Numbers 21:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} hearkened {H8085} to the voice {H6963} of Israel {H3478}, and delivered up {H5414} the Canaanites {H3669}; and they utterly destroyed {H2763} them and their cities {H5892}: and he called {H7121} the name {H8034} of the place {H4725} Hormah {H2767}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI listened to what Isra'el said and handed over the Kena'anim, so they completely destroyed them and their cities and named the place Hormah [complete destruction].

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD heard Israel’s plea and delivered up the Canaanites. Israel devoted them and their cities to destruction; so they named the place Hormah.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and the name of the place was called Hormah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:3 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, illustrating God's responsiveness to His people's prayer and vow following a period of defeat and discouragement. This verse records the LORD's active intervention in delivering the Canaanites into Israel's hands, leading to their complete destruction of the enemy cities and people, an act of consecrated judgment. The subsequent naming of the place "Hormah" serves as a lasting memorial to this divine victory and Israel's obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 21:3 is the culmination of a brief but significant narrative arc that begins in [Numbers 21:1](/numbers/21-1 "Numbers 21:1 - King of Arad Attacks Israel"). Prior to this, Israel had suffered a defeat at the hands of the Canaanite King of Arad and had been plagued by murmuring and a plague of fiery serpents, which God healed through the bronze serpent (cf. [Numbers 21:4-9](/numbers/21-4 "Numbers 21:4-9 - The Bronze Serpent")). In this immediate context, the King of Arad attacks Israel, taking some of them captive. In response to this aggression and their previous failures, Israel makes a solemn vow to the LORD in [Numbers 21:2](/numbers/21-2 "Numbers 21:2 - Israel's Vow to the LORD"), promising to "utterly destroy" the Canaanite cities if God would grant them victory. Verse 3 then details God's immediate hearkening to their voice and the subsequent fulfillment of their vow, marking a shift from defeat to triumph and renewed obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described take place as Israel is navigating the Negev region, a semi-arid area south of Judah, on their journey towards the Promised Land. The Canaanites, including the King of Arad, were indigenous peoples inhabiting this territory, often characterized by their idolatrous practices and resistance to Israel's advance. The concept of "utter destruction" (Hebrew: *cherem*) was a specific practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare, but in Israel, it carried a unique theological significance. It was not merely a military tactic but a divine command for consecrated warfare, where enemies and their possessions were "devoted" to God, often by complete destruction, as an act of judgment against their wickedness and to prevent Israel from being corrupted by their idolatry. This practice is further elaborated in laws concerning the conquest of Canaan, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - Laws of Holy War and Cherem").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Responsiveness**, as "the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel," demonstrating God's willingness to respond to His people's sincere prayers and vows, especially when they turn to Him in obedience after a period of rebellion. The theme of **Obedience and Consequence** is also prominent; Israel's vow was followed by their decisive action, and God's deliverance was a direct consequence of their renewed commitment. Furthermore, the concept of ***Cherem***, or "utter destruction," is a critical theological theme, representing God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and idolatry, and Israel's role in executing this judgment as a consecrated act. Finally, the **Naming of Hormah** serves as an etiological narrative, providing a permanent memorial to this specific act of vow and fulfillment, signifying "devotion" or "utter destruction," reinforcing the theological weight of the event.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearkened (Hebrew, שמע, _shama'_):** This verb signifies not merely hearing, but listening attentively, understanding, and responding positively. When applied to God, it implies His active engagement and favorable disposition towards the prayers and pleas of His people. In this context, it underscores God's attentiveness to Israel's distress and their renewed vow, indicating His readiness to act on their behalf when they turn to Him in sincerity and obedience.
* **Utterly destroyed (Hebrew, חרם, _charam_):** This verb, from which the noun *cherem* is derived, denotes setting something apart as consecrated to God, often by dedicating it for complete destruction. It is a theological term indicating a devotion that removes something from common use, typically because it is an abomination in God's sight. The destruction was not for personal gain or revenge but was an act of divine judgment against the idolatry and wickedness of the Canaanite nations, ensuring Israel's separation from their corrupting influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel":** This opening clause immediately highlights God's active role and responsiveness. After a period of murmuring, rebellion, and defeat, Israel's cry and vow (as detailed in [Numbers 21:2](/numbers/21-2 "Numbers 21:2 - Israel's Vow")) are heard and acknowledged by God. This demonstrates His covenant faithfulness and His willingness to intervene when His people turn to Him in genuine repentance and commitment, even after their failures.
