Numbers 24:22

KJV

Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless the Kenite {H7014} shall {H518} be wasted {H1197}, until Asshur {H804} shall carry thee away captive {H7617}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kayin will be wasted while captive to Ashur."

Berean Standard Bible

Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.”

American Standard Version

Nevertheless Kain shall be wasted, Until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 24:22 is a poignant prophetic declaration from Balaam's fourth oracle, revealing the divinely ordained future of the Kenites. Despite their complex and sometimes allied relationship with Israel, this verse foretells their eventual "wasting" or diminishment, culminating in their captivity by Asshur, the powerful Assyrian empire. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over the destinies of all nations, demonstrating His precise knowledge of future historical events long before their unfolding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Balaam's final and most profound set of prophecies, found in [Numbers 24:15-25](/numbers/24 "Numbers 24 - Balaam's Oracles"). Following a majestic vision of Israel's future prosperity and dominance, and a specific oracle against Amalek, Balaam turns his prophetic gaze to other surrounding nations. The Kenites are addressed before the concluding prophecies concerning Asshur (Assyria) and Eber (Hebrews beyond the Euphrates). This sequence highlights God's comprehensive oversight, extending His prophetic word not only to His covenant people but also to those on their periphery, demonstrating that all peoples are subject to His ultimate plan and judgment. The inclusion of these diverse nations underscores the universal scope of divine sovereignty, even through the mouth of a reluctant prophet.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Kenites were a nomadic tribal group, often associated with the Midianites, known for their skill in metalworking. Their relationship with Israel was multifaceted; Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, was a Kenite, and some Kenite clans accompanied Israel into Canaan, settling among them, as seen in [Judges 1:16](/judges/1-16 "Judges 1:16 - Kenites Settle with Judah"). However, their nomadic nature also meant a degree of shifting allegiances or vulnerability. The mention of "Asshur" is remarkably prescient. At the time of the Exodus and the events of Numbers, Assyria was not yet the dominant imperial power it would become. Balaam's prophecy accurately foretells the rise of this formidable empire, notorious for its military might and its policy of mass deportation of conquered peoples. This historical accuracy, centuries in advance, powerfully validates the divine inspiration behind Balaam's words.
* **Key Themes:** The prophecy in [Numbers 24:22](/numbers/24-22 "Numbers 24:22 - The Kenite Prophecy") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reiterates **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**. God's control over history and the destinies of nations is absolute; even a people like the Kenites, with their complex ties to Israel, are not exempt from His ultimate plan and judgment. Secondly, it exemplifies **Prophecy and Future Fulfillment**. This verse is a striking example of long-range, precise biblical prophecy, foretelling a major historical event—the rise of Assyria and its policy of deportation—long before its historical prominence. This demonstrates the reliability and predictive power of God's word, which spans centuries to bring about His purposes. Lastly, it subtly touches upon the theme of **Allegiance and Instability**. While some Kenites were faithful allies, the prophecy's grim outlook might allude to the broader instability or lack of firm, unwavering allegiance that could lead to their eventual "wasting" and dispersion. It suggests that mere proximity or historical ties to God's people do not guarantee security or exemption from the consequences of their choices or the tides of history if they are not truly established in God's ways. This echoes the broader biblical principle that true blessing and security come from steadfast adherence to God's covenant, as seen in the blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wasted (Hebrew, _ba'er'_):** The Hebrew verb `בָּעֵר` (ba'er), often translated as "wasted," "consumed," or "burned up," implies a process of gradual diminishing, desolation, or complete destruction. It suggests a slow but inevitable decline rather than a sudden, cataclysmic event. For the Kenites, this means their strength, numbers, and influence would dwindle over time, leading to their eventual disappearance as a distinct, powerful entity. This term highlights the slow erosion of their societal fabric and identity.
* **Asshur (Hebrew, _Ashshur'_):** This refers to the ancient empire of Assyria, a formidable power that would rise to dominate the Near East centuries after Balaam's prophecy. Assyria was known for its ruthless military campaigns and, crucially, its policy of mass deportation, where conquered populations were forcibly resettled in distant lands. The explicit mention of "Asshur" by name adds a remarkable layer of specificity and predictive accuracy to Balaam's divinely inspired words, demonstrating God's foreknowledge of future geopolitical powers and their actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted":** This clause declares the inevitable fate of the Kenites. Despite their occasional alliance with Israel and their presence within the land, their ultimate destiny is one of decline and desolation. The "nevertheless" implies a contrast with the blessings pronounced upon Israel, indicating that even those closely associated with God's people are not immune to the consequences of their own paths or the broader sweep of divine judgment on nations. Their "wasting" speaks to a loss of identity, strength, and distinctiveness over time.
* **"until Asshur shall carry thee away captive":** This second clause specifies the agent and the ultimate culmination of the Kenites' "wasting." The process of their decline will continue until the powerful Assyrian empire emerges and carries them away into exile. This points to a definitive historical event—the Assyrian deportations—as the final act in their diminishment and dispersal. It signifies the end of their independent existence and their absorption into the vast, conquering empire, scattering them from their ancestral lands.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 24:22 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as Balaam's divinely inspired utterance foretells future historical events with remarkable accuracy, particularly the rise of Assyria and its policy of deportation. This serves to underscore God's omniscience and His active control over the course of human history. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this prophecy anticipates the later Assyrian captivities that would affect not only the Kenites but also the northern kingdom of Israel itself, as recorded in [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Assyrian Captivity of Israel"). The verse also contains a subtle **Irony** or paradox: the Kenites, who had some familial and allied ties to Israel (through Jethro), ultimately face a similar fate of exile as God's own disobedient people, highlighting that proximity to divine blessing does not guarantee exemption from divine judgment if true allegiance is lacking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:22 serves as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the unfolding of human history. It reveals that God's plan is not limited to His chosen people, Israel, but extends to every tribe and nation, demonstrating His comprehensive knowledge and control over the destinies of even seemingly minor groups like the Kenites. The precise foretelling of Assyria's rise and its distinctive policy of deportation, centuries before its peak power, underscores the infallible nature of biblical prophecy and the reliability of God's word. This prophecy reminds us that all earthly powers, no matter how mighty, are ultimately instruments or subjects within God's overarching redemptive and judgmental purposes. It also highlights the principle that while God is merciful, His judgment is universal, falling upon those who are not truly established in His ways, regardless of their proximity to His people.

* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Instrument")
* [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - God's Authority Over Nations")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:22, though a prophecy concerning an ancient people, offers timeless truths for contemporary believers. It is a powerful reminder that God's plans are vast and unfold across centuries, often in ways that defy human expectations or timelines. This should cultivate in us a deep patience and unwavering trust in His ultimate purposes, even when circumstances seem chaotic or His timeline incomprehensible. We are called to recognize that God is actively involved in the affairs of all nations, not just our own, and that His justice and sovereignty extend to every corner of the globe. This should inspire us to pray for nations, to engage with the world with a biblical worldview, and to recognize that no earthly power or human endeavor is outside of His purview. Furthermore, the Kenites' fate serves as a poignant warning: mere association or historical ties to God's people do not guarantee spiritual security or exemption from divine judgment. True spiritual allegiance, a heart fully devoted to God and His ways, is paramount. Our security is not found in cultural proximity to faith, but in a living, active relationship with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the long-range fulfillment of this prophecy about Asshur strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word and His ultimate control over history?**
* **In what ways might we, like some Kenites, rely on proximity to faith or Christian culture rather than cultivating a deep, personal allegiance to God?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over all nations (including those seemingly distant from us) impact your prayers and your perspective on global events?**
* **What "wasting" or diminishing influences in your life or community might be a subtle warning from God to re-evaluate true spiritual foundations?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Kenites and what was their relationship with Israel?**

Answer: The Kenites were a nomadic, tribal people, often associated with the Midianites, known for their skills, particularly in metalworking. Their relationship with Israel was complex and varied. On one hand, they had significant positive ties: Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, was a Kenite priest, and his family accompanied Israel into Canaan, settling among the tribe of Judah (see [Judges 1:16](/judges/1-16 "Judges 1:16 - Kenites Settle with Judah")). They were sometimes allies or integrated into Israelite society. On the other hand, as a distinct nomadic group, their allegiance could be fluid, and they were also part of the broader array of nations surrounding Israel. Balaam's prophecy suggests that despite their occasional positive interactions, their ultimate destiny as a distinct people was one of decline and eventual dispersal by a foreign power.

**How accurate was this prophecy about Asshur/Assyria?**

Answer: This prophecy was remarkably accurate and demonstrates the predictive power of divinely inspired biblical prophecy. At the time of Balaam (likely 15th-13th century BC), Assyria was a regional power but not yet the dominant empire it would become. Centuries later, from the 9th to the 7th century BC, the Neo-Assyrian Empire rose to become the most formidable power in the Near East, known for its ruthless military campaigns and, critically, its policy of mass deportation of conquered peoples. They famously carried away the northern kingdom of Israel into exile (as recorded in [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Assyrian Captivity of Israel")) and impacted many other nations, including those in the southern Levant where remnants of the Kenites would have been present. The prophecy's specific mention of "Asshur" and its role in "carrying away captive" is a precise foretelling of a major historical development.

**Does this prophecy imply God's judgment on all Kenites?**

Answer: The prophecy in [Numbers 24:22](/numbers/24-22 "Numbers 24:22 - The Kenite Prophecy") speaks to the collective fate of the Kenites as a distinct people or tribal entity, predicting their "wasting" and eventual dispersal by Assyria. It doesn't necessarily imply individual judgment on every single Kenite, especially given that some Kenite families were integrated into Israelite society and remained faithful to the Lord (e.g., the Rechabites in [Jeremiah 35](/jeremiah/35 "Jeremiah 35 - The Rechabites' Obedience")). Rather, it highlights God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations and peoples. The "wasting" likely refers to their loss of distinct identity and power as a group, rather than a universal condemnation of every individual within the Kenite lineage. It underscores that even those with historical ties to God's people are subject to the broader currents of divine judgment on ungodly nations or the consequences of their own choices and instability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prophecy concerning the Kenites and Asshur in [Numbers 24:22](/numbers/24-22 "Numbers 24:22 - The Kenite Prophecy"), while specific to an ancient people and empire, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader theological truths it reveals about divine sovereignty, judgment, and the nature of earthly kingdoms versus God's eternal Kingdom. Just as God sovereignly orchestrated the rise and fall of Assyria to fulfill His prophetic word, so too does He sovereignly control all history, working all things according to the counsel of His will, ultimately for the glory of His Son. Christ is the true King, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), yet He holds all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The "wasting" and captivity of earthly peoples by earthly empires, as seen with the Kenites and Assyria, foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will fall upon all ungodly nations and systems that oppose God's rule. Christ, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world, is also the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah"), who will return to execute righteous judgment and establish His eternal reign ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return and Judgment")). All earthly powers, whether mighty like Assyria or seemingly insignificant like the Kenites, will ultimately bow before Him, and only those who are truly established in Christ will endure, inheriting the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, the transient nature of human empires and the certainty of divine judgment, powerfully depicted in Balaam's oracle, point forward to the ultimate and everlasting dominion of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 10:22

The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

Ezra 4:2

Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye [do]; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.

Genesis 10:11

Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,

Psalms 83:8

Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.

Hosea 14:3

Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.