Judg 1:16, 1Sa 15:6, 1Ch 2:55 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 16. The children of the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law ] For an account of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, see ; , &c. The city of palm trees ] This seems to have been some place near Jericho, which city is expressly called the city of palm trees, ; and though destroyed by Joshua, it might have some suburbs remaining where these harmless people had taken up their residence. The Kenites , the descendants of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, were always attached to the Israelites: they remained with them, says Calmet, during their wanderings in the wilderness, and accompanied them to the promised land. They received there a lot with the tribe of Judah, and remained in the city of palm trees during the life of Joshua; but after his death, not contented with their portion, or molested by the original inhabitants, they united with the tribe of Judah, and went with them to attack Arad . After the conquest of that country, the Kenites established themselves there, and remained in it till the days of Saul, mingled with the Amalekites. When this king received a commandment from God to destroy the Amalekites, he sent a message to the Kenites to depart from among them, as God would not destroy them with the Amalekites. From them came Hemath , who was the father of the house of Rechab, , and the Rechabites , of whom we have a remarkable account , &c.

‏ Judges 1:16

Verse 16. The children of the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law] For an account of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, see Ex 18:1-27; Nu 10:29, &c.

The city of palm trees] This seems to have been some place near Jericho, which city is expressly called the city of palm trees, De 34:3; and though destroyed by Joshua, it might have some suburbs remaining where these harmless people had taken up their residence.

The Kenites, the descendants of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, were always attached to the Israelites: they remained with them, says Calmet, during their wanderings in the wilderness, and accompanied them to the promised land. They received there a lot with the tribe of Judah, and remained in the city of palm trees during the life of Joshua; but after his death, not contented with their portion, or molested by the original inhabitants, they united with the tribe of Judah, and went with them to attack Arad. After the conquest of that country, the Kenites established themselves there, and remained in it till the days of Saul, mingled with the Amalekites. When this king received a commandment from God to destroy the Amalekites, he sent a message to the Kenites to depart from among them, as God would not destroy them with the Amalekites. From them came Hemath, who was the father of the house of Rechab, 1Ch 2:55, and the Rechabites, of whom we have a remarkable account Jer 35:1, &c.

‏ 1 Samuel 15:6

Verse 6. Said unto the Kenites] The Kenites were an ancient people. Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, was a Kenite. Hobab his son (if the same person be not meant) was guide to the Hebrews through the wilderness. They had a portion of the promised land, near to the city Arad. See Jud 1:16; and for more particulars concerning them and the Amalekites, see the notes on Nu 26:20, 21.

‏ 1 Chronicles 2:55

Verse 55. The families] "The families of the Rechabites, the sons of Eliezer the son of Misco, the disciple of Jabez; he was Othniel, the son of Kenaz. And he was called Jabez, because in his council he instituted a school of disciples; they were called Tirathim, because in their hymns their voice was like trumpets; and Shimathim, because in hearing they lifted up their faces, i.e., in prayer; and Suchathim, because they were overshadowed by the Spirit of prophecy. These Salmaei were the children of Zipporah, who were numbered among the Levites who came from the stock of Moses, the master of Israel, whose righteousness profited them more than chariots and horses."-T. See on 1Ch 4:9, 10.

Is the above explanation of Tirathites, Shimeathites, and Suchathites, the Targumist refers to the import of the Hebrew roots, whence these names are derived. See 1Ch 4:10. In this chapter many names of cities are given as the names of men.