The Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as the inhabitants of the land of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. These groups are often collectively referred to as the "nations" that occupied the Promised Land, which God pledged to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Canaanites: The term "Canaanites" is often used broadly to describe the various peoples living in the land of Canaan. The Canaanites were known for their advanced urban culture and polytheistic religion, which included the worship of deities such as Baal and Asherah. The Bible frequently warns the Israelites against adopting Canaanite religious practices. In Genesis 10:15-18, the Canaanites are listed as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. The Israelites' conquest of Canaan is a central theme in the book of Joshua, where God commands the Israelites to drive out the Canaanites from the land (Joshua 3:10).

Amorites: The Amorites are often mentioned as a significant group within the land of Canaan. They are described as a powerful and numerous people, known for their fortified cities and military prowess. In Genesis 15:16, God tells Abraham that his descendants will return to the land of the Amorites after four generations, as their iniquity is not yet complete. The Amorites are also noted for their resistance against the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 10:5).

Hittites: The Hittites are one of the more prominent groups mentioned in the Old Testament. They are believed to have originated from Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and are known for their significant influence and interactions with other ancient Near Eastern civilizations. In Genesis 23:10, Abraham negotiates with the Hittites to purchase a burial site for his wife Sarah. The Hittites are also listed among the nations that the Israelites are to dispossess (Deuteronomy 7:1).

Perizzites: The Perizzites are less frequently mentioned but are consistently listed among the inhabitants of Canaan. They are described as living in the hill country and are often associated with rural, non-urbanized areas. In Genesis 13:7, the Perizzites are mentioned alongside the Canaanites as sharing the land with Abram and Lot. The Israelites are commanded to drive out the Perizzites during their conquest of the land (Exodus 3:8).

Hivites: The Hivites are another group residing in Canaan, often associated with specific regions such as Gibeon. In Joshua 9:7, the Hivites deceive the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land. The Hivites are also listed among the nations that God promises to drive out before the Israelites (Exodus 23:28).

Jebusites: The Jebusites are primarily known for their control of Jerusalem, then called Jebus. They are described as a formidable people who resisted Israelite conquest until the time of King David. In 2 Samuel 5:6-7, David captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites and establishes it as the political and spiritual center of Israel. The Jebusites are included in the list of nations that the Israelites are to dispossess (Deuteronomy 7:1).

These groups collectively represent the diverse and often adversarial inhabitants of the land promised to the Israelites. Their presence and practices posed significant challenges to the Israelites' faithfulness to God, as seen throughout the historical narratives of the Old Testament.