Numbers 21:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Israel {H3478} vowed {H5087} a vow {H5088} unto the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559}, If thou wilt indeed {H5414} deliver {H5414} this people {H5971} into my hand {H3027}, then I will utterly destroy {H2763} their cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Isra'el made a vow to ADONAI, "If you will hand this people over to me, I will completely destroy their cities."

Berean Standard Bible

So Israel made a vow to the LORD: “If You will deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.”

American Standard Version

And Israel vowed a vow unto Jehovah, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:2 records a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey where, in response to an unprovoked attack by King Arad the Canaanite, the people of Israel made a solemn vow to the LORD. This conditional promise, uttered in a moment of distress and renewed reliance on divine intervention, committed them to "utterly destroy" the cities of their enemies should God grant them victory. This act, known as *cherem*, signifies not mere military conquest but a profound religious dedication of the enemy and their possessions to God, typically through complete destruction, as an act of purification and holy war.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 21:2 is situated early in a new, more challenging phase of Israel's wilderness wanderings, immediately following their detour around Edom and the death of Aaron. The preceding verse, [Numbers 21:1](/numbers/21-1 "Numbers 21:1 - King Arad Attacks Israel"), details the unprovoked attack by King Arad the Canaanite, who captured some Israelites. This aggression prompts Israel's vow, marking a shift from their previous grumbling and rebellion (as seen in [Numbers 20](/numbers/20 "Numbers 20 - Water from the Rock and Aaron's Death")) to a moment of (conditional) faith and reliance on God for deliverance. The successful fulfillment of this vow is recorded in [Numbers 21:3](/numbers/21-3 "Numbers 21:3 - Israel's Victory and the Name Hormah"), where the place is named Hormah, signifying "devotion to destruction." This victory then sets the stage for the subsequent, well-known incident of the fiery serpents and the bronze serpent in [Numbers 21:4-9](/numbers/21-4-9 "Numbers 21:4-9 - The Fiery Serpents and the Bronze Serpent"), highlighting the fluctuating nature of Israel's faith and obedience throughout their journey.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the southern Negeb, a strategic region bordering Canaan, where various Canaanite groups, including the Aradites, resided. Vows were a common practice in the ancient Near East, often made to deities in exchange for favor or victory, and were considered binding. In Israel, a vow (Hebrew: *neder*) to Yahweh was a solemn, voluntary promise, the fulfillment of which was taken very seriously ([Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Law Concerning Vows")). The concept of "utterly destroy" translates the Hebrew term *cherem* (חֵרֶם), which refers to something "devoted" or "set apart" to God, often by destruction. This was not mere genocide but a religious act of consecration, typically applied to idolatrous nations or their possessions that posed a spiritual threat to Israel's purity and covenant faithfulness. It served to prevent assimilation of pagan practices and to demonstrate God's judgment against profound wickedness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **seriousness and binding nature of vows** made to the LORD, emphasizing that commitments to God are not to be taken lightly. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine deliverance and human dependence**, as Israel explicitly acknowledges that their victory is contingent upon God's intervention ("If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand"). This contrasts sharply with their earlier reliance on self-strength or complaining. Thirdly, the concept of *cherem* introduces the theme of **holy war and the eradication of evil**, where the "utter destruction" of the enemy's cities serves as an act of devotion to God, purifying the land and removing sources of idolatrous corruption that could defile Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. This foreshadows the broader commands for conquest and *cherem* found in [Deuteronomy 7](/deuteronomy/7 "Deuteronomy 7 - Warnings Against Idolatry") and the book of [Joshua](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God's Charge to Joshua"), where the land is to be purged of its wicked inhabitants. Finally, it momentarily showcases **Israel's renewed, albeit fragile, faith** in God's power to overcome their adversaries, a faith often tested and found wanting throughout their wilderness journey.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vowed (Hebrew, _nadar'_):** The verb נָדַר (*nadar*) signifies making a solemn promise or pledge, especially to God. It implies a voluntary, binding commitment that carries significant spiritual weight. In ancient Israel, such vows were not to be broken, as they were made directly to Yahweh and involved a dedication of something (or someone, or an action) to Him. The repetition "vowed a vow" (נָדַר נֶדֶר) is a cognate accusative construction, emphasizing the seriousness and intentionality of the act, underscoring that this was a deliberate and formal commitment.
