The Hittites were an ancient people mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, known for their interactions with the Israelites. Originating from the region that is now modern-day Turkey, the Hittites were part of the larger Canaanite culture that inhabited the land of Canaan before and during the time of the Israelite conquest. Hittite women, like their male counterparts, played significant roles in the biblical narrative, often serving as a point of cultural and religious contention for the Israelites.

Marriage and Influence

Hittite women are most notably mentioned in the context of marriage alliances with the Israelites. These unions were often discouraged by God due to the potential for leading the Israelites astray from their covenantal obligations. In Deuteronomy 7:3-4 , God commands the Israelites, "Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods." This warning highlights the influence Hittite women could have on Israelite men, potentially leading them into idolatry.

Notable Hittite Women

One of the most prominent Hittite women in the Bible is Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. Although Bathsheba herself is not explicitly identified as a Hittite, her marriage to Uriah places her within the cultural context of the Hittites. Her account, found in 2 Samuel 11, illustrates the complexities of Hittite-Israelite relations and the personal and political ramifications of these interactions.

Another significant mention is Esau's Hittite wives, Judith and Basemath, who are described in Genesis 26:34-35 : "When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite. And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah." This passage underscores the familial discord and spiritual challenges that arose from such unions.

Cultural and Religious Practices

Hittite women, like their male counterparts, were part of a society with distinct religious practices that often conflicted with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. The Hittites were known for their pantheon of gods and goddesses, and their religious practices included rituals and ceremonies that were abominable to the Israelites. The influence of Hittite women in the household could lead to the introduction of these foreign practices, which was a constant concern for maintaining the purity of Israelite worship.

Role in Society

In Hittite society, women could hold significant roles, both domestically and religiously. They were involved in household management and could participate in religious ceremonies. The Hittite legal system also provided certain rights and protections for women, which was somewhat progressive for the time. However, from the Israelite perspective, the primary concern was the potential for Hittite women to lead Israelite men away from their faith and covenant with God.

Conclusion

The presence of Hittite women in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the cultural and religious challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to maintain their distinct identity in a land filled with diverse peoples and practices. Their accounts highlight the ongoing struggle to remain faithful to God's commandments amidst external influences.