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 various Canaanite tribes inhabiting the Promised Land before the arrival of the Israelites. The Hittites are noted for their advanced civilization, which included a well-developed legal system, military prowess, and extensive trade networks.Biblical Context The Hittites are first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 15:20, where God promises Abram that his descendants will inherit the land of several tribes, including the Hittites. This promise is reiterated in the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The Hittites, along with other Canaanite tribes, were to be displaced as part of God's covenant with Israel. Caleb and the Land of the Hittites Caleb, son of Jephunneh, is a prominent figure in the narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan. As one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land, Caleb, along with Joshua, brought back a positive report and encouraged the Israelites to trust in God's promise. Because of his faithfulness, Caleb was granted a special inheritance in the land. In Joshua 14:6-15, Caleb approaches Joshua at Gilgal to claim the land promised to him by Moses. Caleb specifically requests the hill country of Hebron, a region inhabited by the Anakim, a formidable people associated with the Hittites. Joshua 14:13-14 states, "Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly." The allocation of Hebron to Caleb is significant, as it underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to those who remain faithful. Caleb's inheritance included land that was once part of the Hittite domain, demonstrating the divine mandate for Israel to possess the land. Historical and Archaeological Insights The Hittites are recognized in historical and archaeological records outside the Bible, particularly in the context of the Hittite Empire, which was centered in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). However, the Hittites mentioned in the Bible are often considered to be a distinct group, possibly a branch or related people who settled in Canaan. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Hittites in Canaan were part of a larger network of Hittite influence that extended into the Levant. This influence is reflected in the biblical narrative, where the Hittites are depicted as a significant presence in the land. Theological Significance The narrative of Caleb receiving land from the Hittites highlights several theological themes. It illustrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people, rewarding those who demonstrate unwavering faith and obedience. Caleb's inheritance serves as a testament to the power of God to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, such as the presence of the Anakim and the fortified cities of the Hittites. Furthermore, the displacement of the Hittites and other Canaanite tribes is often interpreted as a divine judgment against their idolatry and moral corruption, reinforcing the biblical theme of holiness and the call for Israel to be set apart as God's chosen people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 14:13And Joshua blessed him, and gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Canaan Here Next Followeth the History of Moses The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus 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 |