Topical Encyclopedia The Kenizzites are a group mentioned in the Bible as one of the peoples inhabiting the land promised to Abram by God. They are listed among the various tribes that occupied Canaan before the Israelites took possession of the land. The Kenizzites are specifically mentioned in Genesis 15:19, where God makes a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites" .Historical Context The Kenizzites, like other tribes mentioned alongside them, were part of the diverse ethnic and cultural landscape of ancient Canaan. The exact origins and identity of the Kenizzites are not extensively detailed in the biblical text, leading to various interpretations and theories among scholars. Some suggest that they were a nomadic or semi-nomadic group, while others propose that they were more settled, possibly related to other known Canaanite tribes. Biblical Significance The mention of the Kenizzites in Genesis 15 is significant as it underscores the breadth of the land promised to Abram's descendants. This promise is foundational to the biblical narrative of the Israelites' journey and eventual settlement in the Promised Land. The inclusion of the Kenizzites among the tribes to be displaced highlights the comprehensive nature of God's covenant with Abram, which encompasses a vast and diverse territory. Relation to Other Biblical Figures The Kenizzites are sometimes associated with Caleb, one of the prominent figures in the Israelite conquest of Canaan. Caleb is described as a Kenizzite in some biblical passages, suggesting a possible connection or assimilation of the Kenizzites into the Israelite community. In Numbers 32:12, Caleb is referred to as "Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite" , indicating his lineage and possibly hinting at the integration of Kenizzite individuals or families into the tribes of Israel. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the mention of the Kenizzites and other Canaanite tribes in the context of God's promise to Abram serves to illustrate the fulfillment of divine promises despite human obstacles. The eventual conquest and settlement of Canaan by the Israelites are seen as a testament to God's faithfulness and sovereignty. The displacement of the Kenizzites and other tribes is often interpreted within the framework of divine justice and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His chosen people. Cultural and Archaeological Insights While the biblical text provides limited information about the Kenizzites, archaeological and historical studies of the Canaanite region during the second millennium BCE offer some insights into the cultural and social dynamics of the time. The Canaanite city-states and tribal groups, including the Kenizzites, were part of a complex network of trade, warfare, and diplomacy. Understanding the broader Canaanite context helps illuminate the challenges faced by the Israelites as they entered and settled in the land. In summary, the Kenizzites, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, play a role in the larger narrative of God's covenant with Abram and the unfolding history of the Israelite people. Their inclusion in the list of tribes inhabiting the Promised Land underscores the vastness of God's promise and the eventual fulfillment of His word to Abram and his descendants. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary KenizzitesATS Bible Dictionary KenizzitesAn ancient people of Canaan, whose land God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Genesis 15:19. They appear to have mingled with other Canaanites, and lost their distinctive name before the time of Joshua. They should be distinguished from the Kenezites, the children of Kenaz. Two men so named are mentioned in Bible history, both subsequent to the Kenizzites, Genesis 36:15,42; Joshua 14:6; 15:17. Strong's Hebrew 7074. Qenizzi -- descendant of Kenaz... of Kenaz NASB Word Usage Kenizzite (4). Kenezite, Kenizzites. Patronymic from Qnaz, a Kenizzite or descendant of Kenaz -- Kenezite, Kenizzites. see HEBREW Qnaz. ... /hebrew/7074.htm - 6k Library Chapter xxxvi Of the Cities of Refuge. Of the Meaning of the Sacrifice Abraham was Commanded to Offer ... The Early Training of a Race. The Nations of the South-East The Israelites Canaan Thesaurus Kenizzites (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Kenizzites (1 Occurrence). Genesis 15:19 the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, (WEB KJV DBY WBS NIV). ... /k/kenizzites.htm - 6k Kadmonite (1 Occurrence) Kenites (8 Occurrences) Kadmonites (1 Occurrence) Kenizzite (4 Occurrences) Ken'izzites (1 Occurrence) Kenite (9 Occurrences) Ken'izzite (3 Occurrences) Jephunneh (16 Occurrences) Resources Who were the Perizzites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Abraham promised land that belonged to others (Genesis 12)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Kenizzites (1 Occurrence)Genesis 15:19 Subtopics Kenizzites: An Edomite Tribe Whose Land Was Promised to Abraham Related Terms |
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