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Numbers 33:40 - Enemy fears Israel's approach

Numbers 33:40 - במדבר 33:40

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁמַע הַכְּנַעֲנִי מֶלֶךְ עֲרָד וְהוּא־יֹשֵׁב בַּנֶּגֶב בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן בְּבֹא בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And the Kena῾anite king of ῾Arad, who dwelt in the Negev in the land of Kena῾an, heard of the coming of the children of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Va'yishma ha'kna'ani melech arad v'hu yoshev ba'negev b'eretz kna'an b'vo b'nei yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ עֲרָ֔ד וְהֽוּא־יֹשֵׁ֥ב בַּנֶּ֖גֶב בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן בְּבֹ֖א בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ עֲרָ֔ד וְהֽוּא־יֹשֵׁ֥ב בַּנֶּ֖גֶב בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן בְּבֹ֖א בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 21:1, describing the encounter between Bnei Yisrael and the Kena'ani king of Arad as they journey toward Eretz Yisrael. Rashi explains that this event occurred after the death of Aharon, when the protective "clouds of glory" were temporarily withdrawn, emboldening the Kena'anim to attack (Rashi on Bamidbar 21:1, citing Midrash Tanchuma).

Identity of the Kena'ani King

The Ibn Ezra notes that this king was not originally from Arad but had conquered the region, as the Negev was part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Yehudah (Yehoshua 15:21). The Ramban adds that the Kena'ani heard of Bnei Yisrael's approach and feared their divine protection, prompting a preemptive strike.

Geographical Significance

  • Negev Location: The Sforno emphasizes that the Negev was a strategic southern region, indicating the Kena'ani's attempt to block Bnei Yisrael's path into the land.
  • Land of Kena'an: The Malbim clarifies that this phrase specifies the broader territory, distinguishing it from other lands where Bnei Yisrael had traveled (e.g., Edom or Moav).

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar highlights that the Kena'ani's attack followed Aharon's death, teaching that spiritual leadership is vital for Israel's protection. The Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar 19:20) further connects this episode to the importance of unity, as the Kena'ani exploited a moment of vulnerability when Bnei Yisrael were disheartened.

Historical Parallels

The Gur Aryeh (Maharal's commentary on Rashi) notes that this event mirrors later conflicts, where enemies attack when perceiving Israel's weakness. This foreshadows the ongoing struggle for Eretz Yisrael, emphasizing the need for steadfast faith in Hashem's promise.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was the Kena'anite king mentioned in Numbers 33:40?
A: The Kena'anite king of Arad was a local ruler in the Negev region who heard about the Israelites' approach. According to Rashi, this king was actually Amalekite (descendants of Amalek), who disguised themselves as Kena'anites to attack the Israelites, as mentioned earlier in Numbers 21:1.
Q: Why is it important that the king 'heard' about the Israelites' arrival?
A: The Torah emphasizes that the king 'heard' to teach us that news of the Israelites' miracles and victories spread through the region, causing fear among the local nations. This fulfills the promise in Exodus 15:14-16 that nations would tremble upon hearing of Israel's Exodus from Egypt.
Q: What does this verse teach us about the Israelites' journey?
A: This verse shows that the Israelites were approaching the Land of Israel from the south (Negev), following their 40 years in the wilderness. The Ramban explains that this marks a significant stage in their journey as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, encountering resistance from local kings along the way.
Q: Why does the Torah specify that he was dwelling 'in the Negev'?
A: The location is specified because the Negev was a strategic southern approach to the Land of Israel. The Midrash notes that this area was significant as it was part of the territory promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:9), showing that the Israelites were now entering the borders of their inheritance.
Q: How does this verse connect to later Jewish history?
A: The city of Arad remained significant in Jewish history. Archaeological findings show a later Israelite fortress there, and the Talmud (Megillah 6a) mentions Arad as a place where Jews lived during the Second Temple period. This verse marks the first biblical mention of Jewish connection to this region.