Numbers 21:1-5 ▼

1 When the Canaanite (merchant) king of Arad (a wild donkey), who lived in the Negev (southland), heard that Israel (he wrestles with God) was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked Israel and captured some prisoners.

2 So Israel (he wrestles with God) made a vow to the LORD {YHWH}: “If You will deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction {cherem}.

3 And the LORD {YHWH} heard Israel’s (he wrestles with God) plea and delivered up the Canaanites (merchants). Israel devoted them and their cities to destruction; so they named the place Hormah (destruction).

4 Then they set out from Mount Hor (mountain) along the route to the Red Sea (the Sea of Reeds), in order to bypass the land of Edom (red). But the people grew impatient on the journey

5 and spoke against God {Elohim} and against Moses (drawn out): “Why have you⁺ led us up out of Egypt (land of bondage) to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!”