The Pheresites, also spelled Perizzites, are one of the ancient Canaanite tribes mentioned frequently in the Old Testament. They are often listed among the inhabitants of the land of Canaan, which the Israelites were commanded to conquer and possess. The Pheresites are typically mentioned alongside other Canaanite groups such as the Hittites, Amorites, Jebusites, Hivites, and Girgashites.

Biblical References

The Pheresites are first mentioned in the context of God's promise to Abram (later Abraham) regarding the land of Canaan. In Genesis 15:18-21 , God makes a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites."

The Pheresites are also noted during the time of the patriarchs. In Genesis 13:7 , a conflict arises between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, and it is mentioned that "the Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time."

During the conquest of Canaan under Joshua, the Pheresites are again listed among the peoples to be driven out. Joshua 3:10 records Joshua's words to the Israelites: "This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will surely drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites."

Cultural and Historical Context

The Pheresites, like other Canaanite tribes, were known for their idolatrous practices and pagan worship, which were in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The Israelites were commanded to avoid intermarriage and cultural assimilation with these groups to prevent the adoption of their religious practices. In Deuteronomy 7:1-3 , God instructs the Israelites, "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you—and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons."

Role in Israel's History

The presence of the Pheresites in the land of Canaan posed a significant challenge to the Israelites as they sought to establish themselves in the Promised Land. The failure to completely drive out the Pheresites and other Canaanite tribes led to recurring issues of idolatry and disobedience among the Israelites, as seen throughout the period of the Judges and the monarchy.

In the time of Solomon, the Pheresites are mentioned as part of the labor force used in his extensive building projects. 1 Kings 9:20-21 states, "As for all the people who were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not Israelites—these descendants of the nations remaining in the land, whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted them for his labor force, as it is to this day."

Theological Significance

The narrative of the Pheresites and other Canaanite tribes serves as a backdrop for the unfolding account of Israel's faithfulness and unfaithfulness to God's covenant. The command to drive out the Pheresites underscores the importance of holiness and separation from idolatry for the people of God. The interactions with the Pheresites highlight the ongoing struggle between the call to be a distinct, holy nation and the temptation to conform to surrounding cultures.PHERESITES

fer'-e-sits: King James Version=Revised Version "Pherezites" (1 Esdras 8:69; 2 Esdras 1:21) = "Perizzite."

Pheresites
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PHERESITES. fer'-e-sits: King James Version=Revised
Version "Pherezites" (1 Esdras 8:69; 2 Esdras 1:21) = "Perizzite.". ...
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Pherez (11 Occurrences)

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Phenicia (1 Occurrence)

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