Numbers 21:1

the Canaanite This is perhaps to be understood as a gentilic noun, denoting -the Canaanites" collectively, in which case -the king of Arad" is a later addition. The Canaanites are in the same territory in which they are found in Numbers 14:25 (see note there).

Arad The modern Tell -Arad. It lies 17 miles south of Hebron, and 50 miles north, and slightly to the east, of Kadesh. The king of Arad is mentioned in conjunction with the king of Hormah in Joshua 12:14. And the -Negeb of Arad" (i.e. that part of the Negeb in which Arad was situated) is identified in Judges 1:16 with the wilderness of Judah, to which the Kenites moved in company with the tribes of Judah.

the way of Atharim The meaning of the word is unknown, and perhaps it is safest to take it (with R.V.) as a proper name. R.V. marg. retains the rendering of A.V. -the spies," a suggestion derived from the Targum. Dillmann refers to an Arabic word athar, -a footprint," or -trace," and suggests that -the way of Atharim" might mean -the track-way," i.e. -the caravan route."