Genesis 10:17 - Lost tribes' mysterious origins?

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Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הַחִוִּי וְאֶת־הַעַרְקִי וְאֶת־הַסִּינִי׃

English Translation

And the Ḥivvi, and the ῾Arqi, and the Sini,

Transliteration

Ve'et-hachivi ve'et-ha'arki ve'et-hasini

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־הַֽחִוִּ֥י וְאֶת־הַֽעַרְקִ֖י וְאֶת־הַסִּינִֽי׃

Parasha Commentary

Identification of the Nations

The verse lists three Canaanite nations: the Ḥivvi, ῾Arqi, and Sini. According to Rashi (on Bereishit 10:17), the Ḥivvi were inhabitants of the mountainous regions, while the ῾Arqi and Sini are less clearly identified. The Ramban (on Bereishit 10:17) suggests these names may refer to subgroups or locations within the broader Canaanite population.

Midrashic Interpretations

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 37:6) connects these nations to their behaviors or characteristics. For example:

The Ḥivvi (חִוִּי) is linked to the word "ḥavya" (חויה), meaning "serpent," symbolizing their cunning nature.
The ῾Arqi (עַרְקִי) may derive from "ereẓ" (ארץ), indicating they were known for their connection to the land or agriculture.
The Sini (סִּינִי) is associated with "Sinai," possibly hinting at their proximity to desert regions.

Halachic Implications

These nations are among the seven Canaanite peoples whom the Torah commands Bnei Yisrael to displace upon entering Eretz Yisrael (Devarim 7:1). The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:1) emphasizes that their presence in the land posed a spiritual threat due to their idolatrous practices, necessitating their removal to preserve the sanctity of the land.

Geographical Context

Ibn Ezra (on Bereishit 10:17) notes that these nations were spread across Canaan, with the Ḥivvi notably dwelling in Shechem (Bereishit 34:2) and the Gibeonites later identified as Ḥivvim (Yehoshua 9:7). The Sini may have been a smaller clan, as their mention is rare in Tanach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the Hivvi, Arqi, and Sini mentioned in Genesis 10:17?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, the Hivvi, Arqi, and Sini were among the Canaanite nations descended from Canaan (son of Ham). These were distinct peoples who inhabited the land before the Israelites. The Talmud (Yoma 10a) identifies their locations, with the Hivvi living near Shechem and the Arqi near the city of Arqa.

Q: Why does the Torah list these Canaanite nations in Genesis 10?
A: The Torah lists these nations to document the complete genealogy of Noah's descendants after the Flood. Ramban explains that this establishes which nations would later inhabit the land promised to Abraham's descendants. Listing them shows how humanity spread after the Flood while also foreshadowing future events in Jewish history.

Q: What is the significance of these nations for Jews today?
A: These nations represent the indigenous peoples who inhabited Canaan before the Israelites. Jewish tradition teaches that their presence in the land was temporary, as Hashem promised the land to Abraham's descendants. The listing reminds us of Jewish roots in the land and the fulfillment of divine promises throughout history.