* **"and delivered up the Canaanites":** This signifies the divine enablement and victory. God, in His sovereignty, actively hands over the enemy to Israel. This is not merely a human military triumph but a supernatural intervention, confirming that the battle's success was due to God's power and not Israel's might. It validates Israel's vow and God's acceptance of their renewed commitment.
* **"and they utterly destroyed them and their cities":** This clause describes Israel's fulfillment of their vow and the execution of God's judgment. The phrase "utterly destroyed" (חרם, *charam*) emphasizes the completeness and consecrated nature of the destruction. It was a comprehensive act of judgment against the Canaanites, removing their presence and their idolatrous influence, in accordance with God's commands for the conquest of the land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - Command to Destroy Canaanites")). This act served to purify the land and prevent Israel from adopting the pagan practices of the inhabitants.
* **"and he called the name of the place Hormah":** This final clause records the naming of the battle site. "Hormah" (חרמה, *Hormah*) is derived from the same root as *cherem* (חרם), meaning "devotion," "utter destruction," or "a devoted thing." The naming serves as a perpetual memorial to the event, signifying that the place was marked by this act of consecrated destruction and reminding future generations of God's faithfulness and the consequences of both Israel's obedience and the Canaanites' wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:3 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Divine Action** is paramount, with the LORD explicitly serving as the primary agent who "hearkened" and "delivered up," underscoring His sovereignty and active involvement in human affairs. The verse functions as the **Climax** of a brief **Vow-Fulfillment Narrative**, where Israel's solemn promise in [Numbers 21:2](/numbers/21-2 "Numbers 21:2 - Israel's Vow") is met with God's immediate response and Israel's subsequent obedience in [Numbers 21:3](/numbers/21-3 "Numbers 21:3 - The Victory at Hormah"). This structure highlights the principle of divine reciprocity in the covenant relationship. Furthermore, the naming of the place "Hormah" serves as an **Etiology**, explaining the origin of a place name through a significant historical and theological event. This **Symbolism** of the name "Hormah" (meaning "devotion" or "utter destruction") encapsulates the entire narrative, serving as a powerful reminder of God's righteous judgment and the consequences of sin, as well as the importance of Israel's consecrated obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:3 profoundly illustrates God's covenant faithfulness and His dynamic relationship with Israel. It underscores that while God is sovereign and acts according to His perfect will, He also responds to the sincere prayers and vows of His people, especially when they turn from rebellion to obedience. The concept of *cherem* (utter destruction) here is not merely about military conquest but about God's absolute holiness and His righteous judgment against pervasive evil and idolatry. It reveals a God who demands purity and separation from the corrupting influences of the world, ensuring the integrity of His covenant community. This act of judgment also serves as a warning against rebellion and a demonstration of God's power to deliver His people and execute His justice.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Canaanites and Remain Separate")
* [Joshua 6:17-21](/joshua/6-17 "Joshua 6:17-21 - The Cherem at Jericho")
* [Psalm 18:6](/psalm/18-6 "Psalm 18:6 - God Hears and Delivers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in Numbers 21:3 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that even after seasons of failure, murmuring, or defeat, God remains faithful and responsive to His people's genuine repentance and cries for help. Our vows and commitments to God, when made with sincerity and followed by obedience, are not in vain; He hears and acts. This passage encourages us to approach God with confident faith, trusting that He will provide victory over our spiritual adversaries and challenges, just as He delivered Israel from the Canaanites. While we no longer engage in physical *cherem*, the principle of setting ourselves apart from the corrupting influences of the world remains vital. We are called to "utterly destroy" the idols in our own lives—the sins, habits, and attitudes that separate us from God—and to live lives consecrated to Him. This requires discernment, spiritual warfare, and a commitment to holiness, knowing that true victory comes through God's power working in and through our obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life have I experienced "defeat" or "murmuring," and how might God be calling me to a renewed vow of obedience and trust?**
* **How does understanding God's "hearkening" to Israel's voice encourage me in my own prayer life?**
* **What "Canaanites"—idols, sinful patterns, or worldly influences—do I need to "utterly destroy" in my life to live more fully consecrated to God?**
* **How can I apply the principle of "Hormah"—remembering God's past victories and judgments—to strengthen my faith for future challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does "utterly destroyed" mean in this context, and how does it relate to the Hebrew concept of *cherem*?**

