Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: "Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff. Next he saw the KenitesThe Kenites were a nomadic tribe mentioned several times in the Old Testament. Their name is derived from the Hebrew root "קין" (Qayin), which is also the name of Cain, suggesting a possible connection to metalworking or smithing, as Cain's descendants were known for. Historically, the Kenites were associated with the Midianites and were known for their peaceful coexistence with Israel. This phrase indicates Balaam's prophetic vision, where he acknowledges the Kenites' presence and significance among the tribes. and lifted up his oracle
The term "oracle" in Hebrew is "מָשָׁל" (mashal), which can mean a proverb, parable, or prophetic utterance. In this context, it signifies a divinely inspired message. Balaam, though a non-Israelite prophet, is used by God to deliver a message. This highlights the sovereignty of God in using various means and people to fulfill His purposes, emphasizing that divine truth can transcend human boundaries. Your dwelling place is secure
The Hebrew word for "secure" is "אֵיתָן" (etan), meaning enduring or strong. This phrase suggests stability and safety, indicating that the Kenites had established a strong and lasting settlement. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the idea of finding security in God, who is often referred to as a rock or fortress in the Bible. The Kenites' secure dwelling symbolizes the peace and protection that comes from aligning with God's will. and your nest is set in a rock
The imagery of a "nest" set in a "rock" conveys a sense of safety and permanence. The Hebrew word for "rock" is "סֶלַע" (sela), often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent strength and refuge. This phrase can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual security found in God, who is described as a rock in Psalms and other biblical texts. The Kenites' choice of a rock for their nest signifies wisdom and foresight, as building on a solid foundation ensures protection against external threats. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Instead, Balaam delivers blessings and prophecies as directed by God. 2. KenitesA nomadic tribe known for their association with the Midianites and later with the Israelites. They are descendants of Cain and are noted for their wisdom and craftsmanship. 3. OracleA divine message or prophecy. In this context, Balaam delivers an oracle concerning the Kenites, highlighting their secure dwelling. 4. Nest in a RockA metaphor used by Balaam to describe the security and stability of the Kenites' dwelling, symbolizing strength and protection. 5. MoabThe region where Balak, the king, sought to curse Israel through Balaam. It serves as the backdrop for Balaam's oracles. Teaching Points Security in God’s PlanThe Kenites' secure dwelling symbolizes the security found in aligning with God's purposes. Believers can find assurance in God's protection and provision. The Power of ProphecyBalaam's oracle demonstrates that true prophecy comes from God and cannot be manipulated by human desires. This teaches the importance of seeking God's will over personal agendas. Wisdom and CraftsmanshipThe Kenites were known for their skills and wisdom. Christians are encouraged to use their God-given talents for His glory and the benefit of His people. Stability in FaithJust as the Kenites' nest was set in a rock, believers are called to build their lives on the solid foundation of faith in Christ, the Rock of our salvation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the security of the Kenites' dwelling place reflect the security we have in Christ? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are built on the "rock" of faith, as symbolized by the Kenites' nest? 3. How does Balaam's inability to curse Israel despite Balak's wishes illustrate the sovereignty of God over human intentions? 4. What can we learn from the Kenites' relationship with Israel about forming alliances and friendships that honor God? 5. How can we use our skills and talents, like the Kenites, to serve God and His people in our communities today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 4The Kenites are traditionally linked to Cain, the firstborn of Adam and Eve, which provides a historical context for their lineage. Judges 4-5The Kenites are mentioned in the account of Jael, who played a crucial role in the defeat of Sisera, showing their continued presence and influence in Israel's history. 1 Samuel 15The Kenites are spared by Saul during his campaign against the Amalekites, indicating their favorable relationship with Israel. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Cliff, Discourse, Dwelling, Dwelling-place, Enduring, Firm, Fixed, Kenite, Ken'ite, Kenites, Living-place, Nest, Oracle, Parable, Puttest, Rock, Safe, Secret, Secure, Setting, Simile, Story, Strong, Taketh, Though, UtteredDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:15-24 1421 oracles Numbers 24:21-22 4675 nest Library While Antony was Thus Speaking all Rejoiced; in Some the Love of virtue Increased...
44. While Antony was thus speaking all rejoiced; in some the love of virtue increased, in others carelessness was thrown aside, the self-conceit of others was stopped; and all were persuaded to despise the assaults of the Evil One, and marvelled at the grace given to Antony from the Lord for the discerning of spirits. So their cells were in the mountains, like filled with holy bands of men who sang psalms, loved reading, fasted, prayed, rejoiced in the hope of things to come, laboured in alms-giving, …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or AthanasiusThe Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch.
In the Messianic prophecies contained in Genesis we cannot fail to perceive a remarkable progress in clearness and definiteness. The first Messianic prediction, which was uttered immediately after the fall of Adam, is also the most indefinite. Opposed to the awful threatening there stands the consolatory promise, that the dominion of sin, and of the evil arising from sin, shall not last for ever, but that the seed of the woman shall, at some future time, overthrow their dreaded conqueror. With the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Elucidations.
I. (Princes and kings, [154]p. 13.) How memorable the histories, moreover, of Nebuchadnezzar [1609] and his decrees; of Darius [1610] and his also; but especially of Cyrus and his great monumental edict! [1611] The beautiful narratives of the Queen of Sheba and of the Persian consort of Queen Esther (probably Xerxes) are also manifestations of the ways of Providence in giving light to the heathen world through that "nation of priests" in Israel. But Lactantius, who uses the Sibyls so freely, should …
Lactantius—The divine institutes The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
When we turn from the Jewish dispersion' in the East to that in the West, we seem to breathe quite a different atmosphere. Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of their brethren. With those of the East rested the future of Judaism; with them of the West, in a sense, that of the world. The one represented old Israel, stretching forth its hands to where the dawn of a new day was about …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, Spring a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 35-51. ^d 35 Again on the morrow [John's direct testimony bore fruit on the second day] John was standing, and two of his disciples [An audience of two. A small field; but a large harvest]; 36 and he looked [Gazed intently. The word is used at Mark xiv. 67; Luke xxii. 61 Mark x. 21, 27. John looked searchingly at that face, which, so far as any record shows, he was never to see on earth again. The more intently we look upon Jesus, the more powerfully …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 24:21 NIVNumbers 24:21 NLTNumbers 24:21 ESVNumbers 24:21 NASBNumbers 24:21 KJV
Numbers 24:21 Commentaries
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