Topical Encyclopedia The Hittites were an ancient people mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, known for their interactions with the patriarchs and the Israelites. They are one of the several Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land of Canaan before and during the time of the Israelite conquest. The Hittites are often associated with the region of Hebron, a significant city in biblical history.Biblical References and Historical Context The Hittites are first mentioned in the context of Abraham's life. In Genesis 23, Abraham seeks to purchase a burial site for his wife Sarah and negotiates with Ephron the Hittite for the cave of Machpelah in Hebron. The passage highlights the Hittites' presence in the region and their role as landowners. Genesis 23:10-11 states, "Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth. And in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city, Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham, 'No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead.'" The Hittites are also mentioned in the context of Esau's marriages. In Genesis 26:34-35 , it is recorded that Esau took two Hittite wives, Judith and Basemath, which caused grief to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah. This intermarriage with the Hittites is indicative of their integration and influence within the broader Canaanite culture. Cultural and Religious Influence The Hittites, like other Canaanite tribes, were known for their polytheistic beliefs and practices, which often stood in contrast to the monotheistic faith of the Israelites. The presence of the Hittites in Hebron and other parts of Canaan presented both a cultural and religious challenge to the Israelites, who were commanded to remain distinct and faithful to Yahweh. Military and Political Interactions During the conquest of Canaan, the Hittites are listed among the nations that the Israelites were to dispossess. In Joshua 1:4 , God promises Joshua that the land of the Hittites will be part of the territory given to the Israelites: "Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great river Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—and westward to the Great Sea." The Hittites are also mentioned in the context of King David's reign. Uriah the Hittite, one of David's mighty men, is perhaps the most well-known Hittite in the Bible. His account, found in 2 Samuel 11, underscores the integration of Hittites into Israelite society, as Uriah was a loyal soldier in David's army. Archaeological and Historical Insights While the biblical narrative provides a theological and historical framework for understanding the Hittites, archaeological discoveries have shed additional light on their civilization. The Hittites were a significant Anatolian people with a powerful empire centered in modern-day Turkey. However, the Hittites mentioned in the Bible are likely a distinct group, possibly related or sharing cultural ties with the larger Hittite Empire. In summary, the Hittites' presence in Hebron and their interactions with the patriarchs and Israelites highlight their role in the biblical narrative as both a cultural and religious influence in the land of Canaan. Their integration into Israelite society, as seen through figures like Uriah, reflects the complex relationships between the Israelites and the Canaanite tribes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 23:2,3,19And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Chapter xxiii Canaan The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy. The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Chapter x Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Reaction against Egypt Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources Miscellaneous Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about women's rights? | GotQuestions.org Why did the Israelites have to abandon their foreign wives and children? | 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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