Topical Bible: The Kenites: David: Sent Part of the Spoil of War To

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The Kenites were a nomadic tribe mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their close association with the Israelites. They are believed to have descended from Cain, as suggested by their name, which means "smiths" or "metalworkers," indicating their possible role in metallurgy. The Kenites are first introduced in the Bible in Genesis 15:19, where they are listed among the peoples inhabiting the land promised to Abraham.

The Kenites had a significant relationship with the Israelites, particularly through Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, who was a priest of Midian and a Kenite (Exodus 3:1). This connection established a bond between the two groups, leading to the Kenites' favorable treatment by the Israelites.

One notable interaction between the Kenites and the Israelites occurred during the reign of King David. After David's victory over the Amalekites, he sent part of the spoil of war to the elders of Judah and to his friends, including the Kenites. This act is recorded in 1 Samuel 30:26-29:

"When David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, 'Here is a gift for you from the spoil of the LORD’s enemies.' He sent gifts to those in Bethel, Ramoth Negev, Jattir, Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa, Rakal, the cities of the Jerahmeelites, the cities of the Kenites, Hormah, Bor-ashan, Athach, Hebron, and to all those in the places where David and his men had roamed."

David's decision to send part of the spoil to the Kenites highlights the ongoing alliance and mutual respect between them and the Israelites. This gesture of goodwill not only reinforced their bond but also demonstrated David's diplomatic acumen in maintaining alliances with neighboring tribes.

The Kenites' presence in the biblical narrative underscores their role as allies and supporters of Israel, often living among them and sharing in their victories and challenges. Their inclusion in the distribution of the spoil by David signifies their importance and the enduring relationship they had with the people of Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 30:29
And to them which were in Rachal, and to them which were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to them which were in the cities of the Kenites,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Israelites
... Judah, to Simeon, and to Dan; of Kenites and Jerahmeelites ... move than six hundred
in number, was sent in pursuit ... not captured till the reign of David, Gezer was ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the ... with various Bedawin tribes"Kenites,
Jerahmelites, Edomites ... prophetess Deborah of Issachar sent to Barak of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm