Abstract:
This article examines the Kenite tribe, particularly considering their
importance as suggested by the Kenite hypothesis. According to this
hypothesis, the Kenites, and the Midianites, were the peoples who
introduced Moses to the cult of Yahwism, before he was confronted
by Yahweh from the burning bush. Scholars have identified the Cain
narrative of Gen 4 as the possible aetiological legend of the Kenites,
and Cain as the eponymous ancestor of these people. The purpose of
this research is to ascertain whether there is any substantiation for
this allegation connecting the Kenites to Cain, as well as contemplating
the Kenites’ possible importance for the Yahwistic faith.
Information in the Hebrew Bible concerning the Kenites is sparse.
Traits associated with the Kenites, and their lifestyle, could be
linked to descendants of Cain. The three sons of Lamech represent
particular occupational groups, which are also connected to the
Kenites. The nomadic Kenites seemingly roamed the regions south
of Palestine. According to particular texts in the Hebrew Bible,
Yahweh emanated from regions south of Palestine. It is, therefore,
plausible that the Kenites were familiar with a form of Yahwism, a
cult that could have been introduced by them to Moses, as suggested
by the Kenite hypothesis. Their particular trade as metalworkers
afforded them the opportunity to also introduce their faith in the
northern regions of Palestine. This article analyses the etymology of
the word “Kenite,” the ancestry of the Kenites, their lifestyle, and
their religion. The research leads to the conclusion that the Kenites
could be linked to Cain, and also supports the Kenite hypothesis,
thereby suggesting that they introduced the faith of Yahwism to
Moses, and thus indirectly to the Israelites.
