Now the descendants of Moses' father-in-law, the Kenite, went up with the men of Judah from the City of Palms to the Wilderness of Judah in the Negev near Arad. They went to live among the people. Now the descendants of the KeniteThe Kenites were a nomadic tribe, often associated with the Midianites. The Hebrew root for "Kenite" is "קֵינִי" (Qeyniy), which is derived from "קַיִן" (Qayin), meaning "smith" or "metalworker." This suggests that the Kenites may have been skilled in metallurgy, a valuable trade in ancient times. Their inclusion in the narrative highlights the interconnectedness of different tribes and peoples in the biblical story, emphasizing God's providence in using diverse groups to fulfill His purposes. Moses’ father-in-law
This phrase refers to Jethro, also known as Reuel, who was a priest of Midian. The Hebrew term for "father-in-law" is "חֹתֵן" (choten), indicating a familial bond that transcends mere blood relations. Jethro's wisdom and counsel were instrumental in Moses' leadership, as seen in Exodus 18. This connection underscores the importance of godly counsel and the influence of righteous individuals in the unfolding of God's plan. went up with the men of Judah
The phrase "went up" is significant in biblical geography, as it often denotes traveling to a place of higher elevation or spiritual significance. The Hebrew verb "עָלָה" (alah) means "to ascend" or "to go up." The men of Judah, representing one of the leading tribes of Israel, were known for their strength and leadership. This alliance with the Kenites illustrates the unity and cooperation among God's people as they settled in the Promised Land. from the City of Palms
The "City of Palms" is commonly identified as Jericho, known for its lush palm trees and strategic location. The Hebrew word for "palms" is "תָּמָר" (tamar), symbolizing beauty and prosperity. Jericho's mention here serves as a reminder of God's miraculous intervention in Israel's history, as it was the first city conquered under Joshua's leadership. It represents a place of victory and divine promise. to the Wilderness of Judah in the Negev near Arad
The "Wilderness of Judah" refers to the arid region south of Jerusalem, characterized by its rugged terrain and sparse vegetation. The Hebrew word "מִדְבָּר" (midbar) means "wilderness" or "desert," often symbolizing a place of testing and reliance on God. The "Negev" is the southern desert region of Israel, and "Arad" was a Canaanite city. This journey into the wilderness signifies a transition from conquest to settlement, where the people must continue to trust in God's provision. They went to live among the people
The decision to "live among the people" reflects the Kenites' integration into the Israelite community. The Hebrew verb "יָשַׁב" (yashab) means "to dwell" or "to settle," indicating a permanent residence. This integration highlights the inclusivity of God's covenant community, where those who align themselves with God's purposes are welcomed and blessed. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of God's grace, bringing diverse peoples together under His sovereign rule. Persons / Places / Events 1. KenitesA nomadic tribe, descendants of Jethro (Moses' father-in-law), who were known for their metalworking skills and lived among the Israelites. 2. Moses' Father-in-lawReferred to as Jethro or Reuel, he was a priest of Midian and provided counsel to Moses during the Exodus. 3. Men of JudahThe tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and strength. 4. City of PalmsAnother name for Jericho, a significant city in Israel's history, known for its conquest by Joshua. 5. Wilderness of Judah in the Negev near AradA desert region in southern Israel, indicating the challenging environment the Kenites chose to settle in. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly AlliancesThe Kenites' decision to align with Judah demonstrates the value of forming alliances with those who follow God. This can be applied in our lives by choosing friendships and partnerships that encourage spiritual growth. Faithfulness Across GenerationsThe Kenites' continued relationship with Israel reflects the importance of maintaining faithfulness to God across generations. We should strive to pass down our faith and values to future generations. Living Among the PeopleThe Kenites chose to live among the Israelites, showing the importance of community and integration. As believers, we are called to live in community, supporting and encouraging one another in faith. Adaptability and Trust in GodSettling in the wilderness required adaptability and trust in God's provision. In our lives, we must be willing to adapt to new circumstances, trusting that God will provide for our needs. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the relationship between the Kenites and the Israelites reflect the importance of godly alliances in our lives today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our faith and values are passed down to future generations, as seen in the Kenites' continued relationship with Israel? 