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. Now whenThis phrase sets the stage for a specific event in the narrative of Israel's journey. It indicates a transition and a moment of action. In the Hebrew text, the word "now" (וַיְהִי, vay'hi) often introduces a new scene or development, suggesting that God's providential timing is at work. It reminds us that God is sovereign over history and the unfolding events in the lives of His people. the Canaanite king of Arad
The Canaanites were a group of ancient people who lived in the land of Canaan, which God had promised to the descendants of Abraham. The "king of Arad" refers to a specific ruler of a city-state in the southern part of Canaan. Archaeological evidence suggests that Arad was a significant city during this period, and its king would have been a formidable opponent. This highlights the real and present danger faced by the Israelites as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. who lived in the Negev
The Negev is a desert region in the southern part of modern-day Israel. It was a harsh and arid environment, which made it a challenging area for travel and survival. The mention of the Negev emphasizes the difficult conditions the Israelites faced and the strategic location of Arad, which controlled important trade routes and access points in the region. heard that Israel was coming
The phrase "heard that Israel was coming" indicates that the movements of the Israelites were being closely monitored by the surrounding nations. The reputation of Israel, and more importantly, the power of their God, had preceded them. This hearing implies a sense of fear and anticipation among the Canaanites, as they were aware of the miraculous events that had accompanied Israel's journey. along the road to Atharim
The "road to Atharim" is a specific route that the Israelites were taking. While the exact location of Atharim is uncertain, it suggests a well-known path or trade route. This detail underscores the strategic nature of Israel's journey and the tactical considerations of their enemies. It also reflects the organized and purposeful movement of God's people toward their divine inheritance. he attacked Israel
The attack by the king of Arad represents the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the inhabitants of Canaan. This aggression is a direct challenge to God's promise to give the land to Israel. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that God's people face and the opposition that arises when they move in obedience to His will. and captured some of them
The capture of some Israelites highlights the real and tangible losses that can occur in the midst of spiritual and physical battles. It serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of following God's path and the need for reliance on His strength and deliverance. This event sets the stage for God's intervention and the eventual victory that He will provide for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. Canaanite King of AradA 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. NegevA desert region in the southern part of ancient Israel. It was a significant area during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. 3. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, led by Moses, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. This event marks another challenge in their wilderness journey. 4. Road to AtharimA specific route taken by the Israelites. The mention of this road indicates a strategic path that was known to the Canaanites. 5. Attack and CaptureThe 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. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in TrialsEven 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. The Importance of Faith and ObedienceThe Israelites' experiences remind us of the need for faith and obedience. Trusting in God's promises and commands is crucial, especially when facing opposition. Spiritual WarfareJust as Israel faced physical battles, Christians today face spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Community and IntercessionThe capture of some Israelites highlights the importance of community and intercession. We must support and pray for one another, especially in times of trial. God's FaithfulnessDespite setbacks, God remained faithful to His promises to Israel. This encourages us to trust in His faithfulness in our own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the attack by the Canaanite king of Arad reflect the challenges we face in our spiritual journey today? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the trials faced by the Israelites, and how can this encourage us in our own trials? 3. How does the concept of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:12 relate to the physical battles faced by Israel in the wilderness? 4. What role does community play in overcoming challenges, as seen in the capture and eventual release of the Israelites? 5. How can we apply the lessons of faith and obedience from Israel's journey to our daily walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 17:8-16This passage describes another instance where Israel faced an attack, this time from the Amalekites. It shows a pattern of opposition from surrounding nations during their journey. Deuteronomy 1:44This verse recounts a previous defeat of the Israelites by the Amorites, emphasizing the challenges they faced due to disobedience and lack of faith. Joshua 12:14Lists the kings defeated by Israel, including the king of Arad, showing the eventual victory and fulfillment of God's promises. People Ammonites, Amon, Amorites, Arad, Canaanites, Chemosh, Israelites, Moses, Og, SihonPlaces Ar, Arad, Arnon, Bamoth, Bashan, Beer, Dedan, Dibon, Edom, Edrei, Egypt, Heshbon, Hormah, Iye-abarim, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jazer, King's Highway, Mattanah, Medeba, Moab, Mount Hor, Nahaliel, Negeb, Nophah, Oboth, Pisgah, Red Sea, Suphah, Valley of Zered, WahebTopics Along, Arad, Atharim, Attacked, Canaanite, Captive, Captured, Dwelling, Dwelt, Ears, Fighteth, Fought, Heareth, Israelites, Negeb, Negev, Prisoners, Road, South, Spies, TakethDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 21:1-3 1305 God, activity of Library The Poison and the Antidote
'And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compare the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 5. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. 6. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. 7. Therefore …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureMan's Ruin and God's Remedy
Man has very many wants, and he should be grateful whenever the least of them is supplied. But he has one want which overtops every other: it is the want of bread. Give him raiment, house him well, decorate and adorn him, yet if you give him not bread, his body faints, he dies of hunger. Hence it is that while the earth when it is tilled is made to bring forth many things that minister unto the comfort and luxury of men, yet man is wise enough to understand that since bread is his chief want, he …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 The Disciple, -- Master, in These Days Some Learned Men and their Followers Regard Thy...
The Disciple,--Master, in these days some learned men and their followers regard Thy atonement and the redemption by blood as meaningless and futile, and say that Christ was only a great teacher and example for our spiritual life, and that salvation and eternal happiness depend on our own efforts and good deeds. The Master,--1. Never forget that spiritual and religious ideas are connected less with the head than with the heart, which is the temple of God, and when the heart is filled with the presence …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us
Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: ..... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. W hen our Lord was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and conversed with Him. Had we been informed of the interview only, we should probably have desired to know the subject of their conversation, as we might reasonably suppose it turned upon very interesting and important …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Nations of the South-East
Israel was cut in two by the Jordan. The districts east of the Jordan were those that had first been conquered; it was from thence that the followers of Joshua had gone forth to possess themselves of Canaan. But this division of the territory was a source of weakness. The interests of the tribes on the two sides of the river were never quite the same; at times indeed they were violently antagonistic. When the disruption of the monarchy came after the death of Solomon, Judah was the stronger for the …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! G reat and marvellous are the works of the LORD God almighty! We live in the midst of them, and the little impression they make upon us, sufficiently proves our depravity. He is great in the very smallest; and there is not a plant, flower, or insect, but bears the signature of infinite wisdom and power. How sensibly then should we be affected by the consideration of the Whole , if sin had not blinded our understandings, and hardened …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 The Two Classes.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray."--Luke xvii. 10. I now want to speak of two classes: First, those who do not feel their need of a Saviour who have not been convinced of sin by the Spirit; and Second, those who are convinced of sin and cry, "What must I do to be saved?" All inquirers can be ranged under two heads: they have either the spirit of the Pharisee, or the spirit of the publican. If a man having the spirit of the Pharisee comes into an after-meeting, I know of no better portion …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 21:1 NIVNumbers 21:1 NLTNumbers 21:1 ESVNumbers 21:1 NASBNumbers 21:1 KJV
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