Numbers 33:40
And king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙
the Canaanite
H3669
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙
the Canaanite
Strong's:
H3669
Word #:
2 of 12
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
וְהֽוּא
H1931
וְהֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
which dwelt
H3427
יֹשֵׁ֥ב
which dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בַּנֶּ֖גֶב
in the south
H5045
בַּנֶּ֖גֶב
in the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
7 of 12
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
כְּנָ֑עַן
of Canaan
H3667
כְּנָ֑עַן
of Canaan
Strong's:
H3667
Word #:
9 of 12
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him
בְּבֹ֖א
of the coming
H935
בְּבֹ֖א
of the coming
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
Arad was a Canaanite city-state in the Negev, south of Hebron. Archaeological excavations at Tel Arad have revealed extensive fortifications from this period, confirming the biblical account of a militarily significant settlement guarding Canaan's southern approaches.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the itinerary pause to note what king Arad 'heard'—what theological point does this anticipate?
- How does the Canaanites' response to hearing of Israel's approach contrast with Rahab's response in Joshua 2?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
King Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel—This verse references the conflict recorded in 21:1-3, where the Canaanite king attacked Israel and was utterly destroyed. The parenthetical notice here shows that Israel's approach did not go unnoticed by Canaan's inhabitants.
The verb heard (שָׁמַע, shāma') carries ominous overtones—what Arad heard provoked military action. Yet Israel's victory over Arad (21:3) was an earnest of coming conquest. Just as Rahab 'heard' of Israel's approach and believed (Joshua 2:10-11), so Canaanite kings 'heard' and hardened their hearts. The same gospel message elicits faith or rebellion.