Topical Encyclopedia The Hivites were one of the several Canaanite tribes mentioned in the Old Testament, inhabiting the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest. They are frequently listed among the indigenous peoples of the region whom the Israelites encountered upon their arrival in the Promised Land. The Hivites are noted for their interactions with the Israelites, particularly during the period of the conquest under Joshua.Biblical References and Locations The Hivites are first mentioned in Genesis 10:17 as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham, making them part of the broader Canaanite family. In Genesis 15:19-21, God promises Abraham that his descendants will inherit the land of several tribes, including the Hivites. This promise is reiterated in Exodus 3:8, where God describes the land as "a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey," inhabited by the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. The Hivites are specifically associated with certain geographical locations. In Joshua 11:3, they are mentioned as dwelling in the hill country of Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. Additionally, in Joshua 9:7, the Hivites are identified as the people of Gibeon, who famously deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land. Interactions with Israel One of the most notable interactions between the Hivites and the Israelites is the account of the Gibeonite deception in Joshua 9. The Gibeonites, identified as Hivites, feared the advancing Israelite army and resorted to a cunning plan to secure their safety. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant country and sought a covenant of peace with Joshua. Unaware of their true identity, Joshua and the leaders of Israel made a treaty with them, swearing by the LORD to let them live. When the deception was uncovered, the Israelites honored the treaty due to their oath, but the Gibeonites were made servants, tasked with drawing water and cutting wood for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:27). The Hivites are also mentioned in the context of the broader conquest narrative. In Joshua 11:19, it is noted that no city made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites living in Gibeon; all others were taken in battle. This highlights the unique position of the Hivites among the Canaanite tribes during the conquest. Cultural and Religious Practices The Hivites, like other Canaanite tribes, were known for their idolatrous practices, which were in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the religious customs of the Canaanites, including the Hivites. In Exodus 34:11-16, God commands the Israelites to destroy the altars, break the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles of the Canaanite peoples, including the Hivites, to prevent Israel from being led astray into idolatry. Legacy and Significance The Hivites, as part of the Canaanite peoples, represent the challenges and temptations faced by the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land. Their account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the consequences of failing to fully obey His instructions. The account of the Gibeonites, in particular, illustrates the complexities of covenant relationships and the necessity of seeking God's guidance in all decisions. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 10:17And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite, Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 1:15 Library Joshua's Conquest. Moses 'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid' Canaan Chapter xxxiv Here Next Followeth the History of Moses Resources What does it mean that “the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure” (Genesis 15:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God command the extermination / genocide of the Canaanites, women and children included? | GotQuestions.org Why did Moses send twelve spies into the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hivites: A Part of, Left to Prove Israel Hivites: A Tribe of Canaanites Hivites: Descended from Canaan Hivites: Esau Intermarried With Hivites: Esau Intermarries With Hivites: Israel Commanded to Destroy Hivites: Land of, Promised to Israel Hivites: One of the Seven Nations of Canaan Hivites: Pay Tribute to Solomon Hivites: Remnant of, Made Tributary in the Reign of Solomon Hivites: Shechemites and Gibeonites Were Families of Hivites: Supposed to be the Ancient Avim, or Avites Hivites: The Gibeonites a People of Hivites: The Shechemites a People of Hivites: Their Land Given to the Israelites Related Terms |
    |