Topical Encyclopedia The Hittites were an ancient people mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, known for their significant role in the history of the Near East. They are often depicted as one of the many Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land promised to the descendants of Abraham. The Hittites are noted for their complex society, which was governed by a monarchical system.Biblical References and Historical Context The Hittites are first mentioned in Genesis 15:20 as one of the nations whose land was promised to Abraham's descendants. They are also listed among the inhabitants of Canaan in Exodus 3:8 and Deuteronomy 7:1. The Hittites were part of the broader Canaanite culture, which included various tribes and city-states. The governance of the Hittites by kings is implied in several biblical passages. In 2 Samuel 11:3, Uriah the Hittite is mentioned, suggesting that the Hittites maintained a distinct identity and possibly their own leadership structure within the broader Israelite society. Although the Bible does not provide detailed accounts of Hittite kings, their existence is corroborated by archaeological findings and extra-biblical sources, which describe a well-organized kingdom with a centralized monarchy. Interactions with Israel The Hittites had various interactions with the Israelites, ranging from peaceful coexistence to conflict. In Genesis 23, Abraham purchases a burial plot from Ephron the Hittite, indicating a level of diplomatic and commercial interaction. This transaction highlights the Hittites' integration into the socio-economic fabric of Canaan. During the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites were commanded to drive out the Hittites along with other Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 20:17). However, the complete expulsion of these peoples was not fully realized, leading to continued interactions and influences, as seen in the accounts of Solomon's reign. In 1 Kings 10:29, Solomon is described as importing horses from Egypt and exporting them to the Hittites, indicating ongoing trade relations. Cultural and Religious Influence The Hittites, like other Canaanite tribes, practiced polytheism and were known for their syncretistic religious practices. This posed a significant challenge to the Israelites, who were called to maintain monotheistic worship of Yahweh. The influence of Hittite and other Canaanite religious practices is evident in the repeated warnings against idolatry found throughout the Old Testament. Archaeological Corroboration Archaeological discoveries have provided substantial evidence of the Hittite civilization, particularly in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), where the Hittite Empire was centered. The Hittite kings, such as Suppiluliuma I and Hattusili III, are well-documented in ancient records, revealing a powerful and influential kingdom that engaged in diplomacy and warfare with neighboring states, including Egypt and Assyria. The Hittites' use of iron and their advancements in chariot warfare contributed to their military prowess, which is reflected in the biblical portrayal of them as formidable inhabitants of the land. Conclusion The Hittites, governed by kings, played a significant role in the biblical narrative and the history of the ancient Near East. Their interactions with the Israelites, both peaceful and adversarial, are woven throughout the Old Testament, providing insight into the complex dynamics of the region during the biblical period. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 10:29And a chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 7:6 Library Chapter xxxvi Canaan Introduction Egypt Babylonia and Assyria The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty The Close of the Theban Empire The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued) The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) The Rise of the Assyrian Empire 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 |