King James Version
What Does Numbers 33:40 Mean?
“And king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.”
Numbers 33:40 · KJV
Context
38
And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first day of the fifth month.
39
And Aaron was an hundred and twenty and three years old when he died in mount Hor.
40
And king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.
41
And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.
42
And they departed from Zalmonah, and pitched in Punon.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryKing Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel—This verse references the conflict recorded in 21:1-3, where the Canaanite king attacked Israel and was utterly destroyed. The parenthetical notice here shows that Israel's approach did not go unnoticed by Canaan's inhabitants.
The verb heard (שָׁמַע, shāma') carries ominous overtones—what Arad heard provoked military action. Yet Israel's victory over Arad (21:3) was an earnest of coming conquest. Just as Rahab 'heard' of Israel's approach and believed (Joshua 2:10-11), so Canaanite kings 'heard' and hardened their hearts. The same gospel message elicits faith or rebellion.
The verb heard (שָׁמַע, shāma') carries ominous overtones—what Arad heard provoked military action. Yet Israel's victory over Arad (21:3) was an earnest of coming conquest. Just as Rahab 'heard' of Israel's approach and believed (Joshua 2:10-11), so Canaanite kings 'heard' and hardened their hearts. The same gospel message elicits faith or rebellion.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Arad was a Canaanite city-state in the Negev, south of Hebron. Archaeological excavations at Tel Arad have revealed extensive fortifications from this period, confirming the biblical account of a militarily significant settlement guarding Canaan's southern approaches.
Reflection Questions
- Why does the itinerary pause to note what king Arad 'heard'—what theological point does this anticipate?
- How does the Canaanites' response to hearing of Israel's approach contrast with Rahab's response in Joshua 2?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsוַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע1 of 12
“heard”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙2 of 12
“the Canaanite”
H3669a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
וְהֽוּא5 of 12
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יֹשֵׁ֥ב6 of 12
“which dwelt”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בַּנֶּ֖גֶב7 of 12
“in the south”
H5045the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
בְּנֵ֥י11 of 12
“of the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃12 of 12
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Study Guide
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 33:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 33:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge