Bible Strands
Numbers 33:40
Now the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev in the land of Canaan, heard that the Israelites were coming.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator places this record immediately after Aaron’s death at Mount Hor and just before the Israelites resume their march. It marks a chronological pivot in the wilderness itinerary where the camp prepares to move while external threats are noted.
The words — The verb וַיִּשְׁמַע (va.yishma) translates literally as "and he heard," denoting the king’s direct awareness of the approaching forces. The participle יֹשֵׁב (yoshev) means "dwelling" or "residing," anchoring the king’s permanent location in the Negev region of Canaan.
The thread — This notice of the Canaanite king of Arad hearing about Israel’s approach directly parallels Numbers 21:1, where the same ruler learns of their arrival and initiates hostilities. The geographical marker "Negev in the land of Canaan" also ties the narrative to the southern boundary of the promised territory.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to observe that Israel’s forward movement inevitably triggers immediate awareness and response from local rulers. It demands attention to how wilderness travel intersects with established political boundaries and human military readiness.
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The Hebrew words
King James Version
And king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.
Cross-references
- Numbers 21:1 When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked Israel and captured some prisoners.