CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 21:1 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/21-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/04_Num_21_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 21:1 - The Defeat of Arad" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/21-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/21-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/20-29.htm" title="Numbers 20:29">◄</a> Numbers 21:1 <a href="/numbers/21-2.htm" title="Numbers 21:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/numbers/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/numbers/21.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/numbers/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/numbers/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/numbers/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/numbers/21.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/21.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/numbers/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, he fought against Israel and took some of them captive. <a href="/nasb/numbers/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, then he fought against Israel and took some of them captive. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, then he fought against Israel, and took some of them captive. <a href="/lsb/numbers/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, and he fought against Israel and took some of them captive. <a href="/amp/numbers/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negev (the South country) heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim [the route traveled by the spies sent out by Moses], he fought against Israel and took some of them captive. <a href="/csb/numbers/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming on the Atharim road, he fought against Israel and captured some prisoners. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming on the Atharim road, he fought against Israel and captured some prisoners. <a href="/asv/numbers/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/numbers/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Canaanite king of Arad lived in the Southern Desert of Canaan, and when he heard that the Israelites were on their way to the village of Atharim, he attacked and took some of them hostage. <a href="/erv/numbers/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the Canaanite, the king of Arad, which 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. <a href="/gwt/numbers/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that the Israelites were coming on the road to Atharim, he fought them and took some of them as prisoners. <a href="/gnt/numbers/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> When the Canaanite king of Arad in the southern part of Canaan heard that the Israelites were coming by way of Atharim, he attacked them and captured some of them. <a href="/isv/numbers/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the Atharim caravan route, he fought against Israel and took some of them captive. <a href="/msb/numbers/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/numbers/21.htm">NET Bible</a> When the Canaanite king of Arad who lived in the Negev heard that Israel was approaching along the road to Atharim, he fought against Israel and took some of them prisoner. <a href="/nheb/numbers/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When the Canaanite king of Arad who lived in the Negev heard that Israel came by the way of Atharim, then he fought against Israel, and took some of them captive. <a href="/wbt/numbers/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/numbers/21.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the Canaanite, king of Arad, dwelling in the south, hears that Israel has come the way of the Atharim, and he fights against Israel, and takes [some] of them captive. <a href="/ylt/numbers/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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. <a href="/slt/numbers/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the Canaanite, King Arad, dwelling to the south, will hear that Israel came the way of the places, and he will fight against Israel, and he will carry off from him a captivity.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when king Arad the Canaanite, who was living toward the south, had heard this, namely, that Israel had arrived by the way of spies, he fought against them. And proving to be the victor, he led away prey from them. <a href="/nabre/numbers/21.htm">New American Bible</a> When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who ruled over the Negeb, heard that the Israelites were coming along the way of Atharim, he engaged Israel in battle and took some of them captive. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> WHEN the Canaanite, the king of Gadar who dwelled in the south, heard that Israel came by the way of the spies, then he fought against Israel and took some of them prisoners. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Canaanite King of Gadar who dwelt in the south heard that Israel came on the road of the spies and fought with Israel and he brought some of them captive into captivity.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/numbers/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Arad the Chananitish king who dwelt by the wilderness, heard that Israel came by the way of Atharin; and he made war on Israel, and carried off some of them captives. <a href="/parallel/numbers/21-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=6500" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/21.htm">The Defeat of Arad</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/3669.htm" title="3669: hak·kə·na·‘ă·nî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Canaanite -- inhabitant of Canaan. Patrial from Kna'an; a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by implication, a pedlar.">When the Canaanite</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ- (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/6166.htm" title="6166: ‘ă·rāḏ (N-proper-fs) -- From an unused root meaning to sequester itself; fugitive; Arad, the name of a place near Palestine, also of a Canaanite and an Israelite.">of