Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the Hitti, Perizzi, and Refa'im mentioned in Genesis 15:20?
A: The Hitti (Hittites), Perizzi (Perizzites), and Refa'im (Rephaim) were ancient nations living in Canaan. According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, these were among the seven Canaanite nations that inhabited the land promised to Avraham and his descendants. The Torah frequently mentions them as nations that the Israelites would encounter when entering the land.
Q: Why does the Torah list these nations in Genesis 15:20?
A: The Torah lists these nations to emphasize the extent of the land that Hashem promised to Avraham and his descendants. In the broader context of Genesis 15, Hashem is making a covenant (brit) with Avraham, assuring him that his offspring will inherit this land after a period of exile. Listing these nations highlights the future challenges and the divine promise of conquest.
Q: What is the significance of the Refa'im in the Torah?
A: The Refa'im (Rephaim) were known as a mighty and tall people (Devarim 2:10-11). According to Midrashic sources, they were descendants of the Nephilim or other ancient giants. Their mention here underscores that despite their strength, the land would ultimately belong to Avraham's descendants through Hashem's promise.
Q: How do these nations relate to Jewish history?
A: These nations were inhabitants of Canaan, and their presence set the stage for the future conquest of the land by the Israelites under Yehoshua (Joshua). The Torah commands Bnei Yisrael to drive them out due to their idolatrous practices (Devarim 20:17-18). Their mention in Avraham's time shows that the process of inheriting the land was part of a long-term divine plan.
Q: Are the Hittites, Perizzites, and Rephaim still around today?
A: No, these nations no longer exist as distinct peoples. According to Jewish tradition, they were either assimilated or destroyed over time, particularly during the Israelite conquest and subsequent historical periods. The Talmud (Yevamot 17a) discusses how ancient nations were absorbed or disappeared, fulfilling the biblical prophecies regarding them.
The Nations Mentioned in the Verse
The verse lists three nations: the Ḥitti (Hittites), the Perizzi (Perizzites), and the Refa'im (Rephaim). These nations were among the indigenous inhabitants of Canaan, whom the Israelites were commanded to dispossess upon entering the Land of Israel (see Devarim 7:1). Each of these nations holds significance in Jewish tradition and biblical commentary.
The Ḥitti (Hittites)
Rashi (Bereishit 10:15) identifies the Hittites as descendants of Chet, the son of Canaan. They were known for their strength and were among the formidable nations dwelling in the land. Avraham purchased the Cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite (Bereishit 23), indicating their presence in the region of Hebron. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 36a) notes that the Hittites were known for their idolatrous practices, reinforcing the need for the Israelites to separate from their influence.
The Perizzi (Perizzites)
The Perizzites are often mentioned alongside the Canaanites and other nations (Bereishit 13:7). Rashi explains (Bereishit 34:30) that the name "Perizzi" may derive from the Hebrew word פרז (paraz), meaning "unwalled villages," suggesting they were a rural or scattered people. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 42:7) associates them with lawlessness, as they lived without structured governance, making them a spiritually dangerous influence.
The Refa'im (Rephaim)
The Rephaim were a race of giants (Devarim 2:11), often linked to the Anakim and other formidable peoples. The Talmud (Chullin 60a) discusses their immense size and strength, noting that Og, king of Bashan, was one of the last surviving Rephaim (Bamidbar 21:33-35). Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:28) interprets their mention as symbolic of the challenges the Israelites would face in conquering the land—both physical and spiritual.
Spiritual Significance
These nations represent different forms of spiritual corruption that the Israelites were to avoid:
The Torah’s command to dispossess them (Devarim 20:17) was not merely a physical conquest but a spiritual imperative to eradicate their corrupting influences from the Land of Israel.