Topical Encyclopedia The Hittites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the seven nations inhabiting the land of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. They are listed among the nations that the Israelites were commanded to dispossess and destroy as they took possession of the Promised Land. The Hittites are often grouped with the Canaanites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites, and Girgashites (Deuteronomy 7:1).Historical Background The Hittites were an ancient Anatolian people who established a significant empire in Asia Minor, with their capital at Hattusa, in what is now modern-day Turkey. This empire reached its height during the second millennium BC. However, the Hittites mentioned in the Bible are generally considered to be a distinct group, possibly a branch or colony of the larger Hittite civilization, residing in the region of Canaan. Biblical References The Hittites are first mentioned in Genesis 15:20 as part of the land promised to Abram's descendants. They appear throughout the narrative of the patriarchs, notably in the account of Abraham purchasing the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site for Sarah (Genesis 23:10-20). This transaction highlights the Hittites' presence and influence in the region during the patriarchal period. During the conquest of Canaan, the Hittites are listed among the nations that the Israelites were to drive out. In Joshua 3:10, the LORD assures Joshua of His presence and the impending defeat of these nations, including the Hittites: "This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will surely drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites." The Hittites also appear in the narrative of King David. Uriah the Hittite, one of David's mighty men, is a notable figure in the account of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3). Uriah's loyalty and integrity stand in stark contrast to David's actions, highlighting the complex interactions between the Israelites and the Hittites. Cultural and Religious Practices The Hittites, like other Canaanite nations, practiced polytheism and were known for their idolatrous worship, which was in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh commanded to the Israelites. The Israelites were warned against adopting the religious practices of the Hittites and other Canaanite peoples, as these practices were considered abominations (Deuteronomy 20:17-18). Legacy and Influence The Hittites' influence extended beyond their immediate geographical location, as evidenced by their interactions with the Egyptians and other ancient Near Eastern civilizations. In the biblical context, the Hittites serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their covenantal identity amidst surrounding pagan cultures. Their presence in the biblical narrative underscores the historical and theological themes of conquest, covenant, and the struggle against idolatry. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 7:1When the LORD your God shall bring you into the land where you go to possess it, and has cast out many nations before you, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than you; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Joshua's Conquest. Canaan Editor's Preface The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. Appendices Egypt The Solar Eclipse The Old Testament and Archeology Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers Babylonia and Assyria Resources Has Israel's territory ever encompassed the promise in Joshua 1:4? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the Jordan crossing? | GotQuestions.org What are the consequences of nations turning away from God? | 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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