The Defeat of Arad 1When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked Israel and captured some prisoners. 2So Israel made a vow to the LORD: “If You will deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.a” 3And the LORD heard Israel’s plea and delivered up the Canaanites. Israel devoted them and their cities to destruction; so they named the place Hormah.b The Bronze Serpent 4Then they set out from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea,c in order to bypass the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient on the journey 5and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” 6So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died. 7Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses interceded for the people. 8Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.” 9So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze snake, he would live. The Journey to Moab 10Then the Israelites set out and camped at Oboth. 11They journeyed from Oboth and camped at Iye-abarim in the wilderness opposite Moab to the east. 12From there they set out and camped in the Valley of Zered. 13From there they moved on and camped on the other side of the Arnon, in the wilderness that extends into the Amorite territory. Now the Arnon is the border between the Moabites and the Amorites. 14Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: “Waheb in Suphah 15even the slopes of the wadis that extend to the site of Ar and lie along the border of Moab.” 16From there they went on to Beer,d the well where the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people so that I may give them water.” 17Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well, 18The princes dug the well; the nobles of the people hollowed it out with their scepters and with their staffs.” From the wilderness the Israelites went on to Mattanah, 19and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, 20and from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah overlooks the wasteland.e The Defeat of Sihon 21Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, 22“Let us pass through your land. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory.” 23But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz,f he fought against Israel. 24And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok—but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified.g 25Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon and all its villages. 26Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and taken all his land as far as the Arnon. 27That is why the poets say: “Come to Heshbon, let it be rebuilt; let the city of Sihon be restored. 28For a fire went out from Heshbon, a blaze from the city of Sihon. It consumed Ar of Moab, the rulers of Arnon’s heights. 29Woe to you, O Moab! You are destroyed, O people of Chemosh! He gave up his sons as refugees, and his daughters into captivity to Sihon king of the Amorites. 30But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon. We demolished them as far as Nophah, which reaches to Medeba.h” The Defeat of Og 31So Israel lived in the land of the Amorites. 32After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, Israel captured its villages and drove out the Amorites who were there. 33Then they turned and went up the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan and his whole army came out to meet them in battle at Edrei. 34But the LORD said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.” 35So they struck down Og, along with his sons and his whole army, until no remnant was left. And they took possession of his land. Footnotes: 2 a Forms of the Hebrew cherem refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering; also in verse 3. 3 b Hormah means destruction. 4 c Or the Sea of Reeds 16 d Beer means well. 20 e Or Jeshimon 23 f Jahaz is a variant of Jahzah; see 1 Chronicles 6:78. 24 g Or because the territory was rugged; literally because it was strong 30 h Or We demolished them until fire spread to Medeba Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Numbers 21 Summary The Bronze SerpentVerses 1–3 – Victory over King Arad Verses 4–9 – Fiery Serpents and the Bronze Standard Verses 10–20 – Stages of the Journey and the Well of Grace Verses 21–32 – Defeat of Sihon, King of the Amorites Verses 33–35 – Conquest of Og, King of Bashan Numbers 21 takes the reader on an intense journey with the Israelites, who continue their sojourn through the wilderness. They face challenges, doubts, and direct confrontations with their enemies, only to find God's miraculous intervention at every turn. It is an intriguing chapter that speaks of the Israelites' growing pains, their battles, the divine punishment of fiery serpents, and the miraculous bronze serpent that brought healing to the people. Historical and Geographical Context • Mount Hor lies just south of modern-day Petra. • The King’s Highway was an important trade route running north–south east of the Jordan. • Arad’s territory guarded southern Canaan; Sihon ruled central Transjordan; Og ruled the northern plateau of Bashan—each victory opened the land step by step. • Hormah had been a place of earlier defeat (Numbers 14:45); its new destruction marks God reversing previous failure. Archaeological Insights • The Arnon River forms deep gorges; Iron Age fortifications have been found near Dhiban (ancient Dibon), once under Sihon (cf. Mesha Stele). • Large basaltic remains in the Golan hint at megalithic tombs locals link to “Og’s bed” (Deuteronomy 3:11 speaks of his huge iron bed). • Snake imagery on Egyptian and Canaanite artifacts shows the cultural