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Introduction to the Ten Nations in the Covenant Promise

In Genesis 15:19-21, Jehovah enumerates ten groups of people who occupied the land promised to Abraham’s descendants. These groups represent the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan and its surrounding regions. The passage states:

“On that day Jehovah made a covenant with Abram, saying: ‘To your offspring I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.’”

This list, unique in its inclusion of ten names, offers a detailed glimpse into the peoples living in Canaan when Abraham received the divine covenant.

The Significance of Enumerating These Nations

The mention of these ten nations underscores the vastness and diversity of the land promised to Abraham. It also highlights the significant challenge facing his descendants, who would eventually need to conquer and occupy the land. These groups represented established cultures with distinct identities, languages, and practices, many of which were directly opposed to the worship of Jehovah. The list provides both a geographic and theological context, emphasizing Jehovah’s sovereignty over the nations and His ability to fulfill His promises to Abraham.

Identifying the Nations of Genesis 15:19-21

The Kenites

The Kenites were a seminomadic people often associated with the Midianites. Their presence in the Sinai Peninsula and the Negev region suggests they were connected to the trade routes and possibly engaged in metalworking. The name “Kenite” likely derives from the Hebrew root qayin, meaning “smith” or “metalworker.” Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, was a priest of Midian and is identified as a Kenite (Judges 1:16; 4:11). This connection indicates that some Kenites, though not part of Israel, recognized and revered Jehovah.

The Kenizzites

The Kenizzites are mentioned only here in Scripture, and little is known about them. Their name suggests a link to Edom through Caleb, a prominent figure in the tribe of Judah, whose father Jephunneh was a Kenizzite (Joshua 14:6). This association points to a possible connection between the Kenizzites and the descendants of Esau.

The Kadmonites

The Kadmonites are another obscure group mentioned only in this passage. The name “Kadmonite” derives from the Hebrew root qedem, meaning “east.” This suggests they were an eastern people, possibly residing near the borderlands of Canaan. Their inclusion underscores the extensive reach of the promised land.

The Hittites

The Hittites were a significant group with a well-documented presence in the ancient Near East. Archaeological evidence confirms their influence as part of a vast empire centered in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). However, the Hittites mentioned in Genesis likely refer to a smaller group living in Canaan. These Hittites interacted with Abraham; for instance, Ephron the Hittite sold Abraham the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah (Genesis 23:3-20).

The Perizzites

The Perizzites are frequently mentioned alongside the Canaanites in Scripture (e.g., Genesis 13:7; Judges 1:4-5). Their name may derive from a root meaning “rural” or “unwalled villages,” indicating they lived in open, unfortified settlements. This lack of fortification likely made them more vulnerable to conquest by Israel.

The Rephaim

The Rephaim were known as a race of giants. They are described as formidable warriors who struck fear into the hearts of those who encountered them. Deuteronomy 2:11 identifies the Rephaim with the Anakites, another group of giants. The spies sent by Moses into Canaan described these giants as making the Israelites feel “like grasshoppers” in comparison (Numbers 13:33). The Rephaim occupied regions east of the Jordan River, such as Bashan, where King Og ruled (Deuteronomy 3:11).

The Amorites

The Amorites were among the most prominent inhabitants of Canaan and are frequently mentioned in Scripture. Their name may derive from a word meaning “mountaineers.” They occupied the highlands of Canaan and were known for their military strength and resistance to Israel’s conquests. Despite their strength, Jehovah declared their iniquity “not yet complete” in Genesis 15:16, indicating that their eventual judgment and displacement were divinely appointed.

The Canaanites

The term “Canaanites” is often used broadly to refer to all the inhabitants of Canaan. However, it can also refer specifically to a distinct group living along the coastal plains and lowlands. They were known for their trade and commerce, as the name “Canaanite” is associated with the word for “merchant.” The Canaanites’ idolatry and immoral practices, including child sacrifice, were abhorrent to Jehovah and necessitated their displacement by Israel (Deuteronomy 7:1-5).

The Girgashites

The Girgashites are one of the lesser-known groups in Canaan. Although mentioned in several biblical lists of nations, little detail is provided about their identity or location. Their inclusion in Genesis 15:21 emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the covenantal promise.

The Jebusites

The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem, which was known as Jebus before its conquest by David (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Their stronghold in the central hill country made them one of the more resilient groups in resisting Israelite settlement. David’s eventual capture of Jerusalem marked a significant milestone in Israel’s history, as the city became the political and spiritual center of the nation.

The Theological Implications of These Nations

The mention of these ten nations underscores the divine nature of the covenant made with Abraham. Jehovah’s promise to give Abraham’s descendants such a vast and diverse land demonstrated His authority over the nations and His ability to fulfill His word despite human opposition. Each of these nations, with their unique identities and strongholds, symbolized the challenges Israel would face in claiming the Promised Land. However, Jehovah assured Abraham that the land would ultimately belong to his descendants.

The inclusion of these nations also highlights the long-suffering nature of Jehovah’s judgment. Genesis 15:16 states that the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet complete, indicating that Jehovah’s judgment on these peoples would come only after their persistent rebellion and moral corruption reached its full measure. This principle reflects Jehovah’s justice and patience, as He provided opportunities for repentance even to those outside the covenant.

Conclusion

The listing of the ten nations in Genesis 15:19-21 emphasizes the grandeur and certainty of Jehovah’s covenant with Abraham. The boundaries of the Promised Land, inhabited by diverse and often hostile peoples, were a testament to the faithfulness and power of Jehovah to fulfill His promises. These nations, though formidable, were no match for the divine plan that would ultimately bring about the establishment of Israel in Canaan. The account serves as a reminder of Jehovah’s sovereignty over the nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).