Numbers 21:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
And Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל
And Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תִּתֵּ֜ן
If thou wilt indeed
H5414
תִּתֵּ֜ן
If thou wilt indeed
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
תִּתֵּ֜ן
If thou wilt indeed
H5414
תִּתֵּ֜ן
If thou wilt indeed
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֤ם
this people
H5971
הָעָ֤ם
this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
בְּיָדִ֔י
into my hand
H3027
בְּיָדִ֔י
into my hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
12 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְהַֽחֲרַמְתִּ֖י
then I will utterly destroy
H2763
וְהַֽחֲרַמְתִּ֖י
then I will utterly destroy
Strong's:
H2763
Word #:
13 of 15
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
Cross References
Historical Context
The practice of 'herem' (complete destruction) would be commanded for Canaanite cities (Deuteronomy 7:2). Israel's voluntary vow here anticipated that later command. This practice, though harsh by modern standards, served to remove idolatrous influence and demonstrate that conquest served God's holiness, not Israel's greed.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you ensure that your requests align with God's glory rather than merely your benefit?
- What does it mean to 'devote' victories or achievements entirely to God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Israel vowed, 'If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.' This vow of 'herem' (total devotion of spoils to God) demonstrated that they sought victory for God's glory, not personal gain. Proper vows subordinate human benefit to divine honor. God answered this prayer because it aligned with His purposes for Canaan.