Topical Bible: Hivites: Shechemites and Gibeonites Were Families of

◄ Hivites: Shechemites and Gibeonites Were Families of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Hivites were one of the several Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as part of the indigenous population that the Israelites encountered upon entering the Promised Land. The Hivites are noted for their interactions with the Israelites, particularly through the families of the Shechemites and the Gibeonites.

Shechemites

The Shechemites were a prominent family within the Hivite tribe, associated with the city of Shechem. Shechem holds significant historical and religious importance in the biblical narrative. It was here that Abraham first built an altar to the LORD after receiving the promise of the land (Genesis 12:6-7). The city later became a central location for the descendants of Jacob, as it was the site of Jacob's well and the place where Joseph's bones were eventually buried (Joshua 24:32).

The Shechemites are most notably mentioned in the context of the account of Dinah, Jacob's daughter. In Genesis 34, Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, defiled Dinah, leading to a violent retaliation by her brothers Simeon and Levi. This incident highlights the complex and often hostile relationships between the Israelites and the Canaanite tribes, including the Hivites.

Gibeonites

The Gibeonites were another significant family within the Hivite tribe. They are best known for their cunning approach to securing a peace treaty with the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites, fearing the advancing Israelite forces, resorted to deception. They disguised themselves as travelers from a distant land and sought a covenant of peace with Joshua and the leaders of Israel. Unaware of their true identity, the Israelites made a treaty with them, swearing by the LORD to let them live.

When the deception was uncovered, the Israelites honored their oath but subjected the Gibeonites to servitude as woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:27). This incident underscores the importance of oaths and the consequences of failing to seek divine guidance in decision-making.

The Gibeonites later played a role in the history of Israel during the reign of King Saul and King David. Saul's violation of the treaty with the Gibeonites led to a famine during David's reign, which was only resolved after David sought to make amends with the Gibeonites (2 Samuel 21:1-14).

Biblical References

The Hivites are mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament, often listed among the nations that the Israelites were commanded to drive out of the Promised Land. In Exodus 3:8, God promises to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and bring them into a land flowing with milk and honey, inhabited by the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 7:1, the LORD instructs the Israelites to conquer and utterly destroy these nations, including the Hivites, to prevent them from leading Israel astray.

Despite these commands, the interactions with the Shechemites and Gibeonites illustrate the complexities of Israel's conquest and settlement in Canaan. The Hivites, through these families, played a significant role in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history, serving as both adversaries and, at times, reluctant allies.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 34:2
And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 9:7
And the men of Israel said to the Hivites, Peradventure you dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you?
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 11:19
There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle.
Nave's Topical Index