Numbers 21:3
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.
Numbers 21:3 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we see the power of God at work as he listened to the voice of Israel and delivered up the Canaanites. The Canaanites were a group of people living in the land of Canaan, and they were known for their idolatry and wicked practices. By completely destroying them and their cities, God showed his judgment upon their sinful ways. The name of the place where this victory took place was called Hormah, which means "destruction" or "ban". This event demonstrates God's faithfulness to his people and his willingness to intervene on their behalf when they cry out to him. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of following God's commands. As readers follow along with the Bible verse by verse, they can reflect on the significance of this story and its lessons for their own lives.
Theological Overview
One interpretation of this verse focuses on the faithfulness of God to His people, the Israelites. In this passage, the LORD listens to the cries of the Israelites and takes action against their enemies, the Canaanites. This demonstrates God's responsiveness to the prayers and petitions of His people. The word "Hormah" mentioned at the end of the verse holds significance as well. In Hebrew, "Hormah" means "complete destruction" or "devoted to destruction," emphasizing the thoroughness with which the Canaanites and their cities were wiped out. This action symbolizes God's judgment upon the Canaanites for their wickedness and the fulfillment of His promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. Overall, this verse highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people, as well as His role as their protector and deliverer.
Numbers 21:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jehovah hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and the name of the place was called Hormah.
World English Bible
Yahweh listened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities. The name of the place was called Hormah.
Douay-Rheims
And the Lord heard the prayers of Israel, and delivered up the Chanaanite, and they cut them off and destroyed their cities: and they called the name of that place Horma, that is to say, Anathema.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Lord heard the voyce of Israel, and deliuered them the Canaanites: and they vtterly destroied them and their cities, and called ye name of the place Hormah.