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, which the Israelites were commanded to conquer and possess. The Perizzites are typically mentioned alongside other Canaanite groups such as the Hittites, Amorites, Jebusites, Hivites, and Girgashites.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 13:7 · The Perizzites are first mentioned in the context of the land dispute between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. "And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and Perizzites were dwelling in the land."

2. Genesis 15:20 · In God's covenant with Abram, the Perizzites are included among the peoples whose land would be given to Abram's descendants. "the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaites,"

3. Exodus 3:8 · The Perizzites are listed as one of the nations inhabiting the Promised Land, which God promises to deliver into the hands of the Israelites. "So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites."

4. Deuteronomy 7:1 · The Perizzites are included in the list of seven nations greater and mightier than the Israelites, whom God commands the Israelites to utterly destroy. "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you—"

5. Joshua 3:10 · As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, Joshua reassures them of God's presence and power to drive out the inhabitants, including the Perizzites. "Joshua continued, '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.'"

6. Judges 1:4-5 · The Perizzites are mentioned in the context of the early conquests of the Israelites in the land of Canaan. "When Judah attacked, the LORD delivered the Canaanites and Perizzites into their hands, and they struck down ten thousand men at Bezek."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Perizzites, like other Canaanite tribes, were indigenous to the land of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. The name "Perizzite" is thought to mean "villagers" or "dwellers in the open country," suggesting that they may have lived in rural areas or small settlements rather than fortified cities. This lifestyle might have made them distinct from other Canaanite groups who inhabited more urbanized centers.

The Perizzites, along with other Canaanite tribes, practiced polytheistic religions and were known for their idolatrous practices, which were abominations in the sight of the God of Israel. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the religious practices of the Canaanites, including those of the Perizzites, as these practices were contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

Theological Significance:

The presence of the Perizzites in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their covenantal relationship with God amidst a land filled with pagan influences. The command to drive out the Perizzites and other Canaanite tribes underscores the importance of holiness and separation from idolatry for the people of Israel.

The Perizzites, as part of the broader Canaanite culture, represent the spiritual and moral challenges that God's people must confront and overcome. Their mention in the biblical text highlights the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the temptation to conform to the surrounding culture.Per'izzite (1 Occurrence)

Nehemiah 9:8
and foundest his heart faithful before Thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite, and the Girgashite, even to give it unto his seed, and hast performed Thy words; for Thou art righteous;
(See RSV)

Per'izzite (1 Occurrence)
Per'izzite. Perizzite, Per'izzite. Perizzites . Multi-Version Concordance
Per'izzite (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 9:8 and foundest his ...
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Perizzites (23 Occurrences)

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Perizzite (22 Occurrences)

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