The Kenites were a tribe or clan mentioned several times in the Old Testament. Based on biblical clues, they were likely a nomadic group descended from or associated with Midianites. Their ancestry is traced back to a man named Kenite (also spelled Cain and Cainan), who may have been the grandson of Esau.
The first clear reference to the Kenites is in the book of Genesis. Moses, while living in the land of Midian, met the seven daughters of the priest of Midian named Reuel (also called Jethro). Moses ended up marrying one of the daughters named Zipporah (Exodus 2:16-22). Later, after the Exodus from Egypt, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro came to meet Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. At this time he is referred to as “the priest of Midian” and also a Kenite (Judges 1:16). From this we can gather that the Kenites were a clan or tribe closely associated with, if not directly descended from, the Midianites.
The Kenites may have received their name based on an ancestor named Kenite. There are a few men named Kenite (or alternate spellings Cain/Cainan) in Genesis:
- Cain son of Adam and Eve (Genesis 4:1)
- Cainan son of Enosh, grandson of Seth (Genesis 5:9)
- Kenan grandson of Esau, son of Eliphaz (Genesis 36:15-16)
Of these three options, Kenan the grandson of Esau seems the most plausible progenitor of the Kenite clan, which would make them distant relatives to the Edomites. The Kenites were likely a nomadic shepherding tribe, moving throughout the lands south of Israel.
During the time of Moses, the Kenites were living in or near the land of Midian (likely the Sinai peninsula or northwest Saudi Arabia). Moses spent time living with them after fleeing Egypt, and his father-in-law was a Kenite priest. This priest Reuel/Jethro was the first to acknowledge the God of Israel after He delivered the Israelites from Egypt during the Exodus (Exodus 18:1-12). Moses apparently maintained ties of friendship with the Kenites from that time onward.
When the Israelites were encamped at the border of Canaan preparing to enter the Promised Land, Moses went to the Kenite clan and asked them for safe passage through their lands. They agreed to this request (Numbers 10:29-32, Judges 1:16). At some point, either during the conquest of Canaan or slightly after, a portion of the Kenites settled in the vicinity of Arad in the Negev desert region of southern Canaan (Judges 1:16). However, the majority of the Kenites apparently maintained a nomadic lifestyle, traveling alongside the Israelites in the wilderness but not taking ownership of permanent lands in Canaan.
An interesting note is that Moses’ father-in-law Reuel/Jethro was referred to as a “priest of Midian” (Exodus 2:16) but also a “Kenite” (Judges 1:16). This indicates a close relationship between the Midianites and Kenites, though they maintained distinct tribal identities. The Kenites may have branched off from the Midianites as a specialized priestly clan.
During the period of the judges, the Kenites were recognized as allies of the Israelites. The clan maintained friendly relations with Israel and offered guidance and protection during this volatile time. When Israel was oppressed by king Jabin of Canaan and Sisera, his military commander, the prophetess Deborah summoned Barak to fight against their evil regime. The Bible notes that Heber the Kenite had separated from the other Kenites and pitched his tent near Kedesh, where Sisera’s army was gathered. Heber’s wife Jael helped the Israelites by offering Sisera shelter in her tent but then assassinating him while he slept (Judges 4:11-22). This story demonstrates that the Kenites were formally at peace and allied with Israel.
Centuries later, during the reign of king Saul, the Kenites were still living amongst and maintaining cordial ties with Israel. When Saul ordered a military campaign against the Amalekites, including destruction of all their people and livestock, he sent word to the Kenites living in that area to depart so they would not be harmed. He reminded them of the “kindness” they had shown the Israelites when they came out of Egypt (1 Samuel 15:5-7). This indicates the strong ongoing alliance between Israel and the Kenite tribe.
Even after the kingdom divided, the Kenites continued living in northern Israel. During the days of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, Jehu (who was anointed king of Israel by Elisha) gathered the allies of Joram king of Israel to confront him at Jezreel. Among these allies were “the officials of Jezreel, the elders and the guardians of Ahab’s children. He said, “Direct your arrows there.” So he directed his arrows at them. Jehu killed all who were left there of Ahab’s family; he destroyed them, as the Lord had told him to do.” (2 Kings 10:11). But before carrying this out, the text notes parenthetically that “Jehu met Jehonadab son of Rekab” who was allied with the supporters of Ahab’s family. Jehu took Jehonadab aside and affirmed friendship with him, noting “I see how devoted you are to me. Is that true?’ ‘It is,’ Jehonadab said. ‘If it is, give me your hand,’ Jehu said, and he did so. Jehu helped him up into the chariot. Jehu said, ‘Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.’ Then he had him ride along in his chariot.” (2 Kings 10:15-16). This Rekab tribe was later described as Kenites (1 Chronicles 2:55). So even when the kingdom was divided into north and south, the Kenites maintained their positive association with Israel.
