Definition: And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 24:21. It's a really important and somewhat symbolic passage about the aftermath of the Israelites’ defeat at Mount Gilboa. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: When the Israelites lost the battle against the Goannas (a nomadic group), Joshua, their leader, was looking back and realizing how vulnerable they were. He realized that their homes – their settlements and places of refuge – weren't strong enough to protect them. Let’s unpack it: “And he looked on the Kenites…” - This refers to the Goannas, who were a nomadic group that had taken over the land the Israelites occupied. “…and took up his parable…” – Joshua was telling a story – a “parable” – about what happened. “And said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.” - This is the core of the message: "Strong is thy dwellingplace..." - This means your home, your place of safety, your settlement, must be strong . It's about physical security. "...and thou puttest thy nest in a rock." – This is a powerful metaphor. A nest is like a safe, secure place. “Putting it in a rock” signifies that you need to build up your home with things that are solid, reliable, and protected – strong foundations, good leadership, a righteous community, etc. It’s about creating a foundation of strength and stability. So, the whole verse is saying: Joshua realized that the Israelites needed to focus on building a strong and secure place for themselves – their settlement – because their safety depended on it. Why is this important? This story highlights several key themes: Responsibility: Joshua's leadership was crucial, and he recognized the importance of protecting his people. Foundation: It emphasizes that a good foundation (a strong home, community, or system) is essential for long-term success and security. Strength in Defense: It underscores that strength isn’t just about physical power; it's about building resilience and preparedness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a specific example? Connect it to another part of the Bible?