Numbers 21 Don’t You Dare
Israel is at Mt. Hor. The neighbors have heard they are coming their way. The King of Arad says, “Don’t you dare come this way!” Israel is coming anyway.
I have to admit to a little confusion here. I’m wondering if the people were on the move when they encountered this attacking army, or if there were still at Mt. Hor. As we are not told they moved out until after this event, I’m going to assume that they were still at Mt. Hor. The king of Arad had probably been watching them for some time. He probably knew that Edom had told them not to come through his land. And, as they were clearly going around Edom, the king figured they were on his way.
This king made a pre-emptive strike. And it was the worst thing he could do. Israel had not set its sights on his territory; yet. But his actions brought them front and center for Israel to deal with. Let’s join our congregation as they encounter the king of Arad.
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The days of mourning for Aaron are coming to an end. The people believe that, when they are completed, they will be moving on towards the Promised Land. Those of the nations nearby think the same thing. Edom is fairly certain that Israel will not come through their territory. Why ask permission if you were going to do it anyway. Arad is convinced that Israel will try and come through their land. And he doesn’t like it one bit.
The stories of Israel’s escape from slavery in Egypt, and the crossing of the Red Sea, are more than 40 years old. The story of the battle Israel engaged in with Refidim is also long past. Israel hasn’t engaged in battle since then. Surely the 40 years of wandering has made Israel weak; or so their enemies think.
“What are we to do about this band of people who are on our southern boarder” asks the king of Arad of his Captain of the Guard. “And who are they anyway?”
“They are the people who left from Egypt over 40 years ago.”
“What have they been doing in all that time” asks the king with confusion.
“Wandering around. They make camp for a little while, then get up and move to a new campsite.”
“Aren’t they a numerous people? Why would they keep wandering?”
“Their numbers are vast. Maybe they are trying to find a place to settle. I’ve heard that their God has promised them OUR land.”
“NO WAY am I giving them my land! I’m going to put a stop to this.” The king gets up and starts pacing. “I want you to attack them where they are right now. Make CERTAIN they know the cost of going against us.”
A smile appears on the guard’s face as he realizes what the king is proposing. “We attack them before they have a chance to attack us. Your wish is my command my king.”
“When you attack them, make sure to bring prisoners back. Having captives makes Israel less likely to force their way in. They won’t want them killed in retaliation.
“It will be done at once my king!”
The captain of the guard hurries to address his troops. “Ready yourselves for battle! We leave at first light.”
“Where are we going?”
“We are going to battle Israel. To show them that they are not welcome in our land either. If Edom can turn them our way, we can turn them back around.”
A rousing cheer goes up from the troops. They rush back to their assigned areas and begin preparing for departure. They are to leave at first light.
Israel is completely unaware of what is going on across the border from them. They know nothing of the danger that is coming their way. The days are filled with caring for the children, tending their animals, preparing for whatever comes next, and following the Laws brought to them by Moses. They aren’t always successful at any of these things, but they are trying.
The soldiers from Arad use stealth to get close to Israel’s camp. At the last minute they sound a cry of battle. They rush toward the camp, swinging their swords at anyone who moves.
Israel wasn’t completely unprepared. Her men were trained for battle. And there were guards posted on watch at all times. The alarm is sounded just as the attack begins. Men scramble into their fighting gear and rush towards the danger.
Shields and swords clash against one another as the two forces struggle for victory. The forces of Arad’s main goal was to capture some of the Israelites so they could discover their plans. They weren’t focused on defeating all of Israel. Instead, they used a ‘hit-and-run’ attack, dragging back with them 20 or so prisoners. Once the forces who had the prisoners had made it to safety, the rest of the attacking forces retreated, leaving Israel to believe they had won.
Only when it was discovered that men were missing did Israel discern the reason for the attack. And it infuriated them!
“How DARE they take our people captive! How DARE they take GOD’S people captive” became their main cry. This would not go unpunished.
The FIRST place the people turned to was Moses.
“Moses, pray to the Lord on our behalf. Ask Him to give us victory over those who have taken some of our number captive.”
“And what would you have me give the Lord in return for this victory?”
“What do you mean? What would He require?”
“The Lord has told us that we are to devote all the inhabitants in the land to destruction. Would you be willing to commit yourselves to this?”
ALL of the people agreed, and promised as one. “If you will indeed give this people into my hand, then I will devote their cities to destruction.” (Numbers 21:2)
“He has heard your promise. He will go with you to war against the people. When you strike down ALL the inhabitants, He will be at your side. IF you fall short, turn aside, or reserve for yourself any portion, He will fight against you.”
“We will be faithful to our vow.”
All the men prepare for battle. Once all are ready, they march out to Arad. There will be no mercy, no quarter given.
The king od Arad did not expect Israel to strike back. He believed that they would have been afraid after his attack. He has had his people ‘questioning’ the captives for hours, but they have revealed nothing of Israel’s plans or forces.
A cry goes up from the watchman, alerting the forces of Israel’s approach. Within minutes, the forces of Arad rushed through the city gates. Swords and shields clash again.
This time none of the Israelites are falling. The forces of Arad are begin driven back into the city and anything that moves meets with destruction. After two hours, the only ones standing are the men of Israel. Even those who had been taken captive, stand beside them.
Breathing heavily from the exertion of battle, some of the men began to search the bodies of the dead for spoils.
“Don’t do that!” comes the cry of Joshua. “We promised to devote all the city to destruction. That includes any spoils.”
The men stop their search immediately. Instead, they make piles throughout the city to burn. With torches lit from the first fire, homes and businesses are set ablaze. Even the king’s palace is soon an inferno.
The men of Israel retreat to a safe place and watch as the city burns to the ground. Nothing remains of the once proud city but ash. When the last timber falls, the men of Israel turn and make their way back to their camp.
Praises to the Lord can be heard as the men draw nearer to the camp. “The Lord has triumphed gloriously!”
Moses welcomes them all back to camp and a victory dinner follows. The whole camp celebrates the return of the captives and the victory from the Lord.
(to be continued)
The stories about total devastation are NOT my favorite stories. I purposefully don’t go into detail about what comes into my mind. You probably don’t want to hear the destruction I see. I understand God’s reason for calling for TOTAL destruction though. When people remain, they bring their beliefs with them into captivity or wherever. Israel then incorporates those beliefs into their own society. That is how they got in trouble so many times! No people, no proselytes. But it still hurts hearing about it.
Father God, thank You again for sharing Your story with me. I hurt for all those who lost their lives; on both sides. Being on this side of Your promise of salvation, puts me into a time when we are called to love instead of destroy. I’m VERY grateful for being on this side!
What happened to the people of Arad? Did they have an opportunity to choose You? Did any of them ‘make the cut’ in the ‘good men’ category? If so, did they enter Abraham’s Bosom? There is so much I don’t know. It probably doesn’t have any impact on me in the long run, but I’m still curious. I will have to wait for an answer on this one too, until we are face-to-face.
