Bible Dictionary
Hivites
The Hivites were one of the peoples living in Canaan before and during Israel’s conquest. They inhabited areas from Mount Hermon and Lebanon to Gibeon, and a remnant remained under Solomon.
Definition
The Hivites were one of the peoples living in Palestine before and during Israel’s conquest. Their name is explained as “villagers” or “midlanders,” and they were probably a branch of the Hittites. They were associated with regions from Mount Hermon and Lebanon to Gibeon.
Biblical Usage
Hamor, a Hivite, is called prince of the land when Jacob returned to Canaan. The Hivites appear during the conquest and are named among the peoples inhabiting the northern confines of western Palestine. A remnant remained in Solomon’s time.
Historical Background
Their principal settlements were under Hermon, in the land of Mizpeh, and in Mount Lebanon from Baal Hermon toward Hamath. The supplied material also associates them with Gibeon.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
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).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(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