resonance of the bronze serpent as a symbol of both danger and healing. The Bronze Serpent and Foreshadowing • Jesus alludes to this event: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14-15). • Looking in faith, not performing a ritual, brought healing—mirroring salvation by trust rather than works (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Centuries later Hezekiah destroyed the bronze serpent because people had begun burning incense to it (2 Kings 18:4), reminding us that symbols must never replace the God they point to. The People’s Complaints and God’s Discipline • Comparison with earlier grumblings: manna boredom (Numbers 11), water shortage (Exodus 17). Each time God disciplines and then provides. • The serpents underscore Genesis 3: the creature that introduced sin becomes an instrument of judgment; yet God turns the symbol of curse into a means of life. The Well at Beer • Beer means “well.” Digging the well together models shared responsibility and leadership. • The spontaneous song (vv. 17-18) echoes Miriam’s song (Exodus 15) and anticipates Israel’s future psalms of deliverance. Military Campaigns: Sihon and Og • Deuteronomy 2–3 retells the same victories, emphasizing obedience to God’s specific marching orders. • Psalm 135:10-12 and 136:17-22 praise God for striking down “famous kings…Sihon…and Og.” • Strategically, these wins secured territory east of the Jordan for Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh, creating a buffer before entering Canaan proper. Covenant Vows and Devotion • The vow at Hormah introduces the concept of “herem,” dedicating objects or cities to God’s total ownership (cf. Joshua 6:17). • Keeping vows mattered; later Israel’s violation of a vow with the Gibeonites causes trouble (2 Samuel 21). Key Hebrew Words • nachash (“snake,” “serpent”) appears in Genesis 3 and Numbers 21, linking the narratives. • saraph (“fiery”) may describe the burning sensation of the venom or the copper-colored snakes. • bamot (“high places,” v. 19) later becomes synonymous with idolatrous worship sites (1 Kings 12:31). Connections to the New Testament • John 3:14-16—bronze serpent → Christ lifted up. • 1 Corinthians 10:9—Paul warns believers not to test Christ as some Israelites did and were destroyed by serpents. • Hebrews 3:7-19—uses the wilderness generation as a cautionary tale about unbelief. Lessons on Faith and Obedience • God responds to repentance: confession opens the door to mercy. • Obedience to God’s strategy—whether digging a well, forging bronze, or marching in battle—brings provision and victory. • Remembering past deliverances (songs, memorial names) fuels future trust. Timeline Snapshot 1. Hormah victory (Negev) 2. Detour toward Red Sea; serpent incident 3. Progress up Transjordan to Arnon 4. Song at the well of Beer 5. Defeat of Sihon (central Transjordan) 6. Defeat of Og (northern Transjordan) 7. Encampment on the plains of Moab, opposite Jericho (Numbers 22:1) Takeaway Even on a winding road filled with complaints, God advances His promises—turning symbols of death into agents of life, providing water in dry places, and clearing the path to the land He swore to give. Connections to Additional Scriptures John 3:14-15Jesus references the bronze serpent in His conversation with Nicodemus, highlighting its significance as a symbol of His crucifixion and the salvation it brings. Philippians 4:19 This verse reassures us of God's provision, echoing the theme of God's faithfulness in Numbers 21. 1 Corinthians 10:9-10 Paul warns against testing Christ and grumbling, using the Israelites' experiences as a cautionary example. Teaching Points Victory Over the CanaanitesThe chapter begins with the Israelites defeating the Canaanites at Hormah after seeking God's guidance and making a vow to Him (Numbers 21:1-3). This victory underscores the importance of seeking God's will and relying on His strength. The Bronze Serpent When the Israelites grumble against God and Moses, God sends fiery serpents among them. In response to their repentance, God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent, and those who look upon it are healed (Numbers 21:4-9). This event foreshadows Christ's redemptive work on the cross. Journey and Battles The Israelites continue their journey, facing various challenges and victories, including battles against Sihon and Og, which demonstrate God's continued provision and protection (Numbers 21:21-35). God's Provision Throughout their journey, God provides for the Israelites' needs, including water from the well at Beer (Numbers 21:16-18), reminding us of His faithfulness in providing for His people. Practical Applications Seek God's GuidanceLike the Israelites, we should seek God's direction in our battles and challenges, trusting in His wisdom and strength. Repentance and Healing When we stray, repentance is key to restoration. Just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent for healing, we must look to Christ for our spiritual healing. Trust in God's Provision In times of need, remember that God is our provider. He knows our needs and will supply them according to His riches in glory. Celebrate Victories Acknowledge and celebrate the victories God grants us, recognizing His hand in our successes. People 1. The IsraelitesThe collective group of God's chosen people, the descendants of Jacob, who are journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. 2. The Canaanite King of Arad A ruler in the Negev who attacks the Israelites and captures some of them. His actions prompt the Israelites to vow to the LORD for victory. