Lux Domini
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.

What does Numbers 21:1 mean?

Before the people began their march round the country of Edom, the king of Arad, a Canaanite, who inhabited the southern part of the country, attacked them in the wilderness, and took some prisoners.

Key themes

Justice and mercyPilgrimageRebellionJudgment

Read with

Keep this verse inside Numbers 21:1-3 and alongside a few nearby related passages.

Glossary

Arad Place

Biblical settlement. Modern identification: Tel Arad.

Atharim Place

Biblical road. Modern identification: road between Kadesh-barnea and Arad.

Negeb Place

Biblical region. Modern identification: Tel Beer Sheva.