The Hittites were an ancient people mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, known for their interactions with the Israelites. They were one of the many Canaanite tribes inhabiting the Promised Land before the arrival of the Israelites. The Hittites are often listed among the nations that God commanded the Israelites to drive out of Canaan (Deuteronomy 7:1).

Uriah the Hittite

Among the most notable Hittites in the biblical narrative is Uriah, a valiant warrior in King David's army. Uriah's account is primarily found in 2 Samuel 11, where he is depicted as a man of integrity and loyalty. Despite being a Hittite, Uriah is fully integrated into Israelite society and is counted among David's "mighty men" (2 Samuel 23:39).

Uriah's narrative is intertwined with one of the most significant moral failures of King David. While Uriah was away fighting the Ammonites, David committed adultery with Uriah's wife, Bathsheba. In an attempt to conceal the sin, David summoned Uriah back to Jerusalem, hoping he would spend time with Bathsheba and thus obscure the paternity of her child. However, Uriah's sense of duty and solidarity with his fellow soldiers prevented him from enjoying the comforts of home while the Ark and Israel's army were encamped in the open field. Uriah stated, "The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing!" (2 Samuel 11:11).

David's subsequent actions led to a tragic outcome. Unable to persuade Uriah to visit his home, David orchestrated Uriah's death by sending him back to the battlefield with orders for Joab, the commander, to place Uriah at the front lines and then withdraw support, ensuring his death (2 Samuel 11:14-15). Uriah's death allowed David to marry Bathsheba, but the prophet Nathan later confronted David, leading to David's repentance and a series of divine judgments upon his household (2 Samuel 12).

Uriah's account is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human character and the consequences of sin. Despite his foreign origin, Uriah's loyalty and righteousness stand in stark contrast to David's actions, highlighting the biblical theme that true faithfulness is not bound by ethnicity but by one's heart and actions before God.2 Samuel 11:6,21
And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... to secure for escorting caravans, were possessed of a considerable quantity of gold,
which they lavished on the decoration of their persons: their chiefs were ...
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