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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 24:21 Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: "Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/24-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/04_Num_24_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 24:21 - Balaam's Final Three Oracles" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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your nest is set in the rocks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he looked on the Kenite, and took up his discourse and said, “Enduring is your dwelling place, and your nest is set in the rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then he looked on the Kenites, and he took up his oracle and said: “Firm is your dwelling place, And your nest is set in the rock;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he looked at the Kenite, and took up his discourse and said, “Your dwelling place is enduring, And your nest is set in the cliff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And he looked at the Kenite, and took up his discourse and said, &#8220Your dwelling place is enduring, And your nest is set in the cliff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he looked at the Kenite, and took up his discourse and said, “Your dwelling place is enduring, And your nest is set in the cliff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he looked at the Kenite and took up his discourse and said, “Your habitation is enduring, And your nest is set in the cliff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And Balaam looked at the Kenites and took up his [sixth] discourse (oracle) and said: “Strong is your dwelling place, And you set your nest in the cliff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Next he saw the Kenites and proclaimed his poem: Your dwelling place is enduring; your nest is set in the cliffs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Next he saw the Kenites and proclaimed his poem: Your dwelling place is enduring; your nest is set in the cliffs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he looked on the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwelling-place, And thy nest is set in the rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"And this is what I saw about the Kenites: They think they're safe, living among the rocks, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he looked on the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwelling place, And thy nest is set in the rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then he saw the Kenites and delivered this message: "You have a permanent place to live. Your nest is built in a rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In his vision he saw the Kenites, and uttered this prophecy: "The place where you live is secure, Safe as a nest set high on a cliff, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Balaam also uttered this prophetic statement about the Kenites: "Your dwelling places are stable, because your nest is carved in solid rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: ?Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then he looked on the Kenites and uttered this oracle: "Your dwelling place seems strong, and your nest is set on a rocky cliff. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He looked at the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said, "Your dwelling place is strong. Your nest is set in the rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwelling-place, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He looked at the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said, “Your dwelling place is strong. Your nest is set in the rock. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he sees the Kenite, and takes up his allegory, and says: “Your dwelling [is] enduring, "" And your nest is being set in a rock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he seeth the Kenite, and taketh up his simile, and saith: 'Enduring is thy dwelling, And setting in a rock thy nest,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will see the Kenite, and he will take up his parable, and say, Strong thy dwelling, and put thy nest in the rock.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He saw also the Cinite: and took up his parable, and said: Thy habitation in- deed is strong: but though thou build thy nest in a rock, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Likewise, he saw the Kainites, and taking up his parable, he said: “Robust, indeed, is your habitation. But though you will set your nest in a rock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Upon seeing the Kenites, he recited his poem: Though your dwelling is safe, and your nest is set on a cliff; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he looked on the Kenite, and uttered his oracle, saying: “Enduring is your dwelling place, and your nest is set in the rock;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he looked on the Kenites and took up his parable and said, Strong is your dwelling place, and your nest is set in a rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he saw the Qainites and he lifted up his proverb and said: “Your habitat is strong and your nest is set on a cliff.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he looked on the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said: Though firm be thy dwelling-place, And though thy nest be set in the rock;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And having seen the Kenite, he took up his parable and said, thy dwelling-place <i>is</i> strong; yet though thou shouldest put thy nest in a rock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/24-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7688" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/24.htm">Balaam's Final Three Oracles</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20</span>Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.” <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">Next he saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7017.htm" title="7017: haq·qê·nî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Members of the tribe of Kenites. Or Qiyniy; patronymic from Qayin; a Kenite or member of the tribe of Kajin.">the Kenites</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·śā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">and lifted up</a> <a href="/hebrew/4912.htm" title="4912: mə·šā·lōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A proverb, parable. ">an oracle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying:</a> <a href="/hebrew/4186.htm" title="4186: mō·wō·šā·ḇe·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Or moshab; from yashab; a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode; by implication, population.">“Your dwelling place</a> <a href="/hebrew/386.htm" title="386: ’ê·ṯān (Adj-ms) -- Perennial, ever-flowing, permanence. Or ethan; from an unused root; permanence; hence permanent; specifically a chieftain.">is secure,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7064.htm" title="7064: qin·ne·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A nest. Contracted from qanan; a nest, sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling.">and your nest</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: wə·śîm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">is set</a> <a href="/hebrew/5553.htm" title="5553: bas·se·la‘ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A crag, cliff. From an unused root meaning to be lofty; a craggy rock, literally or figuratively.">in a cliff.