Numbers 21:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע
hearkened
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע
hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיִּתֵּן֙
and delivered up
H5414
וַיִּתֵּן֙
and delivered up
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י
the Canaanites
H3669
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י
the Canaanites
Strong's:
H3669
Word #:
7 of 15
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
וַיַּֽחֲרֵ֥ם
and they utterly destroyed
H2763
וַיַּֽחֲרֵ֥ם
and they utterly destroyed
Strong's:
H2763
Word #:
8 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
אֶתְהֶ֖ם
H853
אֶתְהֶ֖ם
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)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָֽרֵיהֶ֑ם
them and their cities
H5892
עָֽרֵיהֶ֑ם
them and their cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
11 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
and he called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
and he called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
12 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שֵׁם
the name
H8034
שֵׁם
the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
13 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
Numbers 14:45Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.Deuteronomy 1:44And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah.
Historical Context
Ironically, an earlier generation had attacked this region presumptuously and been defeated at Hormah (14:45). The same location witnessed both judgment for presumption and victory through faith. Geography carried theological meaning: places of past defeat could become, through faith, locations of triumph.
Questions for Reflection
- What places or experiences in your life mark transitions from defeat to victory through faith?
- How do you memorialize God's faithfulness so future generations know what He has done?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The LORD 'delivered up the Canaanites' in response to Israel's vow. Divine intervention secured victory they couldn't achieve alone. The place was named 'Hormah' (destruction/devotion), memorializing God's faithfulness. Naming places after God's acts creates permanent testimony to His intervention. Our lives should be marked by memorial experiences of divine faithfulness.