Topical Encyclopedia The Perizzites were one of the ancient Canaanite tribes mentioned frequently in the Old Testament. They are often listed among the inhabitants of the land of Canaan that the Israelites encountered upon their return from Egypt. The name "Perizzite" is thought to mean "villagers" or "dwellers in the open country," suggesting that they lived in rural areas rather than fortified cities.Biblical References The Perizzites are first mentioned in Genesis 13:7, where a conflict arises between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, and it is noted that "the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land at that time" . This indicates their presence in the land even before the patriarchal narratives. In Genesis 15:18-21, God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him the land of various peoples, including the Perizzites: "On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites'" . The Perizzites are also mentioned in the context of the conquest of Canaan. In Exodus 3:8, God speaks to Moses about delivering the Israelites from Egypt and bringing them "to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites" . This promise is reiterated in Exodus 23:23 and Deuteronomy 7:1, where the Perizzites are listed among the nations that the Israelites are to drive out. During the conquest under Joshua, the Perizzites are again mentioned. In Joshua 3:10, Joshua tells the Israelites, "By this 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" . The Perizzites are included in the list of nations that were to be dispossessed as the Israelites took possession of the Promised Land. Cultural and Historical Context The Perizzites, like other Canaanite tribes, were known for their pagan practices and idolatry, which were in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh. The Israelites were commanded to avoid intermarriage and cultural assimilation with the Perizzites and other Canaanite peoples to prevent the adoption of their religious practices (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Despite the command to drive out the Canaanite nations, including the Perizzites, remnants of these peoples continued to live among the Israelites. Judges 1:4-5 records that the Israelites fought against the Canaanites and Perizzites, defeating them at Bezek. However, the complete eradication of these peoples was not achieved, leading to ongoing challenges for the Israelites. Legacy and Theological Significance The presence of the Perizzites and other Canaanite tribes in the biblical narrative serves as a backdrop for the unfolding account of Israel's faithfulness and unfaithfulness to God's commands. The interactions with these peoples highlight the constant struggle between following God's covenant and succumbing to the surrounding pagan influences. The Perizzites, as part of the broader Canaanite culture, represent the spiritual and moral challenges that the Israelites faced in maintaining their distinct identity as God's chosen people. The biblical accounts of the Perizzites underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of failing to fully carry out His instructions. Concordance Perrizites (1 Occurrence)Deuteronomy 7:1 Thesaurus Perrizites (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Perrizites (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 7:1 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither ... /p/perrizites.htm - 6k Perplexity (8 Occurrences) Persecute (48 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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