Hittites: Part of Their Land Given to Caleb
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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 14:13
And Joshua blessed him, and gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Canaan
... The Hittites established themselves in Syria "in the land ... Bedawin and their shekhs
playing a part in the ... seizing or plundering its cities on their own account. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... and honey, unto the places of Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites ... All they
that be of God's part and have ... wise that the people and beasts drank their fill ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... they followed an independent course for the most part, and their ... to which they gave
the name of their tribe. ... the day of the captivity of the land."* The tribe ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Resources
Who were the Hittites? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Perizzites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why was a burial place so important in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Hittites

Hittites: Called The: Children of Heth

Hittites: Called The: Sons of Heth

Hittites: Conquered by Joshua

Hittites: Descended from Canaan's Son, Heth

Hittites: Descent From, Illustrative of the Degradation of the Jews

Hittites: Dwelling Place of

Hittites: Dwelt in Hebron

Hittites: Esau Intermarries With

Hittites: Governed by Kings

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

Hittits

Related Terms

Perizzites (23 Occurrences)

Hivites (24 Occurrences)

Jebusites (29 Occurrences)

Kadesh (30 Occurrences)

Girgashites (7 Occurrences)

Perizzite (22 Occurrences)

Per'izzites (21 Occurrences)

Hittite (45 Occurrences)

Hivite (25 Occurrences)

Heth (13 Occurrences)

Orontes

Luz (7 Occurrences)

Cilicia (8 Occurrences)

Carchemish (3 Occurrences)

Jeb'usites (30 Occurrences)

Armenia (2 Occurrences)

Jebusite (39 Occurrences)

Fortified (79 Occurrences)

Fort (8 Occurrences)

Fortress (75 Occurrences)

Fortification (5 Occurrences)

Benhadad (24 Occurrences)

Amorites (82 Occurrences)

600 (4 Occurrences)

Girgashite (7 Occurrences)

War-carriage (11 Occurrences)

Imported (9 Occurrences)

Exported (2 Occurrences)

Pontus (3 Occurrences)

Barber

Silverlings (24 Occurrences)

Canaan (102 Occurrences)

Rate (23 Occurrences)

Canaanites (63 Occurrences)

Arameans (61 Occurrences)

Babylonia (17 Occurrences)

Chariot (102 Occurrences)

Ammonite (22 Occurrences)

Coast (70 Occurrences)

Cities (427 Occurrences)

Egyptian (35 Occurrences)

Minor (2 Occurrences)

Amorite (81 Occurrences)

Asia (22 Occurrences)

Archaeology

Syria (73 Occurrences)

Horse (62 Occurrences)

Euphrates (36 Occurrences)

Mountains (221 Occurrences)

West (110 Occurrences)

Hamath (36 Occurrences)

Ammonites (97 Occurrences)

Elamarna

Tablets (31 Occurrences)

El-amarna

Nations (683 Occurrences)

Moabite (13 Occurrences)

Tell (3056 Occurrences)

Assyria (124 Occurrences)

Syrians (63 Occurrences)

Table (125 Occurrences)

Libraries

Philistines (224 Occurrences)

Aram (130 Occurrences)

Moabites (26 Occurrences)

Valleys (38 Occurrences)

Ziddim (1 Occurrence)

Zidonians (11 Occurrences)

Kirjath-sannah (1 Occurrence)

Kirjathsannah (1 Occurrence)

Naming (21 Occurrences)

Neighboring (11 Occurrences)

Jebusi (2 Occurrences)

Jebus (5 Occurrences)

Lud (10 Occurrences)

Lowlands (25 Occurrences)

Ludim (3 Occurrences)

Gebal (3 Occurrences)

Hittites: One of the Seven Nations of Canaan
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