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 listed among the inhabitants of Canaan, the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Hittites' territory is part of the broader region that God pledged to the Israelites as their inheritance.Biblical Promises and References The promise of the land to the Israelites is a central theme in the Pentateuch. In Genesis 15:18-21 , God makes a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites." This passage underscores the inclusion of the Hittite territory within the boundaries of the Promised Land. The Hittites are also mentioned in the context of the conquest of Canaan. In Exodus 3:8 , God speaks to Moses from the burning bush, declaring His intention to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and bring them "to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites." Historical and Geographical Context The Hittites were part of a larger Hittite Empire, which at its height, extended across Anatolia and into northern Syria. However, the Hittites mentioned in the Bible are often considered to be a distinct group residing in Canaan, possibly remnants or offshoots of the larger Hittite civilization. Their presence in Canaan is well-documented in various biblical narratives, indicating their integration into the local culture and politics. Interactions with Israel Throughout the biblical narrative, the Israelites had various interactions with the Hittites. In Genesis 23, Abraham purchases a burial plot for his wife Sarah from Ephron the Hittite, indicating peaceful relations and transactions between the two groups. Later, in the time of King David, Uriah the Hittite is noted as one of David's mighty men, highlighting the integration of Hittites into Israelite society (2 Samuel 11:3). Theological Significance The inclusion of the Hittite land in the divine promise to Israel underscores the comprehensive nature of God's covenant. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises and His sovereignty over the nations. The Hittites, like other Canaanite tribes, were to be displaced as part of God's judgment and the establishment of Israel in the land. This divine mandate is reiterated in Deuteronomy 7:1-2 , where God commands the Israelites to "drive out many nations before you—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites." Conclusion The Hittites, as part of the Promised Land's inhabitants, play a significant role in the biblical narrative of Israel's inheritance. Their land, promised to the patriarchs, symbolizes God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the nation of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 15:20And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 3:8 Library Of the Meaning of the Sacrifice Abraham was Commanded to Offer ... Afraid of Giants Chapter xxiii The Call of Moses Canaan Here Next Followeth the History of Moses Difference Between the Old and the New Testaments. Covenanting Confers Obligation. The Old Testament and Archeology Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers 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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