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who listens to the Israelites' vow and delivers the Canaanites into their hands, allowing them to destroy the cities. 4. Moses The leader of the Israelites, who intercedes for the people when they complain against God and him, leading to the LORD providing a remedy for the snake bites. 5. The Edomites Although not directly mentioned in this chapter, they are implied as the Israelites are traveling around their territory, as referenced in the broader narrative of their journey. 6. Sihon, King of the Amorites The king who refuses Israel passage through his land and is subsequently defeated by the Israelites, who take possession of his territory. 7. Og, King of Bashan Another king who confronts the Israelites and is defeated, with his land also taken by the Israelites. Places 1. AradThis is the region where the Canaanite king fought against Israel and took some of them captive. The Israelites vowed to the LORD to destroy the cities if He delivered them into their hands (Numbers 21:1-3). 2. Hormah After the LORD listened to Israel's plea, they defeated the Canaanites and completely destroyed them and their cities, naming the place Hormah, which means "destruction" (Numbers 21:3). 3. Mount Hor The Israelites set out from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. This is where the people grew impatient and spoke against God and Moses (Numbers 21:4). 4. Oboth After the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people and they repented, the Israelites traveled to Oboth (Numbers 21:10). 5. Iye-abarim The Israelites camped here in the wilderness facing Moab, toward the sunrise (Numbers 21:11). 6. Zered Valley They set out from Iye-abarim and camped in the Zered Valley (Numbers 21:12). 7. Arnon The Israelites camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness extending into Amorite territory. The Arnon is the border between Moab and the Amorites (Numbers 21:13). 8. Beer The LORD instructed Moses to gather the people here, and He provided water for them. The name "Beer" means "well" (Numbers 21:16). 9. Mattanah From Beer, the Israelites traveled to Mattanah (Numbers 21:18). 10. Nahaliel They continued their journey from Mattanah to Nahaliel (Numbers 21:19). 11. Bamoth From Nahaliel, they traveled to Bamoth (Numbers 21:19). 12. Valley in Moab Finally, they camped in the valley in Moab by the top of Pisgah, which overlooks the wasteland (Numbers 21:20). Events 1. Victory over the CanaanitesThe Israelites, under God's guidance, defeat the Canaanite king of Arad. "When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked Israel and captured some of them. So Israel made a vow to the LORD: 'If You will indeed deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.' And the LORD heard Israel’s plea and delivered up the Canaanites. Israel devoted them and their cities to destruction; so the place was called Hormah." (Numbers 21:1-3) 2. The Bronze Serpent The people of Israel complain against God and Moses, leading to a plague of venomous snakes. God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent for their healing. "Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died. The people came to Moses and said, 'We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD to take the snakes away from us.' So Moses interceded for the people. Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.' So Moses made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze serpent, he lived." (Numbers 21:6-9) 3. Journey to Moab The Israelites continue their journey, moving from Oboth to Iye-abarim, and then to the valley of Zered. "The Israelites set out and camped at Oboth. They journeyed from Oboth and camped at Iye-abarim, in the wilderness opposite Moab toward the sunrise. From there they set out and camped in the Valley of Zered." (Numbers 21:10-12) 4. Song of the Well The Israelites sing a song to celebrate the well provided by God. "From there they went to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, 'Gather the people so that I may give them water.' Then Israel sang this song: 'Spring up, O well, all of you sing to it!'" (Numbers 21:16-17) 5. Defeat of Sihon and Og The Israelites request passage through the land of the Amorites, but King Sihon refuses and attacks them. Israel defeats Sihon and later Og, king of Bashan. "But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to the wilderness to confront Israel. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified." (Numbers 21:23-24) "Then they turned and went up along the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan and his whole army marched out to meet them in battle at Edrei. But the LORD said to Moses, 'Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.' So they struck down Og, his sons, and his whole army, until no remnant was left. And they took possession of his land." (Numbers 21:33-35) Topics 1. Victory over the Canaanites (Numbers 21:1-3)The Israelites face the Canaanite king of Arad, who attacks them. In response, Israel makes a vow to the LORD, promising to destroy the cities if granted victory. The LORD listens to Israel's plea and delivers the Canaanites into their hands. This event highlights the power of prayer and the fulfillment of vows to God. 2. The Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21:4-9) As the Israelites journey from Mount Hor, they grow impatient and speak against God and Moses. In response, the LORD sends venomous snakes among them. After the people repent, God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Those who look at it are healed, symbolizing faith and foreshadowing Christ's crucifixion (John 3:14-15). 3. Journey to Moab (Numbers 21:10-20) The Israelites continue their journey, camping at various locations. The passage lists the places they travel through, including Oboth, Iye-abarim, and the valley of Zered. This section emphasizes God's guidance and provision during their wilderness journey. 4. Defeat of Sihon and Og (Numbers 21:21-35) Israel requests passage through the land of the Amorites, but King Sihon refuses and attacks. The Israelites defeat Sihon and take possession of his land. Similarly, they defeat Og, king of Bashan, and take his territory. These victories demonstrate God's promise to give Israel the land and His power over formidable enemies. Each topic reflects the themes of faith, obedience, and God's sovereignty, as seen through the lens of the original Hebrew text and its implications for the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. Themes 1. Divine Judgment and MercyIn Numbers 21, the Israelites face divine judgment due to their complaints against God and Moses. The LORD sends venomous snakes among them, leading to many deaths. However, when the people repent, God provides a means of healing through the bronze serpent. This theme highlights both God's justice and His mercy. The Hebrew word for "fiery" (שָׂרָף, saraph) in verse 6 refers to the burning effect of the snake bites, emphasizing the severity of the judgment. 2. Intercession and Repentance The Israelites' plea to Moses to intercede on their behalf (Numbers 21:7) underscores the importance of repentance and intercession. Moses' role as an intercessor is crucial, as he prays to the LORD for the people, leading to their deliverance. This theme reflects the biblical principle of turning back to God in times of distress. 3. Faith and Obedience The instruction to look at the bronze serpent for healing (Numbers 21:8-9) requires faith and obedience from the Israelites. This act of looking up symbolizes trust in God's provision and a willingness to follow His commands. The Hebrew root for "look" (נבט, nabat) implies a focused and attentive gaze, indicating the necessity of faith in God's promise. 4. Victory through God's Power The Israelites' victories over the Canaanite king of Arad, Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan (Numbers 21:1-3, 21-35) demonstrate God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. These conquests are attributed to the LORD's intervention, emphasizing that victory comes through reliance on God's strength rather than human might. 5. God's Provision and Guidance Throughout their journey, God provides for the Israelites' needs and guides them to victory. The narrative of the water from the well (Numbers 21:16-18) illustrates God's provision, as the people sing in gratitude for the water He supplies. This theme highlights God's continual care and guidance for His people in the wilderness. 6. The Consequences of Disobedience The initial defeat by the Canaanites (Numbers 21:1) serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith. The Israelites' subsequent victories come after they turn back to God, illustrating the importance of aligning with His will to experience His blessings. Answering Tough Questions 1. Numbers 21:6 – How could “fiery serpents” suddenly appear and inflict widespread casualties, and what evidence supports or refutes this event historically or scientifically? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the victory over the Canaanites in verses 1-3 demonstrate the power of a vow made to God? 2. In the story of the fiery serpents and the bronze serpent, how do we see God's justice and mercy balanced? 3. How can the Israelites' grumbling and dissatisfaction apply to our lives today? In what ways do we grumble against God's provision? 4. How does the bronze serpent prefigure Christ, as stated in John 3:14-15? 5. How does "The Song of the Well" show the importance of communal celebration and gratitude in our faith journey? 6. Compare the Israelites' interaction with the Canaanites and the Amorites. How does this shape your understanding of dealing with adversities? 7. What can we learn about courage and faith from the Israelites' victories over King Sihon and King Og? 8. How do the repeated cycles of disobedience, punishment, repentance, and deliverance in Numbers 21 reflect human nature? Can you identify such cycles in your life? 9. How does the narrative of Numbers 21 challenge you in your faith? 10. In what ways does God provide for the Israelites throughout Numbers 21, and how does this apply to God's provision in your life? 11. What do the stories of victory in this chapter teach us about divine help in our battles? 12. How does Numbers 21 teach us to handle defeat, fear, or uncertainty? 13. What can we learn about leadership from Moses in Numbers 21? 14. How does God's command to Moses to create the bronze serpent show his understanding of human needs? 15. How does the relationship between the Israelites' obedience and their victories shape your understanding of obedience in your life? 16. How might the story of the bronze serpent encourage us in times when we feel the consequences of our mistakes? 17. If you were in the place of the Israelites, how would you have responded to the fiery serpents? 18. How does Numbers 21 help us understand the complex relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility? 19. How can we relate the hardships the Israelites faced in their journey to the struggles we encounter in our spiritual journey? 20. How can the victories of the Israelites in this chapter inspire you in your personal life challenges? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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