King James Version

What Does Numbers 21:3 Mean?

“And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah. Hormah: that is, Utter destruction”

Context

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.

And Israel vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.

And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah. Hormah: that is, Utter destruction

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. discouraged: or, grieved: Heb. shortened

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.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **And they utterly destroyed them and their cities.**—The meaning of the verb which is here employed is to *devote to destruction, *and hence to *destroy utterly. *It does not clearly appear whether this destruction was effected at once, or whether the fulfilment of the vow took place at a later period. (See Joshua 12:14; Judges 1:17.) If the attack of the Canaanites was made at the time of the final departure from Kadesh, the latter view must be maintained, as it can scarcely be supposed that the cities could have been rebuilt and again destroyed in so short an interval. **And he called the name of the place Hormah.**—Better, *And the name of the place was called Hormah. *The word *Hormah*—*i.e., a devoted thing*—is cognate with the verb which occurs in this and the preceding verse, and which is rendered *utterly destroy. *The place is so called by anticipation in Numbers 14:45, and, as in regard to other names (*e.g., Bethel *and *Jacob*)*, *the name was probably given anew to the place on a later occasion (Judges 1:17).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 21:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.