Numbers 21:2

Translations

Modern

So Israel made a vow to the LORD: “If You will deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.”

Traditional

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.

Literal

And Israel made a vow to YHWH, and said, “If You will fully deliver this people into my hand, then I will devote to destruction their cities.”

Latin

At Israël voto se Domino obligans, ait: Si tradideris populum istum in manu mea, delebo urbes ejus.

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

So Israel made a vow to the LORD: “If You will deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.”

Notes

Numbers 21:2–3

devote … to destruction: This phrase translates the Hebrew word kharam. This word means to devote something fully to God by destroying it. Israel was told to completely destroy their enemies and their property in certain cases (see Leviticus 27:28–29; Deuteronomy 7:2; 20:17; Joshua 6–7; 10:1–11:23).
This battle also includes wordplay between kharam and Hormah (Hebrew khormah, Numbers 21:3). The similar sounds connect the action of destroying with the name of the place.
The event marks a turning point in Israel’s dealings with the Canaanites. The Canaanites would continue to be strong and dangerous enemies during the time of the conquest.

Numbers 21:1–22:1

As Israel journeyed to the promised land, they traveled from Mount Hor to the plains of Moab (22:1). The story of Israel's journey emphasizes the Lord's patient plan to lead Israel into Canaan despite their weaknesses.
The general direction of their travel is clear. However, the exact path they took is not known today. Many of the places mentioned are difficult to identify.
Archaeological evidence at some sites does not match the time usually connected with the wilderness period. Because of this, there are still serious questions about geography and history in the wilderness journey.

Theme notes and profiles

Complete Dedication Complete Destruction Vows to God

Related verses

Genesis 28:20
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear,
Judges 11:30
Jephthah made this vow to the LORD: “If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand,
1 Samuel 1:11
And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”
Joshua 6:26
At that time Joshua invoked this solemn oath: “Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho; at the cost of his firstborn he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates.”
Psalm 56:12–13
Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.
Psalm 116:18
I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people,
Leviticus 27:28–29
Nothing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether a man, an animal, or his inherited land—can be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD.
2 Samuel 15:7–8
After four years had passed, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I have made to the LORD.
Psalm 132:2
…how he swore an oath to the LORD, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
Deuteronomy 13:15
…you must surely put the inhabitants of that city to the sword. Devote to destruction all its people and livestock.
Joshua 6:17
Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house will live, because she hid the spies we sent.

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Arad (Place) Book of the Wars of the Lord Bronze Snake, Bronze Serpent Deuteronomy, Book of Moses Numbers, Book of

Topics

Canaanites: Defeated by the Israelites Hormah: A City Southwest of the Dead Sea Israel: Defeat the Canaanites Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Mount Hor: Arad Conquered Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Mount Hor: Called Hormah Vows of Israelites

Numbers 21:2

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