The Hittites were an ancient people mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, known for their significant role in the history of the Near East and their interactions with the Israelites. They are often depicted as one of the prominent groups inhabiting the land of Canaan before and during the time of the Israelite conquest.

Origins and Historical Context

The Hittites are believed to have originated from Anatolia, in what is now modern-day Turkey. They established a powerful empire during the second millennium BC, known as the Hittite Empire, which at its height rivaled the Egyptian and Assyrian empires. The Hittites are noted for their advancements in chariot warfare and their use of iron, which contributed to their military prowess.

Biblical References

The Hittites are first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 10:15, where they are listed as descendants of Canaan: "Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites" . This positions them as one of the original inhabitants of the Promised Land, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants.

In Genesis 23, Abraham interacts with the Hittites when he seeks to purchase a burial site for his wife Sarah. The Hittites, referred to as the "sons of Heth," show respect to Abraham, calling him "a mighty prince among us" (Genesis 23:6). This account highlights the Hittites' presence in the land and their interactions with the patriarchs.

The Hittites are also mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In Exodus 3:8, God promises to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and bring them "to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites" . This promise underscores the Hittites as one of the key groups inhabiting the land that Israel was to inherit.

During the reign of King David, the Hittites are again mentioned. One of David's mighty men, Uriah, was a Hittite (2 Samuel 11:3). Uriah's account is significant in the narrative of David's sin with Bathsheba, highlighting the integration of Hittites into Israelite society.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Hittites, like other Canaanite groups, practiced polytheism and had a pantheon of gods. Their religious practices and cultural influences were among the many that the Israelites were warned against adopting. In Deuteronomy 7:1-5, God commands the Israelites to destroy the Hittites and other nations to prevent the Israelites from being led astray by their idolatrous practices.

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological discoveries have provided substantial evidence of the Hittite civilization, including their capital at Hattusa and numerous cuneiform tablets that reveal their language, laws, and treaties. These findings corroborate the biblical accounts of the Hittites as a significant and influential people in the ancient Near East.

Legacy

The Hittites, though eventually absorbed into other cultures and empires, left a lasting legacy through their contributions to warfare, diplomacy, and law. Their interactions with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible, provide insight into the complex relationships between the various peoples of the ancient Near East and the unfolding of God's plan for His chosen people.