Topical Encyclopedia The Hittites, an ancient people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, were one of the many groups inhabiting the land of Canaan prior to and during the Israelite conquest. Their dwelling places are significant in understanding the geographical and historical context of biblical narratives.Geographical Location: The Hittites are traditionally associated with the region of Anatolia, in modern-day Turkey, where the Hittite Empire was centered. However, the biblical references to the Hittites often place them within the land of Canaan, suggesting a presence or influence extending into the Levant. This dual presence indicates that the term "Hittites" in the Bible may refer to both the Anatolian empire and smaller groups or descendants who settled in Canaan. Biblical References: The Bible first mentions the Hittites in Genesis 15:20, where God promises Abram the land of various peoples, including the Hittites: "the land of the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim" . This promise underscores the Hittites' presence in the Promised Land, which God pledged to Abram's descendants. In Genesis 23, the Hittites appear as inhabitants of Hebron, where Abraham negotiates with Ephron the Hittite to purchase the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah. This transaction highlights the Hittites' integration into the local Canaanite society and their role in the patriarchal narratives. The Hittites are also mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In Deuteronomy 7:1, God instructs the Israelites to drive out several nations, including the Hittites, from the land He is giving them: "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—seven nations larger and stronger than you" . Cultural and Historical Context: The Hittites in Canaan were likely a distinct group from the Hittite Empire of Anatolia, though they may have shared cultural and linguistic ties. The biblical portrayal of the Hittites as a significant Canaanite group suggests they were well-established in the region by the time of the Israelite conquest. The Hittites' presence in Canaan is further evidenced by their interactions with key biblical figures. For instance, King David's encounter with Uriah the Hittite, one of his mighty men, illustrates the integration of Hittites into Israelite society (2 Samuel 11:3). Archaeological Insights: Archaeological discoveries have provided additional insights into the Hittites' dwelling places. Excavations in Anatolia have uncovered the remains of the Hittite Empire, including its capital, Hattusa. In the Levant, evidence of Hittite influence is found in various Canaanite cities, suggesting a complex network of trade and cultural exchange. The Hittites' dwelling places, both in Anatolia and Canaan, reflect their historical significance and the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. Their interactions with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible, offer a glimpse into the dynamic and multifaceted world of the biblical patriarchs and the early Israelite nation. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 23:17-20And the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure Nave's Topical Index Numbers 13:29 Joshua 1:4 Judges 1:26 Library Chapter xxv The Work of Christ. Selections from the Work against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of ... Appendices Chapter xxiii The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued) The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Reaction against Egypt Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Old Testament and Archeology Resources Who were the Hittites? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Perizzites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why was a burial place so important in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hittites: Called The: Children of Heth Hittites: Called The: Sons of Heth Hittites: Descended from Canaan's Son, Heth Hittites: Descent From, Illustrative of the Degradation of the Jews Hittites: Esau Intermarries With Hittites: Intermarriages With, by Esau Hittites: Intermarriages With, by Israel After Conquest of Canaan Hittites: Intermarriages With, by Israelites After the Captivity Hittites: Intermarriages With, by Solomon Hittites: Intermarry With the Israelites Hittites: Israel Commanded to Destroy Hittites: Land of, Promised to Israel Hittites: Luz Built in the Country of Hittites: Not Entirely Destroyed by Israel Hittites: Officers From, in David's Army Hittites: One of the Seven Nations of Canaan Hittites: Part of Their Land Given to Caleb Hittites: Pay Tribute to Solomon Hittites: Remarkable Persons of Abimelech Hittites: Remarkable Persons of Ephron Hittites: Remarkable Persons of Uriah Hittites: Retain Their own Kings Hittites: Sell a Burying-Ground to Abraham Hittites: Solomon Interrmarries With Hittites: The Descendants of Heth Hittites: The Remnant of, Made Tributary in the Reign of Solomon Hittites: Their Land Given to the Israelites Related Terms |
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