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/obadiah/1-3.htm">Obadiah 1:3-4</a></span><br />The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ / Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/49-16.htm">Jeremiah 49:16</a></span><br />The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain summit. Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-13.htm">Isaiah 14:13-15</a></span><br />You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” / But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/34-5.htm">Isaiah 34:5-15</a></span><br />When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. / The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom. / And the wild oxen will fall with them, the young bulls with the strong ones. Their land will be drenched with blood, and their soil will be soaked with fat. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/35-2.htm">Ezekiel 35:2-4</a></span><br />“Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it, / and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Mount Seir. I will stretch out My hand against you and make you a desolate waste. / I will turn your cities into ruins, and you will become a desolation. Then you will know that I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/9-2.htm">Amos 9:2-3</a></span><br />Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down. / Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-12.htm">Isaiah 2:12-17</a></span><br />For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled— / against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan, / against all the tall mountains, against all the high hills, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-7.htm">Isaiah 47:7-11</a></span><br />You said, ‘I will be queen forever.’ You did not take these things to heart or consider their outcome. / So now hear this, O lover of luxury who sits securely, who says to herself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or know the loss of children.’ / These two things will overtake you in a moment, in a single day: loss of children, and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the potency of your spells. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-19.htm">Isaiah 13:19-22</a></span><br />And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. / She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. / But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/21-11.htm">Isaiah 21:11-12</a></span><br />This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?” / The watchman replies, “Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/34-8.htm">Isaiah 34:8-10</a></span><br />For the LORD has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion. / Edom’s streams will be turned to tar, and her soil to sulfur; her land will become a blazing pitch. / It will not be quenched—day or night. Its smoke will ascend forever. From generation to generation it will lie desolate; no one will ever again pass through it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-1.htm">Isaiah 63:1-6</a></span><br />Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” / Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? / “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/34-1.htm">Isaiah 34:1-4</a></span><br />Come near, O nations, to listen; pay attention, O peoples. Let the earth hear, and all that fills it, the world and all that springs from it. / The LORD is angry with all the nations and furious with all their armies. He will devote them to destruction; He will give them over to slaughter. / Their slain will be left unburied, and the stench of their corpses will rise; the mountains will flow with their blood. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/34-11.htm">Isaiah 34:11-15</a></span><br />The desert owl and screech owl will possess it, and the great owl and raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos and a plumb line of destruction. / No nobles will be left to proclaim a king, and all her princes will come to nothing. / Her towers will be overgrown with thorns, her fortresses with thistles and briers. She will become a haunt for jackals, an abode for ostriches. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/34-16.htm">Isaiah 34:16-17</a></span><br />Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of these will go missing, not one will lack her mate, because He has ordered it by His mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit. / He has allotted their portion; His hand has distributed it by measure. They will possess it forever; they will dwell in it from generation to generation.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is your dwelling place, and you put your nest in a rock.</p><p class="hdg">the Kenite.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/10-11.htm">Genesis 10:11</a></b></br> Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/4-2.htm">Ezra 4:2</a></b></br> Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye <i>do</i>; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/83-8.htm">Psalm 83:8</a></b></br> Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/8-33.htm">Cliff</a> <a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/numbers/24-5.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/revelation/13-6.htm">Dwelling-Place</a> <a href="/revelation/2-3.htm">Enduring</a> <a href="/genesis/15-19.htm">Kenite</a> <a href="/judges/5-24.htm">Ken'ite</a> <a href="/genesis/15-19.htm">Kenites</a> <a href="/exodus/29-45.htm">Living-Place</a> <a href="/mark/4-32.htm">Nest</a> <a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-15.htm">Puttest</a> <a href="/numbers/20-11.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-19.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-17.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/numbers/10-6.htm">Setting</a> <a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Story</a> <a href="/numbers/24-18.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Uttered</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/14-4.htm">Cliff</a> <a href="/numbers/24-23.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/numbers/33-40.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-27.htm">Dwelling-Place</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-35.htm">Enduring</a> <a href="/numbers/24-22.htm">Kenite</a> <a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Ken'ite</a> <a href="/numbers/24-22.htm">Kenites</a> <a href="/numbers/32-40.htm">Living-Place</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-6.htm">Nest</a> <a href="/numbers/24-23.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/numbers/24-23.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-18.htm">Puttest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-15.