Overview
The Hivites were among the seven nations inhabiting Canaan before Israel's conquest. They are most remembered for the Gibeonites' deception of Joshua, securing a peace treaty through false representation. Later, Hivites appear in David's reign as inhabitants of the northern regions.
Key Scriptures
"Now when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, they on their part acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended" (Joshua 9:3-4, ESV).
"All the Hivites who lived in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon to the entrance of Hamath" (Joshua 11:3, ESV) were subdued by Joshua's campaigns.
"And David took the shield of gold that was carried by Hadadezer" from conflicts involving regions where Hivites dwelt (2 Samuel 8:7, NIV).
Application
The Hivites' deception reminds us to seek God's wisdom and verify claims rather than acting hastily in important decisions.