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The Hittites in the Biblical Narrative

The Hittites appear prominently throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, showcasing their significance in the Near Eastern world from the early post-Flood era until the time of the Hebrew kings. Notably, their mention in Genesis 15:20, 2 Samuel 11:3, and 2 Chronicles 8:7 highlights both their presence in the land and their interactions with the patriarchs and early Israelites. These biblical references, spanning from the days of Abraham in approximately 2000 B.C.E. through the reign of Solomon in the 10th century B.C.E., place the Hittites within the geopolitical framework of ancient Canaan and its surrounding regions.

For centuries, secular historians dismissed the existence of the Hittites, viewing them as mythological constructs of the Bible. However, beginning in the late 19th century, archaeologists unearthed a wealth of evidence, notably inscriptions and artifacts, that substantiated the Bible’s references to this civilization. This discovery bridged the perceived gap between the biblical narrative and historical evidence, confirming that the Hittites were a significant force in the ancient world. Far from being mythical, the Hittites played a notable role in shaping the region’s cultural, political, and military landscape.

Genealogical Origins of the Hittites

The Bible describes the Hittites as descendants of Heth, a son of Canaan and grandson of Ham (Genesis 10:15). This genealogy categorizes the Hittites as a Canaanite people, rooted in the post-Flood lineage of Noah. The frequent mention of the Hittites, who are referenced 47 times in the Hebrew Scriptures, underscores their prominence and interactions with key figures throughout biblical history. This genealogical framework places the Hittites within the Canaanite nations listed in Genesis, establishing them as integral inhabitants of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.

Genesis 23:3, for instance, recounts Abraham’s dealings with the “sons of Heth” when he purchased a burial site for Sarah. This transaction was not only a significant legal exchange but also a testament to the Hittites’ established presence and influence in the region. Likewise, 2 Samuel 11:3 highlights Uriah the Hittite, a prominent figure in King David’s court, illustrating that individual Hittites held notable roles within Israelite society. These interactions point to a complex relationship between the Israelites and the Hittites, rooted in shared territory and historical circumstances.

Abraham’s Negotiations with the Hittites

Abraham’s interactions with the Hittites in Genesis 23 provide an insightful look into the dynamics between the patriarch and the Canaanite peoples. When Sarah passed away, Abraham approached the Hittites for a burial site, recognizing their established control over the land. Jehovah had promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit Canaan (Genesis 15:18-21), yet this promise did not negate the existing ownership and rights of the Hittites at the time. Thus, Abraham’s respectful negotiations illustrate his acknowledgment of the current land ownership while demonstrating his faith in Jehovah’s future promises.

In his negotiations, Abraham sought to purchase the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite. Despite Ephron’s initial offer to give Abraham the land, he subtly introduced a price of 400 shekels of silver, a significant amount that reflected both the land’s value and Ephron’s expectation of formal compensation. The transaction, witnessed by the Hittite elders, underscores the Hittites’ structured legal customs and Abraham’s adherence to their established procedures. This purchase of a burial site became the first legal foothold of Abraham’s descendants in the Promised Land, representing both a practical and symbolic acquisition of territory within Canaan.

Archaeological Discoveries Confirming the Hittites’ Existence

The biblical accounts of the Hittites were long met with skepticism by secular scholars. Yet the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought dramatic archaeological revelations that substantiated the biblical record. In 1906, excavations at Hattusha (modern Boğazköy in Turkey) unveiled the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire. This discovery included a trove of artifacts, inscriptions, and approximately 10,000 clay tablets that detailed the Hittite language, laws, and cultural practices. These records offered a comprehensive view of Hittite society and their extensive political influence across the region.

From around 2000 to 1200 B.C.E., the Hittites expanded their empire across Anatolia and into northern Syria, establishing themselves as a major power in the Ancient Near East. They were known for their military prowess and their diplomatic relations with neighboring empires, such as Egypt and Assyria. This archaeological evidence aligns with the biblical portrayal of the Hittites as a significant people, challenging the previous secular assumptions that had dismissed them as a mythological invention. The confirmation of their existence and influence in regions adjacent to Canaan further supports the biblical account of their interactions with the patriarchs and early Israelites.

The Hittite Legal System and Cultural Practices

The archaeological findings at Hattusha provided insights into the legal and cultural systems of the Hittites, highlighting the structure and sophistication of their society. Hittite laws regulated property rights, feudal obligations, and social conduct, creating a detailed legal framework that governed transactions and social responsibilities. These legal principles resonate with the biblical narrative of Abraham’s purchase of the cave of Machpelah, where he navigated Hittite customs to secure a burial site for Sarah.

Hittite law emphasized the significance of detailed property descriptions, including references to trees and specific boundaries, to ensure clear ownership and prevent disputes. The mention of these elements in Genesis 23 underscores the alignment between biblical and Hittite legal practices, attesting to the Bible’s historical authenticity. Additionally, Hittite law required new landowners to assume certain feudal dues and responsibilities, a detail that likely influenced Abraham’s careful approach in purchasing only the cave without full ownership of the surrounding land.

