211 When the Canaanite , the king of Arad , who lived in the Negev , heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim , then he fought against Israel and took some of them captive . 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 ." 3 The Lord heard the voice of Israel and delivered up the Canaanites ; then they utterly destroyed them and their cities . Thus the name of the place was called Hormah .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 21:1-3
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.