In the biblical narrative, the Israelites were surrounded by various peoples and nations, each with distinct cultures, religions, and interactions with the chosen people of God. Understanding these neighboring groups provides insight into the historical and spiritual context of the biblical events.

Canaanites
The Canaanites were the original inhabitants of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. They were a collection of city-states, each with its own king. The Canaanites practiced polytheism, worshiping deities such as Baal and Asherah. The Israelites were commanded to drive them out of the land due to their idolatrous practices. In Judges 3:5-6 , it is noted, "Thus the Israelites lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. And they took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and they served their gods."

Philistines
The Philistines were a significant adversarial force against Israel, particularly during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. They were a seafaring people, likely originating from the Aegean region, and settled along the coastal plains of Canaan. The Philistines are frequently mentioned in the context of military conflicts, such as the famous battle between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Their five major cities included Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath.

Ammonites
Descendants of Lot, the Ammonites occupied the territory east of the Jordan River. They were often in conflict with Israel, as seen in the accounts of Judges and the reign of King Saul. The Ammonites worshiped the god Milcom, and their interactions with Israel were marked by hostility and warfare. In Judges 11:4 , it is recorded, "Some time later, when the Ammonites fought against Israel..."

Moabites
Also descendants of Lot, the Moabites lived to the east of the Dead Sea. The Moabites had a complex relationship with Israel, ranging from hostility to periods of peace. The account of Ruth, a Moabite woman, highlights a positive interaction, as she becomes an ancestor of King David. However, the Moabites also led Israel into idolatry, as seen in Numbers 25:1-3 , "While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices for their gods."

Edomites
The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and lived in the region south of the Dead Sea. Their relationship with Israel was characterized by both kinship and conflict. The Edomites refused passage to the Israelites during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21), and later, they were subjugated by King David. The prophet Obadiah prophesied against Edom for their actions against Israel.

Amorites
The Amorites were a prominent group in the ancient Near East, often mentioned alongside the Canaanites. They occupied the hill country and were known for their fortified cities. The conquest of the Amorite kings Sihon and Og is a significant event in Israel's journey to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 3:1-11). The Amorites' defeat demonstrated God's power and faithfulness to Israel.

Hittites
The Hittites were an ancient Anatolian people who established a significant empire in the second millennium BC. In the Bible, they are often mentioned as inhabitants of Canaan. Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site (Genesis 23:10-20). The Hittites were known for their advanced culture and military prowess.

Jebusites
The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem, known as Jebus. They were eventually conquered by King David, who established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-9). The Jebusites are often mentioned in the context of the conquest narratives.

These peoples and their interactions with Israel are integral to understanding the biblical narrative, illustrating the challenges and influences faced by the Israelites as they sought to remain faithful to the covenant with Yahweh amidst a diverse and often hostile environment.