Who Was Perizzites in the Bible?

The People Descended from Periz

The Perizzites are a group of people mentioned in the Bible who were among the various Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. While the exact identity of Periz, the purported ancestor of the Perizzites, is not explicitly detailed in the Scriptures, the presence and role of the Perizzites in biblical history are well-documented.

Biblical References to the Perizzites

The Perizzites are first mentioned in Genesis 13:7, during the account of Abraham and Lot separating their herdsmen due to disputes over grazing land: “And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.”

The Perizzites are consistently listed among the Canaanite nations that inhabited the land before the Israelites’ conquest. Notable references include:

• Genesis 15:20: In the covenant God made with Abram, promising him the land of Canaan, the Perizzites are mentioned as one of the peoples inhabiting the land.
• Exodus 3:8: God promises to deliver the Israelites from Egypt to a land flowing with milk and honey, home to the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
• Deuteronomy 7:1: Moses instructs the Israelites on the nations they are to dispossess as they enter the Promised Land, including the Perizzites.
• Joshua 3:10: As the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan, Joshua names the Perizzites among the nations God will drive out before them.

The Role of the Perizzites

The Perizzites, along with other Canaanite tribes, represented the inhabitants of the land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Their presence in the land posed a spiritual and moral challenge to the Israelites. The Canaanites, including the Perizzites, were known for their idolatry and wicked practices, which were in direct opposition to the worship and commandments of Yahweh.

Conquest and Dispossession

God commanded the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan, including the Perizzites, to prevent the corruption of His people by the pagan practices of these nations. Deuteronomy 7:1-2 states: “When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and 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 destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.”

The command to dispossess these nations was not only about territorial acquisition but also about spiritual purity and fidelity to God. The Perizzites’ presence and practices were a test of the Israelites’ faithfulness and obedience to God’s commandments.

Lessons for the Modern Christian

Faithfulness and Obedience to God

The story of the Perizzites underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. The Israelites were commanded to follow God’s instructions carefully to avoid being led astray by the idolatry and immorality of the Canaanite nations. For modern Christians, this serves as a reminder to remain faithful to God’s Word and resist the temptations and influences that can lead away from a righteous path. James 1:22 encourages believers to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, thereby living out their faith in daily life.

God’s Faithfulness in Fulfilling Promises

The inclusion of the Perizzites in the biblical narrative highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham and his descendants. Despite the challenges and opposition, God delivered the land of Canaan to the Israelites as He had promised. This reinforces the assurance that God is faithful to His promises and will fulfill them in His perfect timing. 2 Corinthians 1:20 states, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

Connection to a Loving God

God’s Holiness and Justice

The command to drive out the Perizzites and other Canaanite nations reflects God’s holiness and justice. God’s desire for His people to live in purity and obedience is rooted in His holy nature. This narrative underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and idolatry and His commitment to preserving the holiness of His people. Leviticus 19:2 calls God’s people to be holy because He is holy.

God’s Desire for Relationship

Despite the severe measures against the Canaanites, including the Perizzites, God’s ultimate desire is for a relationship with His people, grounded in love and obedience. God’s actions are always aimed at drawing His people closer to Him and protecting them from the spiritual dangers that come from disobedience and idolatry. Jeremiah 31:3 reflects God’s loving pursuit: “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'”

Connection to Jesus Christ

Fulfillment of God’s Redemptive Plan

The narrative of the Perizzites and the conquest of Canaan is part of the broader redemptive plan that culminates in Jesus Christ. The Promised Land, initially given to the descendants of Abraham, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance offered through Christ. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection opened the way for all people to become part of God’s family and inherit eternal life. Galatians 3:29 states, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Overcoming Spiritual Adversaries

Just as the Israelites were called to overcome physical adversaries in Canaan, Christians today are called to overcome spiritual adversaries. Through Christ, believers have the power to resist temptation, reject false teachings, and live in obedience to God. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Through faith in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can stand firm in their faith and live victoriously.

Conclusion

The Perizzites, a Canaanite tribe mentioned throughout the Bible, represent the spiritual and moral challenges faced by the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. Their story highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, the assurance of His promises, and the necessity of maintaining spiritual purity. For modern Christians, the narrative of the Perizzites serves as a reminder of God’s holiness, justice, and desire for a loving relationship with His people. Through Jesus Christ, believers can overcome spiritual adversaries and partake in the eternal promises of God, living faithfully and victoriously in a world filled with challenges and temptations.