3. What can we learn from the Kenites about the importance of living in community with other believers? 4. How can we apply the Kenites' adaptability and trust in God to our own life situations? 5. How does the account of the Kenites connect with other biblical examples of faithful alliances, and what lessons can we draw from these connections? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 18This chapter details the relationship between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro, highlighting the Kenites' connection to Israel. 1 Samuel 15:6Saul warns the Kenites to separate from the Amalekites, showing the continued peaceful relationship between the Kenites and Israel. Numbers 10:29-32Moses invites Hobab, a Kenite, to join the Israelites, emphasizing the Kenites' role as allies and guides. People Abednego, Achsah, Adonibezek, Ahiman, Amalekites, Amorites, Anak, Anath, Arad, Arba, Asher, Asherites, Benjamin, Benjamites, Caleb, Canaanites, Dan, Danites, Debir, Edomites, Hittites, Hobab, Israelites, Jebusites, Joseph, Joshua, Kenaz, Manasseh, Naphtali, Naphtalites, Othniel, Perizzites, Rehob, Sheshai, Simeon, Simeonites, Talmai, Zebulun, ZidonPlaces Acco, Achzib, Ahlab, Aijalon, Akrabbim, Aphik, Arad, Ashkelon, Beth-anath, Bethel, Beth-shan, Beth-shemesh, Bezek, Debir, Dor, Ekron, Gaza, Gezer, Gibeah, Hebron, Helbah, Hormah, Ibleam, Jerusalem, Kiriath-arba, Kiriath-sepher, Kitron, Luz, Megiddo, Mount Heres, Nahalol, Negeb, Rehob, Sela, Shaalbim, Sidon, Taanach, ZephathTopics Amalekites, Arad, Brother-in-law, Descendants, Desert, Dwell, Dwelt, Father-in-law, Hobab, Judah, Kenite, Ken'ite, Law, Lies, Lieth, Moses's, Negeb, Negev, Palm, Palms, Palm-trees, Settled, Sons, South, Town, Trees, Waste, WildernessDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 1:16 4230 desert Judges 1:1-20 7266 tribes of Israel Library The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the BibleThe Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Tsippor
"Tsippor is the greatest city of Galilee, and built in a very strong place." "Kitron (Judg 1:29,30) is Tsippor: and why is it called Tsippor? Because it is seated upon a mountain as Tsippor, a bird." "Sixteen miles on all sides from Tsippor was a land flowing with milk and honey." This city is noted in Josephus for its warlike affairs; but most noted in the Talmudists for the university fixed there, and for the learning, which Rabbi Judah the Holy brought hither, as we have said before. He sat in …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
ISRAEL'S VICTORIES OVER THE CANAANITES.--Josh. 2-9; Judg. 1, 4, 5. Parallel Readings. Hist. Bible II,1-4.1. Prin. of Politics X. That the leaders took the lead in Israel, That the people volunteered readily, Bless Jehovah! Zebulun was a people who exposed themselves to deadly peril, And Naphtali on the heights of the open field. Kings came, they fought; They fought, the kings of Canaan, At Taanach by the Waters of Megiddo, They took no booty of silver. Prom heaven fought the stars, From their …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: Advent of the Hebrews] Modern discovery and research have demonstrated that the truth revealed through the Babylonians and with less definiteness through the people of the Nile was never entirely lost. Such a sad waste was out of accord with the obvious principles of divine economy. As the icy chill of ceremonialism seized decadent Babylonia and Egypt, there emerged from the steppes south and east of Palestine a virile, ambitious group of nomads, who not only fell heir to that which …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Scythopolis. Beth-Shean, the Beginning of Galilee.
The bonds of Galilee were, "on the south, Samaris and Scythopolis, unto the flood of Jordan." Scythopolis is the same with Beth-shean, of which is no seldom mention in the Holy Scriptures, Joshua 17:11; Judges 1:27; 1 Samuel 31:10. "Bethsaine (saith Josephus), called by the Greeks Scythopolis." It was distant but a little way from Jordan, seated in the entrance to a great valley: for so the same author writes, "Having passed Jordan, they came to a great plain, where lies before you the city Bethsane," …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
Coming down from Syria, it would have been difficult to fix the exact spot where, in the view of the Rabbis, "the land" itself began. The boundary lines, though mentioned in four different documents, are not marked in anything like geographical order, but as ritual questions connected with them came up for theological discussion. For, to the Rabbis the precise limits of Palestine were chiefly interesting so far as they affected the religious obligations or privileges of a district. And in this respect …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 1:16 NIVJudges 1:16 NLTJudges 1:16 ESVJudges 1:16 NASBJudges 1:16 KJV
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