Numbers 21:1 - 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.
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What does "Numbers 21:1" mean?
This verse from Numbers 21:1 describes a military encounter between the Israelites and a Canaanite king. Let's break it down:
"The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South...": This identifies the antagonist as the Canaanite king of Arad. Arad was a city located in the Negev region, the southern part of Canaan (modern-day Israel). The Canaanites were a group of people who inhabited the land of Canaan before the Israelites' arrival.
"...heard that Israel came by the way of Atharim.": The king of Arad received intelligence that the Israelites were approaching his territory via a specific route known as "the way of Atharim". The exact location of this route is uncertain, but it was likely a well-known passage.
"He fought against Israel, and took some of them captive.": Upon learning of Israel's approach, the king of Arad initiated a battle against them. The result was a victory for the Canaanites, who managed to capture some Israelites.
In summary, the verse recounts an initial clash between the Israelites and a Canaanite king as the Israelites were entering the land of Canaan. The Canaanites were aware of the Israelites' movements and launched an attack, resulting in some Israelites being taken prisoner.
This event is significant because it marks the beginning of conflicts between the Israelites and the existing inhabitants of the land they were promised. It sets the stage for the subsequent battles and conquests described in the book of Numbers and Joshua. It also illustrates that the Israelite conquest of Canaan was not unopposed; they faced resistance from established kingdoms.
Numbers 21:1 - 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.
What does "Numbers 21:1" mean?
This verse from Numbers 21:1 describes a military encounter between the Israelites and a Canaanite king. Let's break it down:
"The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South...": This identifies the antagonist as the Canaanite king of Arad. Arad was a city located in the Negev region, the southern part of Canaan (modern-day Israel). The Canaanites were a group of people who inhabited the land of Canaan before the Israelites' arrival.
"...heard that Israel came by the way of Atharim.": The king of Arad received intelligence that the Israelites were approaching his territory via a specific route known as "the way of Atharim". The exact location of this route is uncertain, but it was likely a well-known passage.
"He fought against Israel, and took some of them captive.": Upon learning of Israel's approach, the king of Arad initiated a battle against them. The result was a victory for the Canaanites, who managed to capture some Israelites.
In summary, the verse recounts an initial clash between the Israelites and a Canaanite king as the Israelites were entering the land of Canaan. The Canaanites were aware of the Israelites' movements and launched an attack, resulting in some Israelites being taken prisoner.
This event is significant because it marks the beginning of conflicts between the Israelites and the existing inhabitants of the land they were promised. It sets the stage for the subsequent battles and conquests described in the book of Numbers and Joshua. It also illustrates that the Israelite conquest of Canaan was not unopposed; they faced resistance from established kingdoms.