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Numbers 24:21 - Kenites' secure mountain refuge?

Numbers 24:21 - במדבר 24:21

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא אֶת־הַקֵּינִי וַיִּשָּׂא מְשָׁלוֹ וַיֹּאמַר אֵיתָן מוֹשָׁבֶךָ וְשִׂים בַּסֶּלַע קִנֶּךָ׃

English Translation

And he looked on the Qeni, and took up his discourse, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.

Transliteration

Va-yar et ha-Keini va-yisa meshalo va-yomar Eitan moshavcha ve-sim ba-sela kinecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּרְא֙ אֶת־הַקֵּינִ֔י וַיִּשָּׂ֥א מְשָׁל֖וֹ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אֵיתָן֙ מֽוֹשָׁבֶ֔ךָ וְשִׂ֥ים בַּסֶּ֖לַע קִנֶּֽךָ׃
וַיַּרְא֙ אֶת־הַקֵּינִ֔י וַיִּשָּׂ֥א מְשָׁל֖וֹ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אֵיתָן֙ מֽוֹשָׁבֶ֔ךָ וְשִׂ֥ים בַּסֶּ֖לַע קִנֶּֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 24:21) is part of the prophecies of Balaam (Bilam), who was hired by Balak to curse the Israelites but instead blessed them under divine inspiration. Here, Balaam turns his attention to the Kenites (Qeni), a people associated with Yitro (Jethro), the father-in-law of Moshe (Moses). The Kenites were known for their righteousness and peaceful coexistence with Israel.

Explanation of the Verse

The phrase "אֵיתָן מוֹשָׁבֶךָ" (Strong is thy dwellingplace) is interpreted by Rashi as referring to the Kenites' secure and enduring settlements. Their strength comes from their righteous ways and their alliance with the Jewish people. The term "אֵיתָן" (eitan) can also mean "permanent" or "steadfast," suggesting their moral fortitude.

The second part, "וְשִׂים בַּסֶּלַע קִנֶּךָ" (and thou puttest thy nest in a rock), is understood metaphorically. Rashi explains that the "rock" symbolizes the protection of the Jewish people, as the Kenites attached themselves to Israel and thus gained security. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:21) elaborates that their "nest" (קִנֶּךָ) represents their homes, which were as secure as a bird's nest high in a rocky cliff, safe from predators.

Traditional Jewish Insights

  • Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that the Kenites' strength came from their wisdom and peaceful nature, which allowed them to thrive even in difficult environments.
  • Malbim explains that the "rock" alludes to the Kenites' trust in Hashem, which provided them with stability and protection, much like a nest built on an unshakable foundation.
  • Targum Onkelos translates "קִנֶּךָ" (your nest) as "בֵית מַדְבְּרָךְ" (your dwelling place), emphasizing their secure and well-established homes.

Moral Lesson

The verse teaches that true security comes from righteousness and alliance with the values of Torah. The Kenites, though not Israelites, were blessed because of their virtuous behavior and their connection to the Jewish people. This serves as a reminder that ethical conduct and faithfulness to divine principles bring enduring strength.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 104a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the descendants of Jethro, the Kenite, and their righteous ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the Qeni mentioned in Numbers 24:21?
A: The Qeni (or Kenites) were a nomadic tribe descended from Yitro (Jethro), Moshe's father-in-law. Rashi explains that Balaam saw how the Qeni would settle in strong, secure places, symbolizing their resilience. They later joined Israel and were known for their righteousness (see Judges 1:16).
Q: Why does Balaam mention the Qeni's dwelling place in this verse?
A: Balaam, in his prophecy, acknowledges the strength and security of the Qeni. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:21) explains that this hints at their future role among the Jewish people—since they were descendants of Yitro, who supported Israel, they merited stability and protection.
Q: What is the significance of 'putting a nest in a rock' in this verse?
A: The metaphor of a 'nest in a rock' symbolizes safety and permanence. Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that the Qeni, due to their righteous ways and connection to Israel, would dwell securely like a bird nesting in an unshakable cliff. This teaches that true stability comes from aligning with holiness.