Ken'izzite
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The Ken'izzites are mentioned in the Bible as one of the ancient peoples inhabiting the land of Canaan during the time of the patriarchs. They are specifically referenced in the context of God's covenant with Abram (later Abraham) regarding the land that would be given to his descendants. In Genesis 15:18-21 , the Lord 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, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites."

The Ken'izzites are listed among the ten nations whose land was promised to Abraham's descendants. This promise is significant in the biblical narrative as it establishes the divine right of the Israelites to the land of Canaan, a central theme throughout the Old Testament. The mention of the Ken'izzites in this context underscores the vastness and diversity of the land that God pledged to Abraham, encompassing various tribes and peoples.

The exact identity and historical background of the Ken'izzites are not extensively detailed in the biblical text, leading to some speculation among scholars. However, it is generally accepted that they were one of the smaller, less prominent groups inhabiting the region. Some biblical scholars suggest that the Ken'izzites may have been related to or associated with the Kenites, another group mentioned in the same passage. The Kenites are often linked to the Midianites and are known for their association with Moses' father-in-law, Jethro.

In the broader biblical narrative, the Ken'izzites, like other Canaanite tribes, represent the indigenous peoples of the land that the Israelites were to conquer and inhabit. The presence of these various groups highlights the challenges and conflicts faced by the Israelites as they sought to claim the land promised to them by God.

The Ken'izzites are not mentioned frequently in the Bible, and their role is primarily as part of the list of nations in the covenantal promise. This lack of detailed information suggests that they were not a major power or influence in the region compared to other groups like the Hittites or Amorites. Nevertheless, their inclusion in the divine promise to Abraham signifies their importance in the fulfillment of God's plan for His chosen people.

In summary, the Ken'izzites are one of the lesser-known Canaanite tribes mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of God's covenant with Abraham. Their mention serves to illustrate the scope of the land promised to the Israelites and the diverse peoples who inhabited it prior to the Israelite conquest.
Concordance
Ken'izzite (3 Occurrences)

Numbers 32:12
save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun; because they have wholly followed the LORD.
(See RSV)

Joshua 14:6
Then the children of Judah drew nigh unto Joshua in Gilgal; and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said unto him: 'Thou knowest the thing that the LORD spoke unto Moses the man of God concerning me and concerning thee in Kadesh-barnea.
(See RSV)

Joshua 14:14
Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, unto this day; because that he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel.
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Ken'izzite (3 Occurrences)
Ken'izzite. Kenizzite, Ken'izzite. Kenizzites . Multi-Version Concordance
Ken'izzite (3 Occurrences). Numbers 32:12 save Caleb the ...
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Kenizzite (4 Occurrences)

/k/kenizzite.htm - 8k

Kenizzites (1 Occurrence)

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Kenizzite
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