Topical Bible: Hittits

◄ Hittits ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Hittites were an ancient people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their significant role in the history of the Near East and their interactions with the Israelites. They are often depicted as one of the prominent Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land promised to the descendants of Abraham.

Origins and Historical Context

The Hittites are believed to have originated from Anatolia, in what is now modern-day Turkey. They established a powerful empire during the second millennium BC, known as the Hittite Empire, which rivaled the Egyptian and Assyrian empires. The Hittites are noted for their advancements in ironworking and chariot warfare, which contributed to their military prowess.

Biblical References

The Hittites are first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 15:20, where God promises Abraham the land of various tribes, including the Hittites: "the land of the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaites" . This promise underscores the significance of the Hittites in the biblical narrative as inhabitants of the Promised Land.

In Genesis 23, Abraham interacts with the Hittites when he purchases the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite to bury his wife Sarah. This transaction is significant as it marks the first recorded purchase of land by Abraham in Canaan, establishing a legal claim to the land for his descendants.

The Hittites are also mentioned during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua. In Joshua 1:4, God delineates the boundaries of the land to be conquered, which includes "all the land of the Hittites" . This indicates their presence in the region and the Israelites' mandate to possess the land.

King David's interactions with the Hittites are notable, particularly in the account of Uriah the Hittite, one of David's mighty men. Uriah's account is recounted in 2 Samuel 11, where he is portrayed as a loyal and honorable soldier, contrasting with David's moral failure.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Hittites, like other Canaanite tribes, practiced polytheism and were known for their syncretistic religious practices. Their pantheon included a variety of gods and goddesses, which often influenced the Israelites, leading to warnings against idolatry and intermarriage with the Hittites and other Canaanite peoples (Exodus 34:11-16).

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological discoveries have provided substantial evidence of the Hittite civilization, including their capital at Hattusa and numerous cuneiform tablets that reveal their language, laws, and treaties. These findings have corroborated the biblical accounts of the Hittites as a significant and influential people in the ancient Near East.

Legacy

The Hittites' interactions with the Israelites highlight the complex relationships between the people of God and the surrounding nations. Their presence in the biblical narrative serves as a backdrop for the unfolding account of God's covenant with Israel and the challenges of maintaining faithfulness amidst external influences.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Hittits

(descendans of Heth), The, the nation descended from Cheth (Authorized Version HETH), the second son of Canaan. Abraham bought from the "children of Heth" the field and the cave of Machpelah, belonging to Ephron the Hittite. They were then settled at the town which was afterwards, under its new name of Hebron, to become one of the most famous cities of Palestine, and which then bore the name of Kir-jath-arba. (Genesis 23:19; 25:9) When the Israelites entered the promised land, we find the Hittites taking part against the invader, in equal alliance with the other Canaanite tribes. (Joshua 9:1; 11:3) etc. Henceforward the notices of the Hittites are very few and faint. We meet with two individuals, both attached to the person of David --