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/numbers/31-15.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-20.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-10.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-8.htm">Setting</a> <a href="/numbers/24-23.htm">Story</a> <a href="/numbers/28-7.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/numbers/24-23.htm">Uttered</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Balaam, leaving divinations, prophesies the happiness of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Balak, in anger, dismisses him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/24-15.htm">He prophesies of the Star of Jacob, and the destruction of some nations</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying:</b><br>The Kenites were a nomadic tribe with connections to the Midianites and Israelites. They are often associated with Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, who was a priest of Midian. This connection suggests a shared history and possibly shared religious practices with the Israelites. The Kenites' presence in the narrative highlights the diverse groups interacting with Israel during their wilderness journey. The act of lifting up an oracle indicates a divine message or prophecy, suggesting that Balaam, the speaker, is conveying a message from God concerning the Kenites.<p><b>“Your dwelling place is secure,</b><br>The phrase suggests stability and safety for the Kenites. Historically, the Kenites were known for their metalworking skills, which may have contributed to their economic stability and security. The assurance of a secure dwelling place could also imply divine favor or protection, possibly due to their association with the Israelites. This security contrasts with the often tumultuous existence of other nomadic tribes in the region.<p><b>and your nest is set in a cliff.</b><br>This imagery of a nest set in a cliff suggests a strong, defensible position, likely referring to the Kenites' geographical location. Cliffs and high places were considered strategic for defense in ancient times, providing natural fortification against enemies. The metaphor of a nest also implies care and nurturing, indicating that the Kenites' position is not only secure but also a place of growth and sustenance. This imagery can be seen as a reflection of God's provision and protection, similar to how He cares for Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/kenites.htm">Kenites</a></b><br>A 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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/o/oracle.htm">Oracle</a></b><br>A divine message or prophecy. In this context, Balaam delivers an oracle concerning the Kenites, highlighting their secure dwelling.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/nest_in_a_rock.htm">Nest in a Rock</a></b><br>A metaphor used by Balaam to describe the security and stability of the Kenites' dwelling, symbolizing strength and protection.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region where Balak, the king, sought to curse Israel through Balaam. It serves as the backdrop for Balaam's oracles.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/security_in_god's_plan.htm">Security in God’s Plan</a></b><br>The Kenites' secure dwelling symbolizes the security found in aligning with God's purposes. Believers can find assurance in God's protection and provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prophecy.htm">The Power of Prophecy</a></b><br>Balaam'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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_and_craftsmanship.htm">Wisdom and Craftsmanship</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/stability_in_faith.htm">Stability in Faith</a></b><br>Just 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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_differing_census_counts.htm">Numbers 3 - How do we reconcile these population figures with other biblical passages that present different census counts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_2_sam_24_9_and_1_chr_21_differ.htm">Why is there a discrepancy between the numbers given in 2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21 for the same census?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_1_chr_21_5_and_2_sam_24_9_differ.htm">Why are the census figures in 1 Chronicles 21:5 different from those in 2 Samuel 24:9?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_levites'_lands_align_biblically.htm">In Joshua 14:3-4, how does the Levites' lack of a territorial inheritance align with other biblical passages that mention Levitical cities and lands?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21-22) <span class= "bld">And he</span> <span class= "bld">looked on the Kenites . . . --</span>According to the ordinary interpretation of these verses the continuous destruction of the Kenites is foretold until the Israelites should be taken captive by the Assyrians. The Kenites are included amongst the tribes whose country Abraham's descendants were to possess (<a href="/genesis/15-19.htm" title="The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites,">Genesis 15:19</a>). A portion of this tribe, however (for there is no evidence that the Canaanitish and the Midianitish Kenites had a different origin), joined the Israelites, and settled on the southern border of Judah (<a href="/judges/1-16.htm" title="And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelled among the people.">Judges 1:16</a>). If the Authorised Version of these verses be adopted, it is reasonable to conclude that the Kenites to whom Balaam's prophecy referred must have been included amongst the enemies of Israel, whose destruction, in common with their other foes, is here predicted. It is obvious that this interpretation is open to two serious objections:--(1) that the natural reference of the words "carry thee away captive" is to the Kenites, not to the Israelites; and (2) that as the later history, as well as the Book of Numbers, makes mention only of those Kenites who allied themselves with the Israelites, we should naturally expect that in accordance with the promise which was given to Hobab by Moses (<a href="/numbers/10-29.htm" title="And Moses said to Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying to the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come you with us, and we will do you good: for the LORD has spoken good concerning Israel.">Numbers 10:29</a>), the Kenites should be distinguished from the enemies of Israel, and be exempted from the destruction with which they were threatened. Another rendering of <a href="/numbers/24-22.htm" title="Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry you away captive.">Numbers 24:22</a>, and one which appears to be more agreeable to the context in which it stands, is the following:--"For surely the Kenites shall not be destroyed until Asshur shall carry thee into captivity." This version has the support of the Targum of Palestine and other authorities. It is true that there is no express record of the fulfilment of this prophecy, but it is not probable that the Assyrians spared the