Numbers 24:22
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
shall
H518
אִם
shall
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מָ֖ה
H4100
מָ֖ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Historical Context
Assyrian Empire dominated the ancient Near East from 911-609 BC, conquering Northern Israel (722 BC) and threatening Judah. Marginalized groups like Kenites, despite Israelite affiliation, were swept up in these conquests. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread Assyrian deportation policies affecting entire regions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Kenites' eventual captivity despite strong fortifications challenge faith in material security?
- What does the prophecy's long timeframe ('until Asshur') teach about God's patience and certainty of prophetic fulfillment?
- How can believers maintain security in God while living amid world systems destined for judgment?
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Analysis & Commentary
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive—The adversative nevertheless (כִּי אִם ki im, 'but surely') contrasts verse 21's apparent security with prophesied destruction. The verb wasted (לְבָעֵר leva'er, burned/consumed) predicts gradual decline before Asshur (Assyria, אַשּׁוּר) finally carries them captive.
This prophecy, fulfilled during Assyrian conquests (8th-7th centuries BC), demonstrates that even groups allied with Israel weren't exempt from judgment when surrounding nations fell. The phrase until Asshur (עַד־מַה אַשּׁוּר ad-mah Ashur) connects Kenite fate to broader Near Eastern upheavals under Assyrian imperialism. No human alliance provides ultimate security—only covenant relationship with Yahweh ensures survival through history's upheavals (Psalm 46:1-3).