Numbers 21:3
And the Lord hearkened to the voyce of Israel, and deliuered vp the Canaanites: and they vtterly destroyed them, and their cities, and hee called the name of the place Hormah. Numbers 21:3 (KJV)
The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Old Testament and it primarily focuses on the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. In Numbers 21 the people had already been wandering for many years because of their disobedience and lack of faith, yet this chapter records their progress toward Canaan, the land God had promised to give them.
The verse begins by stating, “And the Lord hearkened to the voice of Israel.” This shows that the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and in His mercy He responded to their cry. Despite their rebellious nature and frequent complaints, God demonstrated His faithfulness by listening to their plea.
We can learn from this that even in our own moments of weakness, doubt, and disobedience, God is always ready to listen to us. He is a compassionate and loving God who answers sincere prayers and cries for help, and we should not hesitate to bring our concerns before Him.
As a result of God hearing Israel’s voice, He delivered the Canaanites into the hands of the Israelites. The Canaanites were the inhabitants of the promised land, and God fulfilled His promise by granting the Israelites victory over their enemies. The Israelites utterly destroyed both the people and their cities, taking possession of the land that had been promised to them.
This deliverance reminds us that God’s faithfulness and power are evident when He fights our battles. When we trust in God and follow His leading, He provides the strength and victory we need. Our obstacles and enemies are ultimately overcome by God’s power, not by our own abilities.
The verse concludes by noting that the place of this victory was called Hormah. The name “Hormah” means “destruction” or “devotion,” signifying the complete defeat of the Canaanites at that location. The naming serves as a reminder of God’s judgment on the wicked and of the Israelites’ commitment to obey God’s command to fully subdue the Canaanites.
The naming also warns both the ancient Israelites and us today to remain faithful to God and avoid being influenced by sinful practices in the surrounding world. Overall, Numbers 21:3–4 showcase God’s faithfulness, His response to His people’s cry, His deliverance, and His judgment. They encourage us to trust in God’s power and to stay faithful in our relationship with Him, knowing He is always ready to hear our voice and provide for our needs.