Arad,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">who lived</a> <a href="/hebrew/5045.htm" title="5045: han·ne·ḡeḇ (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- From an unused root meaning to be parched; the south; specifically, the Negeb or southern district of Judah, occasionally, Egypt.">in the Negev,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">was coming</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">along the road</a> <a href="/hebrew/871.htm" title="871: hā·’ă·ṯā·rîm (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- A caravan route in the Negev. Plural from an unused root; places; Atharim, a place near Palestine.">to Atharim,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: way·yil·lā·ḥem (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">he attacked</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: bə·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7617.htm" title="7617: way·yišb (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take captive. A primitive root; to transport into captivity.">and captured</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">some</a> <a href="/hebrew/7628.htm" title="7628: še·ḇî (N-ms) -- Exiled, captured, exile, booty. From shbuw; exiled; captured; as noun, exile; by extension, booty.">prisoners.</a> 2So Israel made a vow to the LORD: “If You will deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/joshua/12-14.htm">Joshua 12:14</a> the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; <a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Judges 1:16-17</a> 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. / Then the men of Judah went with their brothers the Simeonites, attacked the Canaanites living in Zephath, and devoted the city to destruction. So it was called Hormah. <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm">Deuteronomy 1:44</a> Then the Amorites who lived in the hills came out against you and chased you like a swarm of bees. They routed you from Seir all the way to Hormah. <a href="/deuteronomy/2-32.htm">Deuteronomy 2:32-33</a> So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle against us at Jahaz. / And the LORD our God delivered him over to us, and we defeated him and his sons and his whole army. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1</a> When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. <a href="/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8-13</a> After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. / So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” / Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. ... <a href="/1_samuel/15-2.htm">1 Samuel 15:2-3</a> This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them on their way up from Egypt. / Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” <a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">1 Samuel 30:1-2</a> On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. <a href="/2_kings/18-8.htm">2 Kings 18:8</a> He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city. <a href="/psalms/83-6.htm">Psalm 83:6-8</a> the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, / of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. / Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah <a href="/isaiah/14-29.htm">Isaiah 14:29-31</a> Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken. For a viper will spring from the root of the snake, and a flying serpent from its egg. / Then the firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root by famine, and your remnant will be slain. / Wail, O gate! Cry out, O city! Melt away, all you Philistines! For a cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there are no stragglers in its ranks. <a href="/amos/1-6.htm">Amos 1:6-8</a> This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Gaza, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they exiled a whole population, delivering them up to Edom. / So I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza, to consume its citadels. / I will cut off the ruler of Ashdod and the one who wields the scepter in Ashkelon. I will turn My hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines will perish,” says the Lord GOD. <a href="/matthew/4-24.htm">Matthew 4:24-25</a> News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them. / Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. <a href="/matthew/15-21.htm">Matthew 15:21-28</a> Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. / And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.” / But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” ... <a href="/mark/7-24.htm">Mark 7:24-30</a> Jesus left that place and went to the region of Tyre. Not wanting anyone to know He was there, He entered a house, but was unable to escape their notice. / Instead, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit soon heard about Jesus, and she came and fell at His feet. / Now she was a Greek woman of Syrophoenician origin, and she kept asking Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelled 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.Arad<a href="/numbers/33-40.htm">Numbers 33:40</a> And king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.<a href="/joshua/12-14.htm">Joshua 12:14</a> The king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;<a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Judges 1:16</a> And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.the way of the spies.<a href="/numbers/13-21.htm">Numbers 13:21,22</a> So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath… <a href="/numbers/14-45.htm">Numbers 14:45</a> Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.then<a href="/deuteronomy/2-32.htm">Deuteronomy 2:32</a> Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz.<a href="/joshua/7-5.htm">Joshua 7:5</a> And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.<a href="/joshua/11-19.htm">Joshua 11:19,20</a> There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/8-15.htm">Arad</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-8.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/exodus/12-29.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/genesis/34-29.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/numbers/16-27.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/numbers/20-15.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/numbers/14-28.