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). wicked; wickedness (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 Descended from Canaan -- Ge 10:15,17. Supposed to be the ancient Avim, or Avites -- De 2:33; Jos 13:3. One of the seven nations of Canaan -- De 7:1. Dwelt near Lebanon -- Jdj 3:3. The Shechemites a people of -- Ge 34:2. The Gibeonites a people of -- Jos 9:3,7. Esau intermarried with -- Ge 36:2. Land of, promised to Israel -- Ex 3:8; 23:23. Israel commanded to destroy -- De 7:1,2,24. A part of, left to prove Israel -- Jdj 3:3. Remnant of, made tributary in the reign of Solomon -- 1Ki 9:20,21.
Hivites