Num 24:21, Jer 49:16, Obd 4 | JFB | STEP | 21. Kenites ... nest in a rock-- Though securely established among the clefts in the high rocks of En-gedi towards the west, they should be gradually reduced by a succession of enemies till the Assyrian invader carried them into captivity ( ; , ; also ; ).

‏ Numbers 24:21

21. Kenites ... nest in a rock--Though securely established among the clefts in the high rocks of En-gedi towards the west, they should be gradually reduced by a succession of enemies till the Assyrian invader carried them into captivity (Jud 1:16; 4:11, 16, 17; also 2Ki 15:29; 17:6).

‏ Jeremiah 49:16

16. terribleness--the terror which thou didst inspire into others.

deceived thee--rendered thee proudly confident, as if none would dare to assail thee.

dwellest in ... rock--Petra, the chief of Idumea, was cut in the rocks; its ruins are very remarkable. The whole south of Idumea abounds in cave dwellings and rocks.

though ... nest ... eagle--(Job 39:27; Ob 3, 4). The eagle builds its nest in the highest craggy eyry.

‏ Obadiah 4

4. exalt thyself--or supply from the second clause, "thy nest" [Maurer] (Compare Job 20:6; Jr 49:16; Am 9:2).

set ... nest among ... stars--namely, on the loftiest hills which seem to reach the very stars. Edom is a type of Antichrist (Is 14:13; Da 8:10; 11:37).

thence will I bring thee down--in spite of thy boast (Ob 3), "Who shall bring me down?"