* **Utterly destroy (Hebrew, _charam'_):** The verb חָרַם (*charam*) is crucial for understanding this verse. It refers to the concept of *cherem*, which means to "devote," "consecrate," or "set apart" something to God, often by its complete destruction. This was not merely military annihilation but a religious act, a form of holy war where the enemy and their possessions were rendered unusable for common purposes and instead dedicated to God, usually through destruction, as a judgment against their wickedness and to prevent their corrupting influence from spreading to Israel. It was a radical act of purification, removing anything that could defile the land or tempt Israel to idolatry, thus protecting the covenant community's holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Israel vowed a vow unto the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the subject, "Israel," representing the community through its leaders, making a solemn, binding commitment. The direct object of the vow is "unto the LORD" (Yahweh), emphasizing the divine recipient and the sacred nature of the promise. This indicates a moment of direct appeal and reliance on God's power, a contrast to previous episodes of complaining.
* **"and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand":** This introduces the conditional nature of the vow. Israel's commitment is explicitly dependent on God's prior action. The phrase "If thou wilt indeed deliver" uses an emphatic Hebrew construction (a repetition of the verb "deliver") to stress the earnestness of their plea for divine intervention. "This people" refers to the attacking Canaanites, and "into my hand" signifies granting Israel victory and control over them. This demonstrates Israel's recognition that military success ultimately depended on God's sovereign power and favor, not their own strength.
* **"then I will utterly destroy their cities":** This is the specific promise made in return for divine deliverance. The phrase "utterly destroy" is the translation of *cherem* (חָרַם), signifying a complete consecration to God by destruction. "Their cities" refers to the urban centers and surrounding territories of the attacking Canaanites, indicating a comprehensive act of devotion. This was a commitment to execute God's judgment upon a wicked people, removing their physical presence and their idolatrous influence from the land, thereby purifying it for Israel's occupation and preserving their spiritual integrity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **Literary Devices**. Firstly, a **Conditional Clause** is central to the verse's structure ("If... then..."), clearly articulating the reciprocal nature of the vow: Israel's commitment is contingent upon God's prior act of deliverance. This highlights the transactional aspect of ancient vows and Israel's understanding of divine sovereignty in warfare. Secondly, the use of a **Cognate Accusative** or **Pleonasm** in "vowed a vow" (נָדַר נֶדֶר) serves to emphasize the solemnity, intentionality, and binding nature of the promise. It is not a casual statement but a formal, weighty declaration. Thirdly, the verse functions as **Thematic Foreshadowing**, introducing the concept of *cherem* which will become a dominant theme in the later conquest narratives, particularly in the book of Joshua, where the systematic "utter destruction" of certain cities and peoples is commanded by God as an act of holy war and purification. Finally, there is an implicit **Contrast** between Israel's typical rebellious attitude in the wilderness and this moment of (conditional) faith and proactive engagement with God, suggesting a temporary shift in their spiritual disposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:2 offers profound theological insights into God's sovereignty, the nature of human vows, and the concept of holy war. It demonstrates that while God often acts unilaterally, He also responds to the earnest prayers and commitments of His people. Israel’s vow acknowledges God as the ultimate source of victory, reflecting a theological understanding that true strength and deliverance come from Him alone. The practice of *cherem*, while challenging to modern sensibilities, underscores God's absolute holiness and His uncompromising opposition to sin and idolatry. It was a unique command for a specific historical context, designed to preserve Israel's spiritual purity and to execute divine judgment upon nations whose wickedness had reached its full measure. The seriousness with which God regards vows also reminds us of the integrity required in all our promises, especially those made to Him.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "The Law Concerning Vows")
* [Joshua 6:17-19](/joshua/6-17-19 "The Cherem at Jericho")
* [Psalm 76:11](/psalms/76-11 "Keep Your Vows to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:2, though set in a distinct historical context of physical warfare, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It calls us to consider the gravity of our commitments to God, whether they are vows made in prayer, promises of dedication, or the covenant vows we enter into through baptism or marriage. Just as Israel recognized their absolute dependence on God for victory against a physical enemy, we are reminded to rely entirely on Him for deliverance from our spiritual adversaries and the challenges of life. The concept of "utterly destroying" what is opposed to God's holiness translates into a call for radical spiritual purification in our lives. This means actively identifying and "putting to death" sinful desires, habits, and ideologies that stand in opposition to God's will, ensuring that our lives are consecrated wholly to Him. This spiritual *cherem* is an ongoing process of sanctification, where we ruthlessly eliminate anything that could defile our relationship with God or hinder our walk of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What vows or commitments have I made to God, and how seriously do I take their fulfillment?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own strength rather than seeking God's deliverance?**
* **What "cities" (sinful strongholds, ungodly influences, or worldly attachments) in my life am I called to "utterly destroy" in order to live more fully consecrated to God?**
* **How does understanding the seriousness of Israel's vow inform my approach to prayer and my promises to God today?**

