The Canaanites Attack Israel

211 And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 21:1

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.