Numbers 21:3

Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God listens to the Israelites and helps them defeat the Canaanites. The Israelites completely destroy the Canaanites and their cities. They name the place 'Hormah', which means total destruction. This shows God's power and the obedience of the Israelites.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a really hard game to play, and you ask your friend for help. Your friend helps you win, and you clean up all the pieces. Then, you name the place where you played 'Cleanup Land'. This is like what happened with the Israelites and God.

Historical Background

Numbers 21:3 is part of the Book of Numbers, written by Moses around 1400 BC. It was written for the Israelites, who were wandering in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The Canaanites were already living in the land the Israelites were to inherit, making this a conflict over territory.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of listening to God's guidance and acting on it. For example, if you face a challenge at school and you pray for help, and then you work hard and succeed, it's like God helped you win the game.

Topics

warfaredivine interventionobediencevictorydestructioncovenant

Related Verses

Joshua 10:40Judges 1:17Deuteronomy 7:22 Kings 19:35Psalms 136:16

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'utterly destroyed' mean in Numbers 21:3?
'Utterly destroyed' means completely wiped out, leaving nothing behind. In this context, it describes the Israelites' thorough destruction of the Canaanites and their cities.
Why is the name 'Hormah' significant?
'Hormah' means total destruction. Naming the place this way reflects the Israelites' complete victory and their intention to remember the complete destruction of their enemies.
How does Numbers 21:3 relate to the Israelites' journey?
Numbers 21:3 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It shows how God intervenes to help them overcome obstacles and fulfill their destiny.
What can we learn about divine intervention from this verse?
This verse shows that God intervenes in significant ways to help His people. It teaches us to seek God's guidance and trust in His help when facing challenges.
Compare Numbers 21:3 across all translations →