Bible Strands
Numbers 24:22
Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Balaam pronounces an oracle regarding the Kenites, speaking immediately after describing their secure cliff dwelling. He delivers this declaration within a sequence of prophetic visions directed at Israel’s surrounding nations.
The words — קָ֑יִן (Ka.yin) = Kenite[s] and אַשּׁ֥וּר ('a.Shur) = Asshur.
The thread — The designation Asshur originates in Genesis 10:22 as a son of Shem and connects to the establishment of Assyrian centers in Genesis 10:11, while Ezra 4:2 later records political negotiations involving those same regional powers.
Why it lands — The text states that the Kenites’ protected status will end when Asshur captures them. It requires the reader to acknowledge that earthly security is provisional and subject to the stated judgment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
Cross-references
- Genesis 10:11 From that land he went forth into Assyria, where he built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah,
- Genesis 10:22 The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram.
- Ezra 4:2 they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families, saying, “Let us build with you because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the time of King Esar-haddon of Assyria, who brought us here.”
- Psalms 83:8 Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah
- Hosea 14:3 Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.”