1 Chronicles 1:15

KJV

And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Hivite {H2340}, and the Arkite {H6208}, and the Sinite {H5513},

Complete Jewish Bible

the Hivi, the 'Arki, the Sini,

Berean Standard Bible

the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites,

American Standard Version

and the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:15 is a concise yet significant entry within the extensive genealogical record that commences the book of 1 Chronicles. This verse specifically lists three distinct tribal groups—the Hivite, the Arkite, and the Sinite—all of whom are identified as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. Their inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical genealogies, which not only trace the lineage of Israel but also acknowledge the diverse peoples inhabiting the ancient Near East, thereby laying a foundational historical and geographical framework for the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are predominantly composed of genealogies, beginning with Adam and meticulously tracing humanity's lineage through Noah's sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. This extensive record serves as a crucial re-establishment of identity for the post-exilic community, affirming their connection to Abraham and their rightful claim to the land of Israel. Verses [1 Chronicles 1:8-16](/1_chronicles/1-8 "1 Chronicles 1:8-16 - The Sons of Ham") specifically detail the descendants of Ham, Noah's son, and among them, the sons of Canaan. The Hivite, Arkite, and Sinite are thus presented as distinct peoples who inhabited the ancient Near East, particularly the region known as the [land of Canaan](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of the Land to Abraham"). This detailed enumeration provides a comprehensive overview of the nations that populated the region before the Israelite conquest, setting the stage for later historical accounts in books like [Joshua](/joshua/3-10 "Joshua 3:10 - Dispossession of Canaanite Nations") and Judges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Hivites, Arkites, and Sinites were among the many tribal groups collectively known as Canaanites, who inhabited the geographical region of Canaan prior to the Israelite settlement. Historically, the Hivites were a prominent group, often mentioned in conjunction with other "ites" (e.g., Amorites, Jebusites, Perizzites) as indigenous inhabitants of the land promised to Abraham's descendants. Their presence is attested in various biblical narratives, indicating their interaction, sometimes hostile and sometimes peaceful, with the early Israelites. The Arkites and Sinites, while perhaps less frequently mentioned in later historical narratives, represent distinct, smaller groups within the broader Canaanite confederation, likely residing in specific geographical pockets (e.g., the Arkites near Arqa in modern Lebanon, the Sinites possibly in northern Phoenicia). Their inclusion in this genealogy highlights the biblical author's awareness of the diverse ethnic landscape of the ancient world, grounding the narrative in real historical peoples and places.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of these specific tribal names contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Historical Continuity**, demonstrating the Bible's rootedness in real historical peoples and places, affirming that the unfolding of God's plan occurs within the tangible flow of human generations and geopolitical realities. Secondly, it highlights the theme of the **Peoples of the Promised Land**, providing a comprehensive list of the nations that populated the region destined for Israel, thereby setting the historical and theological stage for the narratives of conquest and settlement found in books like [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest of Canaan") and [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Early Israel in the Land"). Finally, these detailed genealogies, even of nations outside Israel, reflect God's **Divine Order and Sovereignty** over all of human history and the distribution of peoples across the earth, as articulated in passages such as [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Determines Times and Boundaries of Nations"), where it is stated that God "made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hivite (Hebrew, _ḥiwwî_):** This term refers to one of the major ethnic groups inhabiting the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest. They are frequently mentioned in the Pentateuch and Joshua alongside other Canaanite tribes (e.g., Amorites, Jebusites, Perizzites). Their name may be related to a word meaning "villager" or "tent-dweller." They are notable for their cunning in deceiving Joshua into a treaty ([Joshua 9:3-15](/joshua/9-3 "Joshua 9:3-15 - The Gibeonite Deception")).
* **Arkite (Hebrew, _ʿarqî_):** This group is less prominent in the biblical narrative than the Hivites but is listed as a descendant of Canaan. Their name is likely derived from the city of Arqa (ancient Irqata), a significant city-state in Phoenicia, located in modern-day Lebanon. Their inclusion points to the geographical breadth of Canaan's descendants.
* **Sinite (Hebrew, _sînî_):** Similar to the Arkites, the Sinites are a lesser-known Canaanite group. Their name is thought to be associated with a city or region in northern Phoenicia, possibly near Arqa. Their presence in this list further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the genealogical record, acknowledging even the smaller, less frequently mentioned groups within the Canaanite family.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Hivite,"**: This clause introduces one of the most prominent Canaanite groups. Their inclusion here establishes their place within the broader lineage of Ham through Canaan, setting the stage for their later interactions with Israel as inhabitants of the promised land.
* **"and the Arkite,"**: Following the Hivite, this phrase lists a less frequently mentioned but geographically specific Canaanite group, likely associated with the Phoenician city of Arqa. Its presence underscores the meticulous detail of the Chronicler's genealogical record, acknowledging the diverse sub-groups within Canaan.
* **"and the Sinite,"**: Concluding the verse, this final clause names another obscure Canaanite group, possibly from northern Phoenicia. The consistent use of "and the" connects these groups seamlessly as part of a continuous lineage, emphasizing their shared ancestry from Canaan and their collective identity as inhabitants of the region.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 1:15, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Cataloguing** or **Listing**. This meticulous enumeration of names serves to establish a comprehensive historical and genealogical record. The **Repetition** of the conjunction "and" ("And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite") creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing the continuous flow of generations and the exhaustive nature of the record. While seemingly dry, this detailed listing also functions as a form of **Historical Grounding**, rooting the biblical narrative in a concrete, verifiable (to the original audience) historical reality. Furthermore, for the discerning reader, the mention of these specific groups, particularly the Hivites, serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the future conflicts and interactions that Israel would have with the inhabitants of Canaan, thereby connecting this foundational genealogy to the broader historical narrative of the Old Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of seemingly minor tribal names like the Hivite, Arkite, and Sinite within the grand genealogies of 1 Chronicles speaks volumes about the biblical understanding of history and divine sovereignty. It demonstrates that God's plan is not confined to a single nation or lineage but encompasses all of humanity. Even groups who would later stand in opposition to Israel are acknowledged as part of the broader human family, created and ordered by God. This meticulous record-keeping underscores God's comprehensive knowledge and involvement in all of human history, from the grand movements of nations to the specific identities of individual tribes. It reminds us that every people, every nation, has its place in His grand design, and that the biblical narrative is deeply rooted in the tangible realities of the ancient world. This foundation prepares the reader for understanding both the universal scope of God's redemptive work and the specific covenantal relationship He establishes with Israel.

