destruction belongs to the narrated vow and judgment. It should be read plainly rather than softened into a harmless transfer of ownership.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley treats the passage as a victory carried out by an Israelite force at this stage. The USCCB notes consider it a later insertion related to the Hormah tradition in Judges. These explanations differ about the event’s placement; the present account states the attack, vow, and victory.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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