### FAQ

**What is *cherem* and why did God command it?**

Answer: *Cherem* (חֵרֶם) is a Hebrew term signifying something "devoted" or "set apart" to God, often by complete destruction. It was not mere arbitrary violence or genocide, but a specific command from God for a unique historical period, primarily during the conquest of Canaan. God commanded *cherem* for several key reasons: as an act of divine judgment against the extreme wickedness and idolatry of the Canaanite nations, whose practices (e.g., child sacrifice, widespread immorality) had reached a point of no return ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "The Iniquity of the Amorites")); to prevent the spiritual corruption of Israel by removing pagan influences and idols ([Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1-6 "Command to Destroy Nations")); and to demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty and holiness. It was a religious act of purification, consecrating the land to Yahweh by removing anything that would defile it or tempt Israel away from their covenant with Him.

**Was Israel's vow always righteous or pleasing to God?**

Answer: While the vow in Numbers 21:2 resulted in a divinely sanctioned victory and was seemingly pleasing to God in that instance, Israel's history shows that not all their vows or actions were righteous. This particular vow was made in a moment of distress and dependence on God, and it aligned with God's broader purposes for the conquest of Canaan. However, Israel often made vows or acted out of self-interest, fear, or a lack of true faith. The Old Testament emphasizes that vows must be made sincerely and fulfilled faithfully ([Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Keeping Vows")). God's response to Israel's vow here demonstrates His faithfulness to His covenant people when they turn to Him, even if their faith is imperfect or conditional.

**Does this verse justify violence or "holy war" for believers today?**

Answer: No, this verse does not justify physical violence or "holy war" for believers today in the same way it applied to ancient Israel. The command for *cherem* was specific to God's unique purposes for Israel in the conquest of Canaan, establishing them as a holy nation in a promised land. The New Testament clearly redefines warfare for believers as primarily spiritual, not physical ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Spiritual Warfare")). Our enemies are not flesh and blood, but spiritual forces of evil. While we are called to "destroy" strongholds of sin and false ideologies ([2 Corinthians 10:4-5](/2_corinthians/10-4-5 "Spiritual Weapons")), this is accomplished through spiritual weapons like prayer, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, not physical aggression. The "utter destruction" for believers today is the putting to death of sinful desires and the purification of our lives for God's service, as we are called to be instruments of peace and reconciliation, not physical conquest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 21:2, with its themes of vows, divine deliverance, and "utter destruction" (*cherem*), finds its ultimate and transformative fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel's vow was conditional and their victory partial, Christ's obedience was absolute, and His victory complete. Jesus himself is the ultimate "vow" of God to humanity, the fulfillment of all God's promises ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). He perfectly delivered humanity from its greatest enemies: sin, death, and Satan. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus performed the ultimate act of *cherem*, utterly destroying the power of sin in a spiritual sense, consecrating Himself as the spotless Lamb of God to eradicate evil and reconcile humanity to God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Christ Appeared to Put Away Sin")). His resurrection demonstrates His decisive victory over death, rendering its power "utterly destroyed" for those who believe ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "Victory Over Death")). Believers, united with Christ, participate in this spiritual *cherem*, called to "put to death" the deeds of the flesh and crucify their sinful nature ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Life Through the Spirit"); [Galatians 5:24](/galatians/5-24 "Crucifying the Flesh")), as we are transformed into His image, living lives consecrated to God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 11:30

And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,

Genesis 28:20

And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

Joshua 6:26

And Joshua adjured [them] at that time, saying, Cursed [be] the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest [son] shall he set up the gates of it.

Psalms 132:2

How he sware unto the LORD, [and] vowed unto the mighty [God] of Jacob;

2 Samuel 15:7

¶ And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.

2 Samuel 15:8

For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.

Psalms 116:18

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,