Topical Encyclopedia The Hittites were one of the ancient peoples inhabiting the land of Canaan during the time of the Israelite conquest. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the seven nations that the Israelites were commanded to dispossess and destroy upon entering the Promised Land. Despite this divine mandate, the Hittites were not entirely destroyed by Israel, and their presence persisted throughout various periods of Israelite history.Biblical References and Historical Context The Hittites are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:15, where they are listed as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. They are described as inhabitants of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 15:20). The Hittites were part of the coalition of Canaanite nations that the Israelites were instructed to conquer and eliminate to prevent the corruption of their worship and practices (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). During the conquest of Canaan under Joshua, the Israelites achieved significant victories over the Canaanite nations, including the Hittites. Joshua 11:3 mentions the Hittites as part of the northern coalition defeated by Joshua. However, the complete annihilation of these peoples was not accomplished. Joshua 13:1-6 acknowledges that much of the land, including areas inhabited by the Hittites, remained to be possessed. Continued Presence and Influence The continued presence of the Hittites in the land is evident in several biblical narratives. In the time of the Judges, the Israelites coexisted with various Canaanite groups, including the Hittites, which led to periods of idolatry and oppression (Judges 3:5-6). The failure to fully drive out the Hittites and other nations resulted in ongoing challenges for Israel. During the reign of King David, the Hittites are mentioned as part of his administration and military. Uriah the Hittite, one of David's mighty men, is a notable figure whose account is recounted in 2 Samuel 11. Uriah's loyalty and tragic death highlight the integration of Hittites into Israelite society. Solomon's reign further illustrates the Hittites' continued presence. In 1 Kings 10:29, Solomon is described as engaging in trade with the Hittites, indicating their ongoing influence and interaction with Israel. This trade relationship suggests that the Hittites maintained a degree of political and economic significance. Theological Implications The incomplete destruction of the Hittites and other Canaanite nations serves as a recurring theme in the Old Testament, illustrating the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God's commands. The presence of these nations often led to Israel's spiritual decline, as they adopted pagan practices and worshiped foreign gods. This disobedience resulted in cycles of judgment and deliverance throughout Israel's history. The Hittites' enduring presence also reflects the complexity of ancient Near Eastern politics and the challenges faced by the Israelites in establishing a distinct national identity. Despite the divine mandate for their destruction, the Hittites' survival and integration into Israelite society demonstrate the multifaceted nature of God's dealings with His people and the surrounding nations. Conclusion The Hittites, though not entirely destroyed by Israel, played a significant role in the biblical narrative. Their interactions with the Israelites provide insight into the challenges of maintaining faithfulness to God's commands amidst external influences. The Hittites' account is a testament to the enduring complexities of human history and divine sovereignty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 3:5And the children of Israel dwelled among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Reaction against Egypt The Old Testament and Archeology The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Selections from the Work against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of ... 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 |
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