2 Then Israel made this vow to the Lord: "If you will deliver these people into our hands, we will totally destroy[1] their cities."

Other Translations of Numbers 21:2

King James Version

2 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.

English Standard Version

2 And Israel vowed a vow to the Lord and said, "If you will indeed give this people into my hand, then I will devote their cities to destruction."That is, set apart (devote) as an offering to the Lord (for destruction); also verse 3

The Message

2 Israel vowed a vow to God: "If you will give this people into our power, we'll destroy their towns and present the ruins to you as a holy destruction."

New King James Version

2 So Israel made a vow to the Lord, and said, "If You will indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities."

New Living Translation

2 Then the people of Israel made this vow to the Lord : "If you will hand these people over to us, we will completely destroy all their towns."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 21:2

Commentary on Numbers 21:1-3

(Read Numbers 21:1-3)

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. This was to lead the Israelites to look more thoroughly to the Lord.

3 The Lord listened to Israel's plea and gave the Canaanites over to them. They completely destroyed them and their towns; so the place was named Hormah.[2]

Other Translations of Numbers 21:3

King James Version

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. Hormah: that is, Utter destruction

English Standard Version

3 And the Lord heeded the voice of Israel and gave over the Canaanites, and they devoted them and their cities to destruction. So the name of the place was called Hormah.Hormah means destruction

The Message

3 God listened to Israel's prayer and gave them the Canaanites. They destroyed both them and their towns, a holy destruction. They named the place Hormah (Holy Destruction).

New King James Version

3 And the Lord listened to the voice of Israel and delivered up the Canaanites, and they utterly destroyed them and their cities. So the name of that place was called Hormah.

New Living Translation

3 The Lord heard the Israelites' request and gave them victory over the Canaanites. The Israelites completely destroyed them and their towns, and the place has been called Hormah ever since.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 21:3

Commentary on Numbers 21:1-3

(Read Numbers 21:1-3)

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. This was to lead the Israelites to look more thoroughly to the Lord.