Numbers 32:42
And Nobah went and captured Kenath and its villages and called it Nobah, after his own name.
And Nobah went and captured Kenath and its villages
Nobah was a leader among the Israelites, specifically from the tribe of Manasseh. The act of capturing Kenath and its villages signifies the expansion of Israelite territory east of the Jordan River. Kenath is identified with the modern-day town of Qanawat in Syria, part of the region known as Bashan. This area was known for its fertile land and strategic importance. The capture of Kenath reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites land, as seen in Genesis 15:18-21. The conquest also demonstrates the Israelites' military prowess and God's favor in granting them victory over their enemies.

and called it Nobah, after his own name
Renaming a captured city was a common practice in ancient times, symbolizing dominion and control. By naming the city after himself, Nobah was asserting his authority and leaving a legacy. This act can be compared to other instances in the Bible where names are changed to reflect new beginnings or divine intervention, such as Abram to Abraham (Genesis 17:5) or Jacob to Israel (Genesis 32:28). The renaming also highlights the personal ambition and influence of Nobah within the tribe of Manasseh. This act of naming can be seen as a type of Christ, who has the authority to give new names and identities to His followers, as seen in Revelation 2:17.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nobah
A leader from the tribe of Manasseh who captured the city of Kenath and renamed it after himself. His actions reflect a common practice of asserting ownership and legacy through naming.

2. Kenath
An ancient city located in the region of Bashan, which was known for its fertile land and strategic importance. The capture of Kenath signifies the expansion and settlement of the Israelites in the Promised Land.

3. Villages of Kenath
Smaller settlements surrounding the city of Kenath, indicating the broader area that Nobah took control of, further establishing the presence of the tribe of Manasseh in the region.
Teaching Points
Legacy and Identity
Nobah's act of renaming Kenath after himself highlights the human desire to leave a legacy. As Christians, we should consider how our actions and decisions reflect our identity in Christ and contribute to His kingdom.

God's Faithfulness
The capture of Kenath is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. Believers can trust in God's promises and His timing in their own lives.

Strategic Stewardship
The strategic capture and settlement of Kenath demonstrate the importance of wise stewardship of resources and opportunities. Christians are called to be good stewards of the gifts and responsibilities God has entrusted to them.

Community and Influence
The inclusion of the villages around Kenath suggests the importance of community and influence. Believers are encouraged to impact their communities positively, spreading the love and truth of the Gospel.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the act of renaming Kenath to Nobah reveal about human nature and the desire for legacy? How can we ensure our legacy aligns with God's purposes?

2. How does the capture of Kenath demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? Can you identify a time in your life when you experienced God's faithfulness?

3. In what ways can we practice strategic stewardship in our personal and communal lives, similar to the Israelites' settlement of Kenath?

4. How does the account of Nobah and Kenath connect to the broader account of God's promise to Abraham? What does this teach us about the continuity of God's plan?

5. How can we, as Christians, positively influence our communities, much like the Israelites did with the villages around Kenath? What practical steps can we take to achieve this?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 13:29-31
This passage details the allocation of land to the half-tribe of Manasseh, including the region of Bashan where Kenath is located. It provides context for the territorial expansion described in Numbers 32:42.

Judges 8:11
This verse mentions Nobah in the context of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianites, indicating the continued significance of the area in Israel's history.

Genesis 12:7
God's promise to Abraham about giving the land to his descendants is fulfilled through the conquests and settlements described in Numbers, including the capture of Kenath.
Nobah - the Man and the PlaceD. Young Numbers 32:42
People
Amorites, Caleb, Eleazar, Eshcol, Gad, Gadites, Haran, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jair, Jephunneh, Joseph, Joshua, Machir, Makirites, Manasseh, Moses, Nobah, Nun, Og, Reuben, Reubenites, Sihon
Places
Aroer, Ataroth, Atroth-shophan, Bashan, Beon, Beth-baal-meon, Beth-haran, Beth-nimrah, Canaan, Dibon, Egypt, Elealeh, Gilead, Havvoth-jair, Heshbon, Jazer, Jogbehah, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Kenath, Kiriathaim, Nebo, Nimrah, Nobah, Sebam, Sibmah, Valley of Eshcol
Topics
Calleth, Captured, Captureth, Dependent, Kenath, Naming, Nobah, Settlements, Surrounding, Thereof, Towns, Villages
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 32:39-42

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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