Kenites who were settled amongst the Israelites; and we know from <a href="/jeremiah/35-11.htm" title="But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.">Jeremiah 35:11</a> that after the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar, the Rechabites, who were of the Kenite race (<a href="/1_chronicles/2-55.htm" title="And the families of the scribes which dwelled at Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab.">1Chronicles 2:55</a>), came to Jerusalem for fear of the armies of the Chaldeans and Syrians. If <span class= "ital">Asshur </span>denotes in this place <span class= "ital">the Assyrians </span>in the later acceptation of the term, it must be remembered that one branch of the Kenites settled in Naphtali, near Kadesh (<a href="/judges/4-11.htm" title="Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent to the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.">Judges 4:11</a>). <span class= "ital">Asshur, </span>however, appears to be used in a wider sense, so as to include all the nations which proceeded from it (see <a href="/numbers/24-24.htm" title="And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.">Numbers 24:24</a>). Even the Persian king is called, as Keil has observed, King of Asshur (<a href="/ezra/6-22.htm" title="And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.">Ezra 6:22</a>). If this interpretation of the text be received, the antithesis between the doom of the Amalekites and the deliverance of the Kenites exactly corresponds to the attitude assumed by those tribes respectively in regard to Israel. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He looked on the Kenites.</span> This <span class="accented">mashal</span> is excessively obscure, for both the subject of it and the drift of it are disputed. On the one hand, the Kenites are mentioned among the Canaanitish tribes that were to be dispossessed, in Gem 15:19; on the other, they are identified with the Midianitish tribe to which Hobab and Raguel belonged, in <a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Judges 1:16</a>, and apparently in <a href="/1_samuel/15-6.htm">1 Samuel 15:6</a> (see on Numbers 10:29). It has been supposed that the friendly Kenites had by this time loft the camp of Israel and established themselves by conquest in the south of Canaan, and even that they had occupied the territory and taken the name of the original Kenites of <a href="/genesis/15-19.htm">Genesis 15:19</a>. This, however, is a mere conjecture, and a very improbable one. That a weak tribe like that of Hobab should have done what Israel had not dared to do, and settled themselves by force of arms in Southern Palestine, and, further, that they should be already known by the name of those whom they had destroyed, is extremely unlikely, and is inconsistent with the statement in <a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Judges 1:16</a>. <span class="cmt_word">And thou puttest thy nest in a rock.</span> Rather, "and thy nest laid (<span class="hebrew">שִׂים</span>) upon a rock." We do not know where the Kenites dwelt, and therefore we cannot tell whether this expression is to be understood literally or figuratively. If the Canaanitish tribe is here spoken of, it is very likely they had their residence in some strong mountain fastness, but if the Midianitish tribe, then there is no reason to suppose that they had crossed the Jordan at all In that case the "nest" must be wholly figurative, and must refer to that strong confidence which they placed in the protection of the God of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/24-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Next he saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּרְא֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Kenites</span><br /><span class="heb">הַקֵּינִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(haq·qê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7017.htm">Strong's 7017: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kenite -- members of the tribe of Kenites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and lifted up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשָּׂ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an oracle,</span><br /><span class="heb">מְשָׁל֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(mə·šā·lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4912.htm">Strong's 4912: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pithy maxim, a simile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saying:</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמַ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Your dwelling place</span><br /><span class="heb">מֽוֹשָׁבֶ֔ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(mō·wō·šā·ḇe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4186.htm">Strong's 4186: </a> </span><span class="str2">A seat, assembly, dwelling place, dwelling, dwellers</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is secure,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵיתָן֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_386.htm">Strong's 386: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perennial, ever-flowing, permanence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and your nest</span><br /><span class="heb">קִנֶּֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(qin·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7064.htm">Strong's 7064: </a> </span><span class="str2">A nest, the nestlings, a chamber, dwelling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is set</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשִׂ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·śîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in a cliff.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּסֶּ֖לַע</span> <span class="translit">(bas·se·la‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5553.htm">Strong's 5553: </a> </span><span class="str2">A craggy rock</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/24-21.htm">Numbers 24:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/24-21.htm">Numbers 24:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/24-21.htm">Numbers 24:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/24-21.htm">Numbers 24:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/24-21.htm">Numbers 24:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/24-21.htm">Numbers 24:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/24-21.htm">Numbers 24:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/24-21.htm">Numbers 24:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/24-21.htm">Numbers 24:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/24-21.htm">Numbers 24:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/24-21.htm">OT Law: Numbers 24:21 He looked at the Kenite and took (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/24-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 24:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 24:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/24-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 24:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 24:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>