So in summary, the Kenites were likely a nomadic tribe descended from the line of Esau, associated closely with the Midianites. During the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, Moses took refuge with them and his father-in-law was a Kenite priest. The Kenites allied with Israel during their conquest of Canaan and maintained friendship with them throughout the period of Judges and the early monarchy. Even when the kingdom divided, the Kenites living in northern Israel retained their amicable relationship and offered guidance during the days of Elijah and Elisha. This tribe/clan provides a great example of an outsider group that chose to identify with Israel and worship their God. Though not numbered among the covenant people descended from Jacob, they lived as friends and allies according to the same faith.
The Kenites disappeared from mention as the Old Testament period closed and the empires of Assyria, Babylon and Persia rose to power. Presumably they were either assimilated into or displaced by the various conquerors that dominated the Middle East in the following centuries. Nevertheless, their legacy remains as a testament to the God of Israel drawing faithful followers from all nations to worship Him alone. Though originally descended from elsewhere, the Kenites chose to ally themselves with God’s people.
Key details about the Kenites:
- Likely descended from Kenan, grandson of Esau, associating them with Edomites
- Closely affiliated with the Midianites, may have branched off as a priestly clan
- Moses took refuge with them when fleeing Egypt
- Moses’ father-in-law was Reuel the Kenite priest
- Guided Israelites safely through their lands during the Exodus wilderness wanderings
- Maintained friendship as nomadic allies during the period of Judges and united monarchy
- Continued association with northern Israel after kingdom divided
- Disappeared from history after the Old Testament period
In summary, the Kenites were not Israelites but learned of God through their interactions with Moses. As a result, they became committed friends and allies of Israel throughout their Old Testament history. This nomadic tribe provides an example of those outside the covenant line still choosing to worship the true God.
The Kenites only appear through 1 Chronicles 2:55. Their connections can be pieced together from various passages, but the Bible does not provide extensive details about them. Key points are:
- Likely descended from Kenan, associating them with Esau’s line
- Allied with Midianites, may have been a priestly clan
- Befriended Moses during his exile in Midian
- Guided Israelites safely through their lands during the Exodus as nomadic allies
- Maintained friendship during period of Judges and united monarchy
- Remained allies with northern Israel after kingdom divided
- Disappeared from history after the Old Testament
The Kenites were not Israelites but followers of the true God due to interactions with Moses. This tribe/clan provides an example of foreigners joining with Israel to worship God and live faithfully. Though the Bible does not record much about them, their legacy remains as Gentiles who aligned with God’s people.
In the Old Testament, the Kenites were a nomadic clan living as allies of Israel though not descended from Abraham. They make their first appearance in Exodus during Moses’ exile in Midian, when his father-in-law is identified as a Kenite priest. The Kenites assisted Israel during the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, maintaining friendship during the period of Judges and united monarchy. Even after the kingdom divided, the Kenites in the north retained their alliance. Here are some key facts:
- Probably descended from Kenan, grandson of Esau
- Closely affiliated with the Midianites
- Befriended Moses when he fled to Midian
- Moses’ father-in-law was Reuel the Kenite priest
- Guided Israelites safely during the Exodus as nomadic allies
- Remained friendly allies during Judges period
- Continued association with northern Israel after kingdom divided
- Disappeared from history after the Old Testament era
The Kenites were not Israelites but aligned themselves with God’s people due to their encounters with Moses. Though the Bible does not say much about them, the Kenites provide an example of Gentiles who chose to worship the true God and live faithfully as His allies.
That covers the key points about the Kenites based on the limited information provided in the Bible. In summary:
- Likely descended from Kenan, grandson of Esau
- Closely associated with Midianites as a semi-nomadic tribe
- Befriended Moses during his time in Midian
- Moses’ father-in-law was Reuel the Kenite priest
- Assisted Israelites as allies during the Exodus and wilderness wanderings
- Maintained friendship with Israel during the period of Judges
- Remained allied with northern Israel after the kingdom divided
- Disappeared from history after the Old Testament period
Though not Israelites, the Kenites worshipped the true God due to their interactions with Moses and lived as faithful allies of God’s people. The Bible does not provide much information about them, but their legacy remains as Gentiles who aligned themselves with Israel to serve the Lord.