Topical Encyclopedia The Hittites, an ancient people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, were among the various Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land promised to the Israelites. The Hittites, along with other Canaanite nations, were known for their idolatrous practices, which posed a significant threat to the religious purity and covenantal faithfulness of Israel. Despite the clear warnings from God against intermarriage with these nations, King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, engaged in such unions, which ultimately led to spiritual and political consequences for Israel.Biblical Context and Warnings The Mosaic Law explicitly warned the Israelites against intermarrying with the surrounding nations, including the Hittites. In Deuteronomy 7:3-4 , God commanded, "Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following Me to serve other gods, and the anger of the LORD will burn against you and will swiftly destroy you." This command was intended to preserve the Israelites' devotion to Yahweh and prevent the infiltration of pagan practices. Solomon's Marriages Despite these divine instructions, Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel, took many foreign wives, including Hittite women. 1 Kings 11:1-2 states, "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, 'You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.' Yet Solomon clung to these women in love." Solomon's marriages to foreign women, including Hittites, were politically motivated, aimed at securing alliances and peace with neighboring nations. However, these alliances came at a spiritual cost. The foreign wives led Solomon's heart astray, and he began to worship their gods, erecting high places for idols such as Ashtoreth and Molech (1 Kings 11:4-8). Consequences of Intermarriage The consequences of Solomon's intermarriages were profound and far-reaching. His heart's turning away from the LORD led to divine displeasure and the eventual division of the kingdom. 1 Kings 11:11 records God's response: "Then the LORD said to Solomon, 'Since you have done this and have not kept My covenant and statutes, which I commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.'" Solomon's failure to heed God's command regarding intermarriage with the Hittites and other foreign nations serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith for political or personal gain. His actions set a precedent that would lead to idolatry and apostasy among the Israelites, ultimately resulting in the kingdom's division and decline. Legacy and Reflection The narrative of Solomon's intermarriages with Hittite women underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the perils of allowing foreign influences to corrupt one's faith. It highlights the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual integrity and the consequences of failing to do so. Solomon's account serves as a reminder of the enduring truth that allegiance to God must take precedence over worldly alliances and desires. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 11:1,2But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus 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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