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.
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explains that this event occurred after the death of Aharon, when the protective "clouds of glory" were temporarily withdrawn, emboldening the Kena'anim to attack (Rashi on Bamidbar 21:1, citing Midrash Tanchuma).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
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.