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/numbers/20-16.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/numbers/20-16.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/numbers/20-29.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/20-24.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/13-29.htm">Negeb</a> <a href="/numbers/13-29.htm">Negev</a> <a href="/genesis/40-5.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/numbers/20-19.htm">Road</a> <a href="/numbers/13-29.htm">South</a> <a href="/genesis/42-34.htm">Spies</a> <a href="/numbers/20-19.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/33-40.htm">Arad</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-18.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/numbers/24-22.htm">Captive</a> <a href="/numbers/21-25.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/numbers/21-15.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/numbers/21-25.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/numbers/24-4.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/numbers/21-3.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/numbers/21-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/21-6.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/33-40.htm">Negeb</a> <a href="/numbers/33-40.htm">Negev</a> <a href="/numbers/21-29.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/numbers/21-33.htm">Road</a> <a href="/numbers/33-40.htm">South</a> <a href="/numbers/21-32.htm">Spies</a> <a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 21</div>1. <a href="/numbers/21-1.htm">Israel destroys the Canaanites at Hormah</a> 4. <a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">The people murmuring are plagued with fiery serpents</a> 7. <a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">They repenting are healed by a bronze serpent</a> 10. <a href="/numbers/21-10.htm">Various journeys of the Israelites</a> 21. <a href="/numbers/21-21.htm">Sihon is overcome</a> 33. <a href="/numbers/21-33.htm">And Og</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When the Canaanite king of Arad The Canaanites were a group of ancient people who lived in the land of Canaan, which roughly corresponds to modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Jordan and Syria. The king of Arad represents one of the many local rulers in the region. Arad was a city located in the southern part of Canaan, and its king would have been concerned about the large number of Israelites approaching his territory. This encounter highlights the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the inhabitants of Canaan, which is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament.who lived in the Negev The Negev is a desert region in the southern part of modern-day Israel. It is characterized by its arid climate and sparse population. The mention of the Negev situates the narrative geographically, indicating that the Israelites were traveling through a challenging and inhospitable environment. This region was strategically important, serving as a buffer zone between the settled areas of Canaan and the wilderness to the south.heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim The road to Atharim is not precisely identified in modern geography, but it suggests a specific route taken by the Israelites. The mention of the road indicates that the Israelites were following a known path, which would have been significant for trade or military movements. The king of Arad's awareness of Israel's approach suggests that news of the Israelites' journey and their previous victories had spread, causing concern among the local Canaanite rulers.he attacked Israel and captured some prisoners This attack by the king of Arad is an example of the hostilities faced by the Israelites as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. The capture of prisoners indicates a successful initial assault by the Canaanites, which would have been a demoralizing event for the Israelites. This incident sets the stage for the subsequent divine intervention and victory that the Israelites would experience, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power in delivering His people. The capture and subsequent events can be seen as a test of faith and reliance on God, themes that are prevalent throughout the Israelites' wilderness journey.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/c/canaanite_king_of_arad.htm">Canaanite King of Arad</a> A ruler in the southern region of Canaan, specifically in the Negev. His actions against Israel demonstrate the ongoing hostility between the Israelites and the Canaanite inhabitants of the land. 2. <a href="/topical/n/negev.htm">Negev</a> A desert region in the southern part of ancient Israel. It was a significant area during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation chosen by God, led by Moses, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. This event marks another challenge in their wilderness journey. 4. <a href="/topical/r/road_to_atharim.htm">Road to Atharim</a> A specific route taken by the Israelites. The mention of this road indicates a strategic path that was known to the Canaanites. 5. <a href="/topical/a/attack_and_capture.htm">Attack and Capture</a> The Canaanite king's attack on Israel and the capture of some Israelites highlight the constant threats and battles faced by the Israelites during their journey.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_trials.htm">God's Sovereignty in Trials</a> Even when facing attacks and setbacks, God remains sovereign. The Israelites' journey was under His divine plan, and He used these events to shape and prepare them. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_faith_and_obedience.htm">The Importance of Faith and Obedience</a> The Israelites' experiences remind us of the need for faith and obedience. Trusting in God's promises and commands is crucial, especially when facing opposition. