The Perezites, also referred to as Perizzites in some translations, are a group mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the indigenous peoples inhabiting the land of Canaan prior to the arrival of the Israelites. The name "Perezites" is derived from the Hebrew word "Perizzi," which is often interpreted to mean "villagers" or "dwellers in open country," suggesting a lifestyle distinct from the more urbanized Canaanite city-states.

Biblical References

The Perezites are frequently listed among the various Canaanite tribes that the Israelites encountered and were commanded to drive out upon entering the Promised Land. In Genesis 15:19-21, God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him the land of several peoples, including the Perezites: "the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites" .

In the book of Exodus, the Perezites are again mentioned as one of the nations that God promises to displace before the Israelites: "I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites" (Exodus 33:2).

The Perezites are also noted in the conquest narratives of the book of Joshua. Joshua 3:10 records Joshua's assurance to the Israelites that God would drive out the inhabitants of the land, including the Perezites: "This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will surely drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites" .

Cultural and Historical Context

The Perezites, like other Canaanite tribes, were known for their polytheistic practices and idolatry, which were in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh commanded to the Israelites. The Perezites' presence in the land posed a significant challenge to the Israelites, both militarily and spiritually, as they sought to establish a society based on the laws and commandments given by God.

The Perezites are often associated with rural, agrarian lifestyles, living in unwalled villages and open country, which may have made them more vulnerable to the military campaigns of the Israelites. Their way of life contrasts with the fortified cities of other Canaanite groups, such as the Jebusites and Hittites.

Theological Significance

The command to drive out the Perezites and other Canaanite tribes is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing the need for the Israelites to remain distinct and separate from the surrounding nations. This separation was crucial to maintaining the purity of worship and adherence to the covenant with God. The presence of the Perezites and their eventual displacement serves as a reminder of the Israelites' call to obedience and the consequences of failing to fully carry out God's commands.

The Perezites, as part of the broader Canaanite culture, represent the spiritual and moral challenges faced by the Israelites in their quest to establish a holy nation. Their account is a testament to the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the temptations of surrounding cultures.6558. Partsi -- descendant of Perez
... Partsi. 6559 . descendant of Perez. Transliteration: Partsi Phonetic Spelling:
(par-tsee') Short Definition: Perezites. ... of Perez NASB Word Usage Perezites (1). ...
/hebrew/6558.htm - 6kPerezites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Perezites (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:20 The sons
of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family ...
/p/perezites.htm - 6k

Perezite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:20 The sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family
of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family ...
/p/perezite.htm - 6k

Perez (19 Occurrences)
... The patronymic "Pharzite" occurs in Numbers 26:20 the King James Version.
Perezites (Numbers 16:20, the King James Version "Pharzites"). ...
/p/perez.htm - 13k

Zerahites (5 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:20 The sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family
of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family ...
/z/zerahites.htm - 8k

Zerahite (4 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:20 The sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family
of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family ...
/z/zerahite.htm - 7k

Pharez (11 Occurrences)
... The patronymic "Pharzite" occurs in Numbers 26:20 the King James Version.
Perezites (Numbers 16:20, the King James Version "Pharzites"). ...
/p/pharez.htm - 11k

Perezuzza (1 Occurrence)

/p/perezuzza.htm - 6k

Clan (96 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:20 The sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family
of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family ...
/c/clan.htm - 32k

Shelanites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:20 The sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family
of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family ...
/s/shelanites.htm - 7k

Shelanite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:20 The sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family
of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family ...
/s/shelanite.htm - 6k

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