“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.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Old Testament and it primarily focuses on the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. In Numbers 21, the Israelites had already been wandering in the wilderness for many years due to their disobedience and lack of faith. In this chapter, we find them making progress towards Canaan, the land God had promised to give them.
God’s Response to Israel’s Voice: The verse begins by stating, “And the Lord hearkened to the voice of Israel.” This indicates 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 showed His faithfulness by listening to their plea.
Application: 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 responds to our sincere prayers and cries for help. We should not hesitate to bring our concerns and needs before Him.
Deliverance and Destruction: As a result of God hearing Israel’s voice, He delivered the Canaanites into their hands. The Canaanites were the inhabitants of the land that God had promised to give to the Israelites. God fulfilled His promise and gave them victory over their enemies. The Israelites were able to utterly destroy both the people and their cities.
Application: God’s faithfulness and power are evident in His deliverance of the Israelites. It reminds us that when we trust in God and follow His leading, He will fight our battles for us. We may face obstacles, challenges, or enemies in our own lives, but if we rely on God, He will provide the strength and victory we need. It’s important to remember that our battles are ultimately won by God’s power, not by our own abilities.
The Name of the Place: The verse concludes by stating that the place where this victory took place was called Hormah. The name “Hormah” means “destruction” or “devotion.” It signifies the complete destruction of the Canaanites and their cities.
Application: The naming of the place serves as a reminder of God’s judgment upon the Canaanites due to their wickedness and idolatry. It also reminds the Israelites of their commitment to follow God’s command to utterly destroy the Canaanites and not be tempted by their idolatrous practices. This serves as a warning for the Israelites and for us to remain faithful to God and avoid being influenced by sinful practices in the world around us.
Overall, Numbers 21:3 showcases God’s faithfulness, His response to His people’s cry, His deliverance, and His judgment. It encourages us to trust in God’s power and to remain faithful in our relationship with Him, knowing that He is always ready to hear our voice and provide for our needs.
