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 the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite to bury his wife Sarah. This transaction highlights the Hittites' presence in Canaan and their interactions with the patriarchs of Israel.

The Hittites are listed among the nations that the Israelites were commanded to drive out of the Promised Land (Exodus 3:8, Deuteronomy 7:1). Despite this, some Hittites continued to live among the Israelites, as seen in the account of Uriah the Hittite, a loyal soldier in King David's army (2 Samuel 11:3).

The Hittites' influence extended beyond their military prowess; they were known for their advancements in law, governance, and culture. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Hittite capital Hattusa, have provided insight into their sophisticated society and interactions with neighboring civilizations.

Hivites

The Hivites were another group of people inhabiting the land of Canaan during the time of the Israelite conquest. They are mentioned in the Bible as one of the seven nations that the Israelites were to dispossess (Deuteronomy 7:1). The Hivites are often associated with the mountainous regions of Lebanon and the area around Shechem.

In Genesis 34, the Hivites are prominently featured in the account of Dinah, Jacob's daughter, who was defiled by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. This incident led to a violent retaliation by Dinah's brothers, Simeon and Levi, against the city of Shechem.

The Hivites are also noted in the account of the Gibeonites, who deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land (Joshua 9). The Gibeonites, identified as Hivites, became servants to the Israelites as a result of this deception.

Despite their initial opposition, some Hivites integrated into Israelite society. In 2 Samuel 24:7, they are mentioned as part of the census conducted by King David. The Hivites' presence in the land and their interactions with the Israelites illustrate the complex relationships between the various peoples of Canaan during this period.

The Hivites, like the Hittites, were part of the intricate tapestry of ancient Near Eastern cultures, contributing to the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative.