Hivites

One of the original tribes scattered over Palestine, from Hermon to Gibeon in the south. The name is interpreted as “midlanders” or “villagers” (Gen. 10:17; 1 Chr. 1:15). They were probably a branch of the Hittites. At the time of Jacob’s return to Canaan, Hamor the Hivite was the “prince of the land” (Gen. 24:2-28). They are next mentioned during the Conquest (Josh. 9:7; 11:19). They principally inhabited the northern confines of Western Palestine (Josh. 11:3; Judg. 3:3). A remnant of them still existed in the time of Solomon (1 Kings 9:20).

(villagers), The, descendants—the six in order— of Canaan the son of Ham. (Genesis 10:17; 1 Chronicles 1:15) We first encounter the actual people of the Hivites at the time of Jacob’s return to Canaan. (Genesis 34:2) We next meet with the Hivites during the conquest of Canaan. (Joshua 9:7; 11:19) The main body of the Hivites were at this time living in the northern confines of western Palestine— “under Hermon, in the land of Mizpeh,” (Joshua 11:3)—“in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon to the entering in of Hamath.” (Judges 3:3) comp. 2Sam 24:7

HI'VITES, a people descended from Canaan, Gen 10:17. When Jacob returned to the land of his fathers he found them settled there. One of them, Hamor, defiled Dinah, for which a speedy retribution was visited upon their city by Simeon and Levi, Gen 34:25. We again meet them at the conquest of Canaan, Josh 11:3, Josh 11:19. This people dwelt at this time in the north-western part of Palestine, under Mount Hcrmon, Josh 11:3, and in Mount Lebanon, Jud 3:3.

wicked; wickedness

HI'VITES, LAND OF THE, a region in Canaan, along the coast of the Mediterranean, peopled by some of the descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. Gen 10:17; 1 Chr 1:15. On Jacob's return to Canaan, Shechem was in possession of the Hivites, Hamor the Hivite being the "prince of the land," Gen 34:2. They voluntarily surrendered their country to Joshua. Josh 9:7; Josh 11:19. The main body of the Hivites were then living on the northern confines of western Palestine — "under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh," Josh 11:3; "in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath," Jud 3:3. They paid tribute to Solomon. 1 Kgs 9:20; 2 Chr 8:7. Their country appears to have been afterward absorbed by the surrounding nations.