Topical Bible: Hittites: Luz Built in the Country of

◄ Hittites: Luz Built in the Country of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Hittites were an ancient people mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, known for their interactions with the Israelites and their presence in the land of Canaan. They are often depicted as one of the significant groups inhabiting the Promised Land before and during the time of the Israelite conquest.

Historical Background

The Hittites are believed to have originated from Anatolia, in what is now modern-day Turkey. They established a powerful empire during the second millennium BC, known for its advanced culture, military prowess, and diplomatic relations with other ancient Near Eastern civilizations, such as Egypt and Assyria. The Hittite Empire eventually declined, but remnants of their people and culture persisted in various regions, including Canaan.

Biblical References

The Hittites are first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 15:20, where God promises Abram the land of various peoples, including the Hittites. They are frequently listed among the inhabitants of Canaan whom the Israelites were to displace (Exodus 3:8, Deuteronomy 7:1).

One notable Hittite in the Bible is Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba, who served as a loyal soldier in King David's army (2 Samuel 11:3). Uriah's account is a poignant example of the integration and influence of Hittites within Israelite society.

Luz and the Hittites

The city of Luz is mentioned in the context of the Hittites in Genesis 28:19, where Jacob names the place Bethel after his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven. While the Bible does not explicitly state that Luz was built by the Hittites, it is situated in the region where Hittite influence was present. The connection between Luz and the Hittites is more geographical and cultural, reflecting the broader Hittite presence in Canaan.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Hittites, like other Canaanite peoples, practiced a polytheistic religion, which often brought them into conflict with the monotheistic beliefs of the Israelites. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the religious practices of the Hittites and other Canaanite nations (Exodus 23:32-33).

Despite these warnings, the cultural and social interactions between the Israelites and the Hittites were complex. Marriages between Israelites and Hittites occurred, as seen in the case of Esau, who took Hittite wives, causing distress to his parents Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:34-35).

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological discoveries have provided additional insights into the Hittite civilization, revealing their advanced legal systems, architectural achievements, and extensive trade networks. These findings corroborate the biblical portrayal of the Hittites as a significant and influential people in the ancient Near East.

In summary, the Hittites were a prominent group in biblical history, known for their interactions with the Israelites and their presence in the land of Canaan. Their influence is seen in various aspects of Israelite life, from military alliances to cultural exchanges, highlighting the complex dynamics of the ancient world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 1:26
And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which is the name thereof to this day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook