This verse describes a disastrous defeat for the Israelites after they refused to enter the Promised Land as God commanded. Let's break down what it means:
"Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites who lived in that mountain...": This introduces the enemies who attacked the Israelites. The Amalekites were a nomadic desert tribe known for their hostility toward Israel. The Canaanites were the general inhabitants of the land God promised to Israel. Both groups lived in the mountainous region where the Israelites were camped.
"...and struck them and beat them down...": This depicts the Amalekites and Canaanites attacking and defeating the Israelites. The phrase "beat them down" emphasizes the severity of the defeat.
"...even to Hormah.": This specifies the location of the defeat. Hormah likely marks the farthest point to which the Israelites were pursued and defeated. It was later conquered by the Israelites and named Hormah, meaning "destruction" or "devotion," referring to its being utterly destroyed or devoted to God (Judges 1:17).
In Summary:
The verse describes the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience to God. After they listened to the negative report of the spies and refused to enter the Promised Land, God said they would not enter. The Israelites, in a moment of pride and rebellion, decided to attack the Canaanites and Amalekites anyway. Without God's presence and blessing, they were soundly defeated, driven back down the mountain, and pursued to Hormah.
Significance:
Consequences of Disobedience: This verse is a stark warning about the consequences of disobeying God's commands. The Israelites attempted to do things their own way, against God's will, and suffered a humiliating defeat.
God's Presence is Essential: The Israelites learned the hard way that they could not succeed without God's presence and guidance. Their strength and ability were insufficient on their own.
Hormah as a Reminder: The location "Hormah" itself became a reminder of this defeat, a testament to the consequences of disobedience and a symbol of the destruction they brought upon themselves.
This verse describes a disastrous defeat for the Israelites after they refused to enter the Promised Land as God commanded. Let's break down what it means:
"Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites who lived in that mountain...": This introduces the enemies who attacked the Israelites. The Amalekites were a nomadic desert tribe known for their hostility toward Israel. The Canaanites were the general inhabitants of the land God promised to Israel. Both groups lived in the mountainous region where the Israelites were camped.
"...and struck them and beat them down...": This depicts the Amalekites and Canaanites attacking and defeating the Israelites. The phrase "beat them down" emphasizes the severity of the defeat.
"...even to Hormah.": This specifies the location of the defeat. Hormah likely marks the farthest point to which the Israelites were pursued and defeated. It was later conquered by the Israelites and named Hormah, meaning "destruction" or "devotion," referring to its being utterly destroyed or devoted to God (Judges 1:17).
In Summary:
The verse describes the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience to God. After they listened to the negative report of the spies and refused to enter the Promised Land, God said they would not enter. The Israelites, in a moment of pride and rebellion, decided to attack the Canaanites and Amalekites anyway. Without God's presence and blessing, they were soundly defeated, driven back down the mountain, and pursued to Hormah.
Significance:
Consequences of Disobedience: This verse is a stark warning about the consequences of disobeying God's commands. The Israelites attempted to do things their own way, against God's will, and suffered a humiliating defeat.
God's Presence is Essential: The Israelites learned the hard way that they could not succeed without God's presence and guidance. Their strength and ability were insufficient on their own.
Hormah as a Reminder: The location "Hormah" itself became a reminder of this defeat, a testament to the consequences of disobedience and a symbol of the destruction they brought upon themselves.