35 verses
Israel faces the Canaanite king Arad, endures wilderness trials with fiery serpents, and after the brass serpent miracle, conquers the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, taking their lands.
The Israelites encounter King Arad of Canaan, wrestle with the Canaanites, and God delivers them, allowing Israel to destroy the enemy cities and name the place Hormah. As they travel from Mount Hor along the Red Sea, the people grow discouraged and complain about lack of food and water, prompting God to send fiery serpents that bite many. The Israelites repent, Moses prays, and God instructs him to make a brass serpent on a pole so that those who look upon it will live. The Israelites then journey through various wilderness locations, including Oboth, Ijeabarim, Zared, and the valley of Arnon, eventually reaching the well of Beer. They sing a song of gratitude for water and continue toward the lands of the Amorites, where they send messengers to King Sihon requesting passage. Sihon refuses and attacks Israel; Israel defeats him, takes his land from the Arnon to Jabbok, and occupies many cities, including Heshbon. Following this, they confront King Og of Bashan, who is also defeated, and they occupy his land as well.
mixed
Both divine judgment and mercy are depicted, reflecting complex emotions of conflict and relief.