Of Snakes and Victories: Chapter 21 begins a new movement in the book of Numbers. The deaths of Miriam and Aaron and the sin of Moses in chapter 20 mark milestones, and the camp is again on the move. In the final chapters of the book, the action moves to the Transjordan plateau and the journey to the land of Canaan.

Chapters 11–20 have been dominated by rebellion, death, and defeat. In chapter 21 are the first signs of military success. Although another rebellion story follows the first victory (vv. 1–3), the chapter ends with further victories and therefore marks a kind of transition into the hopeful concluding section of the book.

21:1–3  The chapter begins with a note of defeat for Israel. The Canaanite king of Arad attacks and captures some Israelites. In response, Israel enters into dia…