As for all the people that were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which were not of Israel,

2 CHRONICLES 8:7KJV
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2 Chronicles 8:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 8:7 mean?

2 Chronicles 8:7 states that there were still people living in the land who belonged to groups like the Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—nations that were not part of Israel. These people remained in the land after Israel had settled there.

This verse is part of a summary about King Solomon’s reign, specifically mentioning the non-Israelite groups still present in the territory Israel controlled. The Chronicler is listing these nations to set up what Solomon did with them, which is explained in the following verses. The verse highlights the ongoing presence of other peoples in the land, even after many years of Israelite occupation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 8:7

  • עַם (ʿam, H5971): This word is often translated as "people" or "nation." Here, it refers to the various non-Israelite groups still living in the land, emphasizing their distinct identity from Israel.
  • יָתַר (yāṯar, H3498): This verb means "to be left" or "to remain." It points out that these groups were survivors or remnants, not the original full populations.
  • Names like חִתִּי (ḥittî, H2850), אֱמֹרִי (ʾemōrî, H567), פְּרִזִּי (perizzî, H6522), חִוִּי (ḥiwwî, H2340), and יְבוּסִי (yevūsî, H2983): These are the names of specific Canaanite nations. Mentioning them by name underlines their historical significance and the fact that they were distinct from Israel.
  • יִשְׂרָאֵל (yiśrāʾēl, H3478): This is the name for Israel, marking a clear line between the Israelites and the other groups.

Why 2 Chronicles 8:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that not all the original inhabitants of Canaan were driven out or destroyed when Israel took the land; some groups remained for generations.
  • The mention of these specific nations connects back to earlier biblical promises and commands about the land, showing how history unfolded in reality.
  • By naming these groups, the Chronicler sets up the context for Solomon’s policies toward them, which involved forced labor, contrasting with how Israelites were treated. This distinction becomes important in understanding Israel’s society under Solomon.