en_tn/jos/09/07.md

the Hivites

This is another name for the Gibeonites. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names)

Perhaps you live near us. How can we make a covenant with you?

Joshua is emphasizing that the people of Israel have to follow the command of Yahweh above all else. Alternate translation: "If you do live near us, we cannot make a covenant with you." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)