Bible Dictionary
Perizzites
The Perizzites were a Canaanite people living in the land promised to Israel. They were eventually conquered and, in Solomon’s time, reduced to forced labor.
Definition
The Perizzites were a Canaanite people described as villagers or dwellers in the open country. They inhabited fertile regions south and southwest of Carmel.
Biblical Usage
They were among the peoples whom Israel was commanded to drive out of the land and are later listed among the conquered tribes. Those remaining were reduced to servitude by Solomon.
Historical Background
The Perizzites are described as graziers, farmers, and peasants. Their continued presence in the land led to their incorporation into Solomon’s forced labor.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Villagers; dwellers in the open country, the Canaanitish nation inhabiting the fertile regions south and south-west of Carmel. “They were the graziers, farmers, and peasants of the time.” They were to be driven out of the land by the descendants of Abraham (Gen. 15:20; Ex. 3:8, 17; 23:23; 33:2; 34:11). They are afterwards named among the conquered tribes (Josh. 24:11). Still lingering in the land, however, they were reduced to servitude by Solomon (1 Kings 9:20).