And king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.

NUMBERS 33:40KJV
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Numbers 33:40 (KJV)

What does Numbers 33:40 mean?

Numbers 33:40 records that the king of Arad, a Canaanite ruler living in the southern part of Canaan, heard that the Israelites were approaching his territory. This verse marks a moment when local leaders in Canaan became aware of Israel’s journey and presence near their land.

The verse is part of a travel log listing Israel’s stops as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. Here, the focus shifts briefly from Israel’s movements to the reaction of a specific Canaanite king, showing that the Israelites’ arrival was causing concern among the people already living in Canaan. This sets the stage for later encounters and conflicts as Israel enters the land.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 33:40

  • "King" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh) points to a recognized local ruler, emphasizing that Arad was not just a city but had its own leadership and authority.
  • "Arad" (עֲרָד, Arad) is both the name of the king and the city or region he ruled, anchoring the event in a real place in southern Canaan.
  • "South" (נֶגֶב, negev) refers to the dry, southern region of Canaan, highlighting the specific area where this encounter took place.
  • "Heard" (שָׁמַע, shama‘) means more than just hearing a rumor; it often implies paying attention or responding to news, suggesting that the king was alerted and likely prepared for action.

Why Numbers 33:40 matters

  • This verse shows that Israel’s journey was not happening in isolation; local Canaanite rulers were aware and reacting to their movements.
  • The mention of Arad connects to earlier and later stories (like Numbers 21), helping the reader track ongoing conflicts between Israel and local peoples.
  • By noting the king’s awareness, the verse hints at the growing tension and the challenges Israel would face as they approached the land promised to them.

Where else these words appear

“Arad” Hebrew H6166 · used in 5 verses

  • Numbers 21:1 And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners.
  • Joshua 12:14 The king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;
  • Judges 1:16 And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.

“Canaanite” Hebrew H3669 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 10:18 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.
  • 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.
  • Judges 1:4 And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.

“Canaan” Hebrew H3667 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 9:18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
  • Genesis 45:17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;
  • Numbers 35:14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.

“south” Hebrew H5045 · used in 98 verses

  • Genesis 12:9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.
  • Joshua 15:21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
  • Isaiah 30:6 The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.