Answer: The phrase "utterly destroyed" translates the Hebrew verb *charam* (חרם), which is closely related to the noun *cherem* (חרם). This concept is far more than mere annihilation in warfare. *Cherem* signifies something "devoted" or "set apart" to God, often by complete destruction. In the context of the Canaanites, it was a divine command for consecrated warfare, where the people and their cities were dedicated to God as an act of judgment against their pervasive idolatry, immorality, and wickedness. This was not for Israel's personal gain or revenge, but to prevent the Canaanites' corrupting influence from spreading to Israel and to purify the land for God's holy people. It underscored God's absolute holiness and His righteous judgment against sin, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 20:16-18](/deuteronomy/20-16 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - Laws of Holy War and Cherem").

**Why did God command such extreme measures as "utter destruction" against the Canaanites?**

Answer: God commanded the *cherem* against the Canaanites due to their profound and persistent wickedness, which included child sacrifice, rampant idolatry, and various sexual perversions (cf. [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Abominations of the Land") and [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Not Because of Israel's Righteousness")). This was a divine judgment, a consequence of centuries of their unrepentant sin, and a necessary measure to protect Israel from spiritual corruption. God, being perfectly holy and just, could not allow such pervasive evil to continue unchecked, especially in the land He had promised to His covenant people. The destruction served as a stark warning against idolatry and a demonstration of the severe consequences of rebellion against God's moral law.

**What is the significance of the place being named "Hormah"?**

Answer: The name "Hormah" (חרמה) is derived from the same Hebrew root as *cherem* (חרם), meaning "devotion," "utter destruction," or "a devoted thing." The naming of the place Hormah serves as a permanent memorial and an etiological explanation for the place name. It signifies that this location was forever marked by the act of consecrated destruction. It served to remind Israel, and future generations, of God's faithfulness in hearing their prayer and delivering the enemy, as well as their own obedience in carrying out the *cherem*. It also stood as a lasting testament to God's righteous judgment against the Canaanites and the consequences of their sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The victory at Hormah, where God "hearkened to the voice of Israel" and delivered the Canaanites for "utter destruction," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While Israel's victory was a partial and temporal triumph over physical enemies, Christ's work on the cross represents the decisive and eternal victory over the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Just as God "hearkened" to Israel's cry, so too does God hear the cries of His people for salvation, answered perfectly in Christ's intercession and sacrifice (cf. [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")). The concept of *cherem*, or "utter destruction," foreshadows Christ's role as the one who perfectly fulfills God's righteous judgment. He is the "devoted thing" (חרם) in the ultimate sense, consecrated to God through His obedient sacrifice, thereby taking away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ utterly destroys the power of sin and death for those who believe in Him (cf. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). The spiritual warfare believers engage in today is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, a battle already won by Christ, enabling us to "destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God" (cf. [2 Corinthians 10:4-5](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - Spiritual Warfare")). Thus, Hormah points to the greater victory and ultimate judgment enacted by the Lamb of God, who establishes a new covenant people set apart for His holiness.

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

Numbers 14:45

Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, [even] unto Hormah.

Deuteronomy 1:44

And 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.

1 Samuel 30:30

And to [them] which [were] in Hormah, and to [them] which [were] in Chorashan, and to [them] which [were] in Athach,

Psalms 10:17

LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

Psalms 91:15

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Psalms 102:17

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.