The inclusion of these cultural and legal details in the Genesis account not only enhances the narrative’s historical accuracy but also reflects the realities of life in the Ancient Near East. By understanding the Hittite legal context, readers can appreciate the depth of Abraham’s negotiation and the cultural significance of his actions.

Hittite Influence and Interactions with Israel During the Conquest of Canaan

During Joshua’s leadership, the Hittites were among the Canaanite nations that Israel encountered in their conquest of the Promised Land. Joshua 1:4 includes the “land of the Hittites” within the territorial boundaries that Jehovah promised to Israel, illustrating the extent of Hittite influence in the region. Joshua 9:1-2 describes a coalition of Canaanite nations, including the Hittites, who opposed Israel’s advance, underscoring the significant opposition Israel faced.

The Hittites’ presence in the hill country of Canaan, noted in Numbers 13:29 and Joshua 11:3, positioned them as formidable adversaries. Their strategic occupation of elevated areas presented a military challenge for the Israelites, as mountainous terrain favored defensive tactics. This alignment with historical geography and military strategy provides additional validation for the Bible’s depiction of the Hittites as a powerful and established people within Canaan.

Theological and Cultural Implications of the Hittites’ Presence in Canaan

The biblical command for Israel to destroy the Canaanite nations, including the Hittites, reflects the theological necessity of removing idolatrous influences from the land. Deuteronomy 7:1-2 emphasizes Jehovah’s directive for Israel to completely eradicate these nations to prevent spiritual corruption and ensure covenantal faithfulness. The Hittites, like other Canaanite groups, practiced pagan worship that included morally corrupt rituals, posing a continual threat to Israel’s spiritual purity.

The destruction of these nations was not merely a military strategy but a divine judgment against their wickedness. Genesis 15:16 indicates that Jehovah had waited until the “iniquity of the Amorites [and other Canaanites] was complete,” underscoring the moral corruption that characterized these peoples. The conquest, therefore, was both an inheritance of the Promised Land and an execution of divine justice against deeply entrenched idolatry.

The Hittites During Israel’s Monarchy: Integration and Influence

Despite Jehovah’s command, the Israelites did not completely destroy the Hittites, resulting in a complex relationship between the two groups. By the time of King David and Solomon, the Hittites were integrated into Israelite society, serving as soldiers, laborers, and even royal associates. Uriah the Hittite, a loyal officer in David’s army, exemplifies this integration, reflecting the respect and camaraderie that could exist between Israelites and Hittites.

In 1 Kings 9:20-21 and 2 Chronicles 8:7-8, Solomon conscripted the remaining Hittites for forced labor, using their skills for his building projects. This conscription underscores the Hittites’ economic and societal roles within Israel, demonstrating a peaceful coexistence despite historical tensions. However, Solomon’s alliances with foreign women, including Hittites, introduced idolatrous practices into Israel, contributing to his spiritual decline (1 Kings 11:1-6). This example highlights the ongoing challenges Israel faced in maintaining their covenantal identity amidst cultural influences.

The Role of Hittite Influence in Biblical Prophecy

In some prophetic texts, the term “Hittite” is used figuratively to describe Jerusalem’s moral decay. Ezekiel 16:3, for example, refers to Jerusalem’s ancestry with the statement, “Your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite.” This symbolic language highlights Jerusalem’s spiritual unfaithfulness, likening it to the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites, including the Hittites. Ezekiel’s figurative usage emphasizes the extent of Israel’s apostasy, underscoring the consequences of abandoning Jehovah’s commandments and embracing pagan influences.

The prophetic application of “Hittite” as a descriptor for idolatry reflects the enduring impact of Hittite and Canaanite practices on Israel. By associating Jerusalem with the Hittites, Ezekiel underscores the depth of Israel’s moral decline and the need for repentance. This symbolic language serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual dangers posed by cultural assimilation and the importance of maintaining covenantal faithfulness.

Archaeological Evidence and the Verification of Biblical Accounts

The archaeological discoveries at Hattusha and other Hittite sites have provided substantial evidence confirming the existence, culture, and influence of the Hittites as described in the Bible. These findings validate the Bible’s historical narrative, countering previous skepticism and reinforcing the accuracy of the Scriptures. The detailed records from Hittite archives, including treaties, land transactions, and legal codes, align with the biblical portrayal of the Hittites as a sophisticated and influential civilization in the ancient Near East.

The corroboration of Hittite history through archaeology underscores the reliability of the Bible as a historical document, affirming its portrayal of the Hittites and their interactions with Israel. This evidence not only enhances our understanding of ancient Near Eastern history but also strengthens our confidence in the Bible’s inspired accuracy and the truth of its narrative.

In sum, the biblical depiction of the Hittites, from their genealogical origins to their interactions with the patriarchs, the conquest of Canaan, and their later presence in Israel, finds compelling support in historical and archaeological records. The existence, influence, and eventual assimilation of the Hittites affirm the Bible’s portrayal of a complex ancient world, where cultural and spiritual influences posed ongoing challenges to the covenantal identity of God’s people. Understanding the Hittites’ role within this context deepens our appreciation of the Scriptures, illuminating the enduring truths and lessons woven throughout the biblical narrative.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).