The name Hivites is known only from the Bible and refers to a non-Semitic ethnic group that lived in various parts of Canaan (see Genesis 34:2; 36:2; Exodus 23:23, 28). Semitic people were ancient groups from the Middle East and North Africa, known for their shared languages (such as Hebrew, Aramaic, or Arabic) and cultural traditions.
Perhaps you dwell near us: Israel’s leaders worried that the visitors were lying. They asked how they could know the visitors did not live nearby. Joshua then asked two direct questions. Still, he could have learned the truth by asking the Lord for guidance (Joshua 9:14).