The Hivites were one of the several Canaanite tribes mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their interactions with the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land. The Hivites are first introduced in the context of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 15:19-21). They are listed among the nations that the Israelites were to displace as they took possession of Canaan (Exodus 3:8, 17; 23:23; Deuteronomy 7:1).

Historical Context

The Hivites are often associated with the northern regions of Canaan, particularly around the area of Gibeon. They are noted for their cunning in making a treaty with Joshua by pretending to be from a distant land (Joshua 9:3-15). This treaty allowed them to avoid destruction, but they were subjected to servitude as woodcutters and water carriers for the Israelite community (Joshua 9:21-27).

Tribute to Solomon

During the reign of King Solomon, the Hivites, along with other remaining Canaanite peoples, were subjected to forced labor. Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple and his palace, required a large workforce. The Bible records that Solomon conscripted the descendants of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites who were not fully driven out by the Israelites. These groups were made to pay tribute through labor, as they were not part of the Israelite community (1 Kings 9:20-21):

"All the people who were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not of the children of Israel— their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people for his labor force, as it is to this day."

This passage highlights the continued presence and subjugation of the Hivites and other Canaanite groups during Solomon's reign. Their role as laborers under Solomon's rule reflects the fulfillment of the Israelites' dominance over the land, as initially commanded by God.

Theological Implications

The subjugation of the Hivites and other Canaanite tribes under Solomon can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding the land of Canaan. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as the Israelites were initially instructed to completely drive out the inhabitants of the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). The presence of these groups within Israel's borders led to various challenges, including idolatry and cultural assimilation, which were warned against by God.

The Hivites' tribute to Solomon underscores the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan through the history of Israel. Solomon's reign, marked by wisdom and prosperity, also illustrates the complexities of leadership and the responsibilities of ruling in accordance with God's laws.1 Kings 9:21
Their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, on those did Solomon levy a tribute of slavery to this day.
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2 Chronicles 8:8
But of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day.
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Covenanting a Duty.
... to God there is paid to him a tribute of duty. ... be of thee in the great congregation:
I will pay my vows ... might have been the conduct of these Hivites in making ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

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