### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word **Pᵉrizzîy**, represented by `{{H6522}}`, identifies an **inhabitant of the open country; a Perizzite, one of the Canaanitish tribes**. It appears 23 times across 23 unique verses. The Perizzites are consistently listed among the peoples inhabiting the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the Perizzites are first mentioned as dwelling in the land alongside the Canaanites during the time of Abram and Lot [[Genesis 13:7]]. They are consistently named as one of the groups occupying the land God promised to bring Israel into, a land described as flowing with milk and honey ([[Exodus 3:8]], [[Exodus 3:17]]). God's covenant with Abram's descendants included giving them the land of the Perizzites [[Nehemiah 9:8]]. Consequently, the Perizzites were among the nations God commanded Israel to drive out and utterly destroy ([[Exodus 34:11]], [[Deuteronomy 20:17]]). They were a source of conflict, fighting against the Israelites [[Joshua 24:11]] and causing fear for Jacob's family [[Genesis 34:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The Perizzites are almost always mentioned in conjunction with other Canaanite tribes, illustrating the diverse population of the land:
* `{{H3669}}` **Kᵉnaʻanîy** (Canaanite): The Perizzites are often listed with the Canaanites, indicating they were a distinct group within the broader region of Canaan [[Genesis 13:7]].
* `{{H2850}}` **Chittîy** (Hittite): A descendant of Cheth, the Hittites are frequently part of the list of nations to be dispossessed by Israel [[Deuteronomy 7:1]].
* `{{H567}}` **ʼĔmôrîy** (Amorite): The Amorites are another prominent tribe consistently named alongside the Perizzites as inhabitants of the promised land [[Exodus 23:23]].
* `{{H3423}}` **yârash** (to possess, drive out): This word describes God's action on behalf of Israel and Israel's required action against the Perizzites and other tribes to take possession of the land [[Joshua 3:10]].
### Theological Significance
The presence of the `{{H6522}}` Perizzites in scripture highlights several key theological themes:
* **Divine Promise and Judgment:** The promise to give the land of the Perizzites to Israel demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness [[Nehemiah 9:8]]. Their expulsion and destruction represent God's judgment against the nations for their abominations [[Ezra 9:1]].
* **Israel's Conquest and Obedience:** God commanded Israel to utterly destroy the Perizzites and other inhabitants [[Deuteronomy 20:17]]. The conquest, such as Judah's victory over the Perizzites in Bezek [[Judges 1:4]], was a test of Israel's obedience to the LORD.
* **The Consequences of Disobedience:** Israel failed to completely drive out the Perizzites. They remained in the land through the time of the kings [[1 Kings 9:20]], and the Israelites dwelt among them [[Judges 3:5]]. This led to spiritual compromise, as the people of Israel did not separate themselves from their abominations [[Ezra 9:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6522}}` **Pᵉrizzîy** refers to one of the pre-Israelite tribes in the land of Canaan. They are significant not as a major power on their own, but as a consistent part of the group of nations that God promised to remove before His people. Their story serves as a backdrop for God's faithfulness to His covenant, His judgment on wickedness, and the critical importance of Israel's complete obedience to His commands.
TRV