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a> Just as Israel faced physical battles, Christians today face spiritual battles. <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a> reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_intercession.htm">Community and Intercession</a> The capture of some Israelites highlights the importance of community and intercession. We must support and pray for one another, especially in times of trial. <a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a> Despite setbacks, God remained faithful to His promises to Israel. This encourages us to trust in His faithfulness in our own lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 21</a> <a href="/q/what_events_are_in_wars_of_the_lord.htm">What events are chronicled in the Wars of the Lord?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_god_deliver_from_troubles.htm">How does God provide deliverance from troubles?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_2_sam_24_9_and_1_chr_21_differ.htm">Why is there a discrepancy between the numbers given in 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21 for the same census?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_judges_7_contradict_1_chron_21.htm">Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>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. <a href="/numbers/33-40.htm" title="And king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelled in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.">Numbers 33:40</a>; <a href="/joshua/12-14.htm" title="The king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;">Joshua 12:14</a>; <a href="/context/judges/1-16.htm" title="And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelled among the people.">Judges 1:16-17</a>.) 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 <a href="/numbers/14-6.htm" title="And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:">Numbers 14:6</a>, 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.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell. Rather, "And the Canaanite, the king of Arad, which dwelt in the Negeb, heard tell." It is possible that Arad was the name of the king (it occurs as the name of a man, <a href="/1_chronicles/8-15.htm">1 Chronicles 8:15</a>), but it was almost certainly the name of his place. The "king of Arad, is mentioned in <a href="/joshua/12-14.htm">Joshua 12:14</a>, and "the Negeb of Arad" in <a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Judges 1:16</a>. From the context of these passages it is evident that it was situated in the southernmost district of what was afterwards the territory of Judah. According to Eusebius, it stood twenty Roman miles to the south of Hebron, and its site has been found by modern travelers at Tel-Arad, a low hill in this direction. On the Negeb see note on Numbers 13:17. By the way of the spies. דֶּרֶך הָאַתָרִים. Septuagint, ὀδὸν Αθαρείν. The translation is very uncertain; atharim may be a proper name, as the Septuagint seems to suppose, or it may be an unusual plural formed from תוּר, equivalent to הַתָּרִים, "spies," as the Chaldee, Samaritan, and most of the versions take it; or it may be simply the plural from אַתַר, a place, used with some local meaning which made it practically a proper name. If the rendering of the A.V. be correct, "the way of the spies" must have been the route by which they ascended to Hebron through the Negeb (<a href="/numbers/13-17.htm">Numbers 13:17, 22</a>), and the king of Arid must have anticipated an invasion in that direction, and sought to forestall it. And took some of them prisoners. This would seem to show that he fell upon them unawares, and cut off some detached parties. Nothing is said of any disobedience on the part of Israel to account for defeat in battle. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/21-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When the Canaanite הַכְּנַעֲנִ֤י (hak·kə·na·‘ă·nî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3669.htm">Strong's 3669: </a> Canaanite -- inhabitant of Canaan king מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Arad, עֲרָד֙ (‘ă·rāḏ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6166.htm">Strong's 6166: </a> Arad -- a Canaanite city in the Negev who lived יֹשֵׁ֣ב (yō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in the Negev, הַנֶּ֔גֶב (han·ne·ḡeḇ) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5045.htm">Strong's 5045: </a> South country, the Negeb, south heard וַיִּשְׁמַ֞ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently that כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc was coming בָּ֣א (bā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go along the road דֶּ֖רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action to Atharim, הָאֲתָרִ֑ים (hā·’ă·ṯā·rîm) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_871.htm">Strong's 871: </a> Atharim -- a caravan route in the Negev he attacked וַיִּלָּ֙חֶם֙ (way·yil·lā·ḥem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> To feed on, to consume, to battle Israel בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and captured וַיִּ֥שְׁבְּ ׀ (way·yišb) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7617.htm">Strong's 7617: </a> To transport into captivity some מִמֶּ֖נּוּ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of prisoners. שֶֽׁבִי׃ (še·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7628.htm">Strong's 7628: </a> Exiled, captured, exile, booty <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/21-1.htm">Numbers 21:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/21-1.htm">Numbers 21:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/21-1.htm">Numbers 21:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/21-1.htm">Numbers 21:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/21-1.htm">Numbers 21:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/21-1.htm">Numbers 21:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/21-1.htm">Numbers 21:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/21-1.htm">Numbers 21:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/21-1.htm">Numbers 21:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/21-1.htm">Numbers 21:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/21-1.htm">OT Law: Numbers 21:1 The Canaanite the king of Arad who (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/20-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 20:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 20:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/21-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 21:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 21:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>