Numbers 24:21
And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּרְא֙
And he looked
H7200
וַיַּרְא֙
And he looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
and took up
H5375
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
and took up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
4 of 11
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
מְשָׁל֖וֹ
his parable
H4912
מְשָׁל֖וֹ
his parable
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
אֵיתָן֙
Strong
H386
אֵיתָן֙
Strong
Strong's:
H386
Word #:
7 of 11
permanence; hence (concrete) permanent; specifically a chieftain
מֽוֹשָׁבֶ֔ךָ
is thy dwellingplace
H4186
מֽוֹשָׁבֶ֔ךָ
is thy dwellingplace
Strong's:
H4186
Word #:
8 of 11
a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population
וְשִׂ֥ים
and thou puttest
H7760
וְשִׂ֥ים
and thou puttest
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
9 of 11
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Cross References
Historical Context
The Kenites were nomadic metalworking clans descended from Cain (possibly) or simply named for their trade. Moses' father-in-law Jethro/Reuel was Kenite (Judges 1:16), establishing positive relationship with Israel. Some Kenites accompanied Israel into Canaan (Judges 1:16), while others remained semi-nomadic on Israel's margins.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Kenites' 'strong dwellingplace' that ultimately failed teach about false security in material prosperity?
- What 'nests in rocks' (seemingly secure positions) might you trust more than relationship with God?
- How does Kenite alliance with Israel (through Jethro) contrast with their predicted captivity, teaching that proximity to God's people doesn't guarantee protection without personal covenant relationship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock—The Kenites (קֵינִי Qeini, metalworkers/smiths), allied with Israel through Moses' father-in-law Jethro (Judges 1:16; 4:11), received a mixed oracle. Their dwellingplace (מוֹשָׁב moshav, habitation) was strong (אֵיתָן eitan, enduring/permanent), and their nest in a rock (קַן בַּסֶּלַע qan basela) suggested secure, elevated positioning like cliff-dwelling birds.
Despite apparent security, verse 22 predicts eventual captivity, teaching that no physical fortress substitutes for covenant relationship with God. Jesus warned against building on sand versus rock (Matthew 7:24-27)—the issue isn't location but foundation. The Kenites' metalworking skills provided economic security, but couldn't prevent later Assyrian captivity.