But while inflicting judgment, God remembered mercy. The Amalekites were to be destroyed, but the Kenites, who dwelt among them, were spared. This people, though not wholly free from idolatry, were worshipers of God and were friendly to Israel. Of this tribe was the brother-in-law of Moses, Hobab, who had accompanied the Israelites in their travels through the wilderness, and by his knowledge of the country had rendered them valuable assistance.

Men skønt Gud straffede, undlod han ikke at vise sin nåde. Amalekitterne skulle udryddes, men kenitterne, som boede iblandt dem, blev skånet. Dette folk havde ikke opgivet afgudsdyrkelsen fuldstændig, men de tilbad Gud og var venligsindede over for Israel. Moses svoger, Hobab, tilhørte denne stamme. Han havde ledsaget israelitterne på deres rejser gennem ørkenen og havde været dem til uvurderlig hjælp, takket være sit kendskab til det område, de rejste igennem.