Judges 1:16-17
And the descendants of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up with the people of Judah from the city of palms into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the Negeb near Arad, and they went and settled with the people. And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they defeated the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath and devoted it to destruction. So the name of the city was called Hormah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's easily missed is that this passage highlights the Kenites, descendants of Moses' father-in-law, choosing to join the Israelites in their settlement and conquest. This wasn't just an incidental detail; it shows how people outside the direct lineage of Abraham were being incorporated into God’s people, mirroring God's welcoming heart for all nations. Their willingness to "dwell among the people" signifies a significant step of integration into the covenant community.
Following the initial successes of Judah and Simeon against various Canaanite settlements, this verse highlights a significant migration. The Kenites, descendants of Moses' father-in-law, move from the Jericho area ("city of palm trees") alongside the tribe of Judah. They venture into the arid wilderness south of Arad and establish a new home among the Judahites, indicating a continued integration and alliance with Israel.
How does the story of Moses' family connect to the conquest of Canaan?
The Kenites, descendants of Moses' father-in-law Jethro, are shown settling with the tribe of Judah. This isn't a random encounter; it represents a continuation of a bond forged during the Exodus. Moses had invited Jethro's people to join the Israelites, promising them a share in the inheritance (Numbers 10:29-32). This verse shows that promise being fulfilled generations later.
Their presence signifies that not all inhabitants of Canaan were outright enemies. Some, like the Kenites, had a history of alliance and faith, choosing to align themselves with God's people.
Why would a people choose to settle in the 'wilderness'?
The Kenites, alongside Judah, move into the 'wilderness of Judah, which lies in the Negeb near Arad.' This might sound desolate, but it represents a strategic and perhaps spiritual choice. The 'wilderness' here isn't necessarily an empty desert but could refer to a less populated, more rugged frontier region.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Judges 1:16-17 is available in the Sola app.
Their settlement signifies integration and partnership. They are not being conquered or displaced but are actively choosing to 'settle with the people.' This implies a shared destiny and mutual reliance as they navigated the challenges of establishing themselves in the Promised Land, particularly in the challenging southern territories ('Negeb').
Understand the original words
qeniy · Hebrew Proper Noun/Gentilic
A group of people historically associated with the Midianites or Amalekites; they maintained a positive, sometimes kinship-based relationship with Israel, notably through Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law.
tamar · Hebrew Noun phrase
A term referring to Jericho, the first city conquered by Israel under Joshua, symbolizing the gateway into the Promised Land.
negeb · Hebrew Noun
The southern region of Canaan, characterized by arid and semi-arid terrain; it served as a buffer zone and a place of nomadic grazing.
kena'aniy · Hebrew Proper Noun/Gentilic
A Canaanite people who were the original inhabitants of the land of Canaan; biblically, they represent the opposition to God's covenant people and a culture marked by idolatry and divine judgment.
charam · Hebrew Verb
The act of devoting something to God as an offering, or more commonly, placing it under a ban of total destruction because of its wickedness, effectively removing it from common use or existence.
chormah · Hebrew Proper Noun
Derived from the root for 'destruction' (cherem), this name signifies a place that was completely devoted or banned for destruction.
This verse highlights a fascinating detail: not everyone who entered the Promised Land was an Israelite by birth. The Kenites, descendants of Moses' father-in-law, were integrated into the life of the tribe of Judah, demonstrating a remarkable accommodation and shared journey.
c. 1400 BC
Moses's father-in-law's family joins Israel
Jethro's family, the Kenites, are invited by Moses to travel with the Israelites from the wilderness into the Promised Land.
c. 1350 BC
Settlement near Jericho
After the conquest of Canaan, the Kenites settle in the 'city of palm trees' (likely Jericho or its environs) with Israel's blessing.
c. 1300 BC— this verse
Judah and Kenites move south
The Kenites, along with the tribe of Judah, move from the Jericho area to the wilderness of Judah, near Arad.
c. 1290 BC
Expedition against Arad
The Kenites and the tribe of Judah undertake an expedition against the city of Arad in the southern Negeb.
c. 1050 BC
Kenites with Amalekites
Centuries later, some Kenites are found living among the Amalekites in the southern regions.
c. 1020 BC
Saul spares the Kenites
King Saul is instructed to destroy the Amalekites but is told to spare the Kenites living among them.
c. 700 BC
Rechabites continue Kenite legacy
The descendants of the Kenites, known as the Rechabites, are noted for their distinct lifestyle and obedience to their ancestral commands.
This passage shows Moses inviting his father-in-law, Hobab the Kenite, to travel with the Israelites into the Promised Land, highlighting a pre-existing relationship and offer of companionship that is fulfilled in Judges 1:16.
Judges 4:11This verse mentions Heber the Kenite, who had separated from the other Kenites, pitching his tent near the oak in Zaanannim, which is near Kedesh, showing a continued presence and separate settlements of Kenites within Canaan after the initial conquest.
1 Samuel 15:6This passage records Saul warning the Kenites to depart from among the Amalekites before attacking them, indicating that the Kenites had settled in that southern region and were known to Saul's kingdom, aligning with their settlement described in Judges 1:16.
Jeremiah 35:1-19The Rechabites, who are identified as descendants of the Kenites, are commended for their obedience to their ancestor Jonadab's command not to drink wine or build houses, illustrating the lasting legacy and distinct identity of this Kenite lineage.
Genesis 15:18-21This passage lists the Kenites among the nations inhabiting the land God promised to Abraham, showing their ancient presence in the region prior to the Israelite conquest and setting the stage for their later integration and settlement.
wesleyJudges 1:16: "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 lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people."
1:16 Moses's father - in - law - That is, of Jethro, so called from the people whom he descended, Numb 24:21,22. And, whatsoever he did, it is evident, that his posterity came into Canaan with the Israelites, and were there seated with them, see chap. 4:11,17
jfbJudges 1:16: "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 lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people."
- the children of the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah—called "the Kenite," as probably descended from the people of that name (Nu 24:21, 22). If he might not himself, his posterity did accept th…
What's easily missed is that this passage highlights the Kenites, descendants of Moses' father-in-law, choosing to join the Israelites in their settlement and conquest. This wasn't just an incidental detail; it shows how people outside the direct lineage of Abraham were being incorporated into God’s people, mirroring God's welcoming heart for all nations. Their willingness to "dwell among the people" signifies a significant step of integration into the covenant community.
Following the initial successes of Judah and Simeon against various Canaanite settlements, this verse highlights a significant migration. The Kenites, descendants of Moses' father-in-law, move from the Jericho area ("city of palm trees") alongside the tribe of Judah. They venture into the arid wilderness south of Arad and establish a new home among the Judahites, indicating a continued integration and alliance with Israel.
Following the initial successes of Judah and Simeon against various Canaanite settlements, this verse highlights a significant migration. The Kenites, descendants of Moses' father-in-law, move from the Jericho area ("city of palm trees") alongside the tribe of Judah. They venture into the arid wilderness south of Arad and establish a new home among the Judahites, indicating a continued integration and alliance with Israel.
"And the descendants of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up with the people of Judah from the city of palms into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the Negeb near Arad, and they went and settled with the people. And Judah went wit…" — What's easily missed is that this passage highlights the Kenites, descendants of Moses' father-in-law, choosing to join the Israelites in their settlement and conquest. This wasn't just an incident…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
