“And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims.”
This verse is part of a broader passage in Genesis 15 where God makes a covenant with Abram (later known as Abraham) and assures him of the fulfillment of His promises.
In this particular verse, God describes the nations that will occupy the land promised to Abram’s descendants.
The Hittites:The Hittites were a prominent ancient Anatolian civilisation known for their empire, which existed from approximately the 18th to the 13th century BCE. They occupied an area in modern‑day Turkey and were a powerful and influential people during their time. The Bible often mentions them in relation to the land of Canaan.
The Perizzites:The Perizzites were one of the Canaanite tribes who inhabited the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest. They are mentioned several times in the Old Testament as one of the seven nations that inhabited the land God promised to give to the Israelites. Not much is known about the Perizzites apart from their presence in the biblical accounts.
The Rephaim:The Rephaim were a group of ancient people mentioned in various parts of the Bible, including Genesis, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. They are often associated with being a tribe of giants or mighty warriors. The term “Rephaim” can refer to both a specific people group and to the spirits of deceased giants. They were known for their great stature and strength.
It’s important to note that Genesis 15:20 is part of a historical account and serves as a reference to the nations that inhabited the land of Canaan during the time of Abraham. These mentions help to establish the context and provide a glimpse into the various peoples and cultures that existed in the region.
Overall, this verse contributes to the narrative of God’s promise to Abram regarding the land of Canaan and highlights the presence of different nations, such as the Hittites, Perizzites, and Rephaim, in that area.
