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 believed to have originated from Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and established a powerful empire that rivaled Egypt and Assyria during the second millennium BC. The Hittites are often associated with the land of Canaan, where they were one of the many groups inhabiting the region before and during the Israelite conquest.

In the Bible, the Hittites are first mentioned in Genesis 15:20 as one of the nations whose land was promised to Abram's descendants. They are also noted in Genesis 23, where Abraham purchases a burial site for his wife Sarah from Ephron the Hittite, indicating their presence in the land of Canaan. The Hittites are listed among the nations that the Israelites were commanded to drive out of the Promised Land (Exodus 3:8, 17; Deuteronomy 7:1).

The Hittites are also mentioned in the context of King David's reign. Uriah the Hittite, one of David's mighty men, is a notable figure in the narrative of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). This indicates that some Hittites had integrated into Israelite society by this time.

Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the existence of a Hittite civilization, with their capital at Hattusa. The Hittites were known for their advanced legal system, military prowess, and diplomatic relations, as evidenced by treaties and correspondence with other ancient powers.

Amorites

The Amorites were another significant group in the ancient Near East, frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. They are often depicted as a formidable people inhabiting the land of Canaan and surrounding regions. The Amorites are believed to have originated from the western part of Mesopotamia and were known for their influence and expansion during the early second millennium BC.

In the Bible, the Amorites are first mentioned in Genesis 10:16 as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. They are frequently listed among the inhabitants of Canaan whom the Israelites were to dispossess (Exodus 3:8, 17; Deuteronomy 7:1). The Amorites are described as a powerful and tall people, as noted in Amos 2:9: "Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the cedars and whose strength was like the oaks."

The Amorites played a significant role during the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 10, five Amorite kings formed a coalition against Gibeon, which had made peace with Israel. The subsequent battle, where God intervened by causing the sun to stand still, resulted in a decisive victory for Joshua and the Israelites.

The Amorites are also mentioned in the context of the Transjordan region. Sihon, king of the Amorites, refused to allow the Israelites passage through his land, leading to a battle in which Israel defeated him and took possession of his territory (Numbers 21:21-31).

The Amorites' presence and influence in the ancient Near East are corroborated by archaeological findings, which reveal their integration into various cultures and their role in the development of early Mesopotamian civilization.