KENITES

The name Kenites usually refers to that tribal group within the Midianite people to which Moses’ inlaws belonged. This group had apparently mingled with the ancient Kenite people (who were among the early inhabitants of Canaan) and so were referred to as both Kenites and Midianites (Gen 15:19; Exod 2:15-21; Judg 1:16; 4:11). The Israelites allowed the Kenite in-laws of Moses, and their descendants, to live among them in Canaan, and at times showed a special concern for them (Judg 1:16; 1 Sam 15:6; 30:26-29; 1 Chron 2:55; Neh 3:14).