Topical Encyclopedia The Hittites, an ancient people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, were part of the broader Canaanite population that inhabited the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest. The Hittites are often listed among the various groups that the Israelites encountered and sometimes battled as they settled in the Promised Land. Over time, the Hittites became integrated into the Israelite kingdom, particularly during the reign of King Solomon.Historical Context The Hittites were originally a powerful civilization centered in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), known for their advanced culture and military prowess. By the time of the Israelite monarchy, the Hittites in Canaan were likely remnants or smaller groups that had settled in the region. These Hittites were distinct from the larger Hittite Empire, which had already declined by the time of Solomon. Biblical References The Bible provides several references to the Hittites, indicating their presence in the land and their interactions with the Israelites. In the context of Solomon's reign, the Hittites are mentioned as part of the groups that were made tributary to Israel. This indicates that they were subjected to forced labor or tribute, contributing to the wealth and prosperity of Solomon's kingdom. In 1 Kings 9:20-21 , it is recorded: "As for all the people who remained of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (the people who were not Israelites)—their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction—Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day." This passage highlights that the Hittites, along with other Canaanite groups, were not completely driven out or destroyed by the Israelites. Instead, they were incorporated into the Israelite kingdom as laborers, contributing to Solomon's extensive building projects and the overall economic strength of his reign. Role in Solomon's Kingdom The Hittites, as part of the non-Israelite population, played a significant role in the labor force that supported Solomon's ambitious construction endeavors, including the building of the Temple in Jerusalem and other significant infrastructure projects. Their status as tributaries reflects the broader policy of Solomon to consolidate his rule and expand his influence through economic and political means. The integration of the Hittites and other Canaanite groups into the Israelite society under Solomon's rule demonstrates the complex relationships between the Israelites and the indigenous populations of Canaan. While the Israelites were commanded to drive out the inhabitants of the land, practical considerations often led to different outcomes, such as making these groups tributary. Cultural and Religious Influence The presence of the Hittites and other Canaanite peoples within Israelite society also posed challenges, particularly in terms of religious influence. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations. Despite these warnings, the intermingling of cultures sometimes led to the introduction of foreign religious practices, which became a recurring issue throughout Israel's history. In summary, the Hittites, as a remnant population in Canaan, were made tributary during Solomon's reign, contributing to the economic and infrastructural development of the Israelite kingdom. Their presence within the land serves as a testament to the complex dynamics between the Israelites and the indigenous peoples of Canaan during the period of the united monarchy. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 9:20,21And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Babylonia and Assyria Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) 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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