Topical Bible: Hittites: Intermarriages With, by Esau

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Hittites, an ancient people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, were among the various Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land of Canaan during the time of the patriarchs. The Hittites are noted for their interactions with the descendants of Abraham, particularly through intermarriage, which is a significant theme in the biblical narrative concerning Esau, the son of Isaac and Rebekah.

Esau's Marriages to Hittite Women

Esau, the elder son of Isaac, is a prominent figure in the Genesis narrative. His marriages to Hittite women are specifically highlighted in the Scriptures, reflecting both personal and familial dynamics that had broader implications for the covenant community. Genesis 26:34-35 records, "When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite. And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah."

These marriages are significant for several reasons:

1. Covenantal Implications: Esau's choice to marry Hittite women was contrary to the desires of his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, who were concerned with maintaining the purity of the covenant lineage. The patriarchal narratives emphasize the importance of marrying within the covenant community, as seen in the efforts of Abraham to secure a wife for Isaac from his own kin (Genesis 24). Esau's marriages to Hittite women, therefore, represented a departure from this tradition and were seen as a threat to the covenantal promises.

2. Familial Strife: The text explicitly states that Esau's marriages brought grief to his parents. This familial discord is indicative of the broader cultural and religious tensions that arose from intermarriage with the Canaanite peoples, who were often associated with idolatry and practices contrary to the worship of Yahweh. The grief experienced by Isaac and Rebekah underscores the challenges faced by the covenant family in maintaining their distinct identity amidst surrounding pagan cultures.

3. Esau's Character: Esau's decision to marry Hittite women is often interpreted as a reflection of his impulsive and nonchalant attitude towards his birthright and spiritual responsibilities. Earlier, Esau had sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a meal (Genesis 25:29-34), demonstrating a lack of regard for the spiritual heritage entrusted to him. His marriages further illustrate a pattern of behavior that prioritizes immediate desires over long-term covenantal commitments.

4. Further Marriages: In an attempt to appease his parents after realizing their displeasure, Esau took additional wives from the family of Ishmael, as recorded in Genesis 28:8-9 : "So Esau realized that his father Isaac disapproved of the Canaanite women, and he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had." This action, while perhaps intended to align more closely with his family's expectations, further complicated his familial relationships and highlighted the ongoing tensions within the patriarchal family.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Hittites, as part of the broader Canaanite culture, were known for their advanced civilization and influence in the ancient Near East. Their interactions with the Israelites, including through intermarriage, are reflective of the complex social and political dynamics of the time. The biblical narrative often portrays these interactions as fraught with spiritual and moral challenges, emphasizing the need for the covenant community to remain distinct and faithful to Yahweh.

In summary, Esau's intermarriages with Hittite women serve as a narrative device to explore themes of covenant fidelity, familial relationships, and the challenges of living in a pluralistic society. These marriages are emblematic of the broader biblical concern with maintaining the purity and distinctiveness of the covenant people amidst surrounding pagan influences.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 36:2
Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite;
Torrey's Topical Textbook