“And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,”
This verse is a brief mention of three different groups of people: the Jebusites, the Amorites, and the Girgasites. These were ancient Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land of Canaan.
The Jebusites were known for their association with Jerusalem. They lived in the region around the city and occupied the area until it was captured by King David and became the capital of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Jerusalem was originally called Jebus, named after the Jebusites.
The Amorites were a prominent group of people who inhabited various parts of Canaan, particularly the region of the hill country. They were known for their city‑states, such as Hebron, which Abraham purchased as a burial site for Sarah (Genesis 23:17-20). Later in history, the Israelites faced fierce opposition from the Amorites when they entered the Promised Land (Numbers 21:21-35).
The Girgasites, also known as the Girgashites, were another Canaanite tribe. They dwelled in the land of Canaan, specifically in the area around Mount Hermon and the northern part of the Jordan River. The Bible doesn’t provide much information about the Girgasites beyond their inclusion in the Table of Nations.
Overall, Genesis 10:16 serves as a record of the different Canaanite tribes and their dwelling places in the ancient land of Canaan. These tribes played significant roles in the history of the Israelites as they established themselves in the Promised Land, fulfilling God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