* [Genesis 10:15-18](/genesis/10-15 "Genesis 10:15-18 - The Descendants of Canaan")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - Nations to be Dispossessed")
* [Joshua 9:1-2](/joshua/9-1 "Joshua 9:1-2 - Alliance Against Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a verse like 1 Chronicles 1:15 might initially appear to be a mere list of names, its profound spiritual and practical implications emerge when viewed within the broader tapestry of God's Word. It invites us to consider the meticulousness of God's attention to detail, not only in the grand sweep of history but also in the specific identities of peoples and places. This reminds us that our own lives, our families, and our communities are not random occurrences but are woven into the fabric of God's overarching plan. Just as these ancient peoples had their place in God's historical narrative, so too do we have a unique role and purpose within His ongoing story of redemption. This verse encourages us to appreciate the rich diversity of humanity, recognizing that every tribe and nation ultimately stems from a common origin under God's sovereign hand. It challenges us to look beyond superficial differences and see the shared humanity that binds us, fostering a greater sense of interconnectedness and a deeper appreciation for God's global design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's meticulous attention to genealogies, even of seemingly minor groups, deepen your understanding of God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways does recognizing the diverse origins of humanity, as presented in these genealogies, influence your perspective on cultural differences and global unity?**
* **How might understanding the historical context of the Canaanite nations, including the Hivites, Arkites, and Sinites, enrich your reading of later biblical narratives concerning Israel's settlement in the land?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific Canaanite groups listed in such detail in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The detailed listing of these Canaanite groups, including the Hivite, Arkite, and Sinite, serves several crucial purposes within 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive genealogical record that establishes the historical and geographical context for the nation of Israel. By tracing the lineage of all peoples back to Noah, the Chronicler emphasizes the universal scope of God's creation and sovereignty. Secondly, for the post-exilic community, these genealogies re-established their identity and claim to the land of Canaan, reminding them of the original inhabitants whom God had promised to dispossess before Israel. The inclusion of these specific names underscores the historical reality of the nations Israel would encounter, as seen in accounts like [Numbers 13:29](/numbers/13-29 "Numbers 13:29 - Canaanites in the Land") and [Joshua 3:10](/joshua/3-10 "Joshua 3:10 - Dispossession of Canaanite Nations"), thereby grounding the biblical narrative in verifiable historical and geographical detail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:15, with its list of ancient tribal names, may seem far removed from the person of Jesus Christ, it contributes to the grand biblical narrative that ultimately culminates in Him. The meticulous genealogies, tracing humanity's lineage through diverse nations and families, underscore God's sovereign plan unfolding across all of history. This divine oversight of every people group, including the Hivites, Arkites, and Sinites, points to a God whose redemptive purposes are not limited to one nation but extend to all humanity. In Christ, this universal scope is fully realized. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between peoples ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Walls")). The detailed record of diverse nations in Genesis and Chronicles foreshadows the ultimate gathering of a people for God from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Nation")), united not by earthly lineage but by faith in the [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). Thus, these ancient lists, by demonstrating God's comprehensive knowledge and sovereign ordering of all peoples, lay the groundwork for understanding Christ's universal lordship and the global reach of His redemptive kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 3:17

And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

Exodus 3:8

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

1 Kings 9:20

[And] all the people [that were] left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which [were] not of the children of Israel,

Exodus 13:5

And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.