“Then the Lord said, ‘Your descendants will be strangers in a land not their own…’” — Genesis 15:13–16
Introduction
The Hittites were one of the most influential and frequently mentioned peoples in the Old Testament. They appear early in the biblical record and continue to play a role throughout Israel’s history. While often listed among the pagan nations of Canaan, the Hittites also provide important insight into God’s patience, His judgment, and His sovereign control over nations. Understanding who the Hittites were helps illuminate the spiritual and historical backdrop of the biblical narrative.
Biblical Origins of the Hittites
In Scripture, the Hittites are descendants of Heth, the son of Canaan and grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:15). This places them firmly within the Canaanite peoples who occupied the land God later promised to Abraham and his descendants.
God specifically named the Hittites among the nations inhabiting the Promised Land:
“In the fourth generation they shall come back here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” (Genesis 15:16)
This statement reveals an important truth: God allowed the Hittites and other Canaanite nations to remain in the land for a time, demonstrating His patience before judgment.
The Hittites in the Land of Canaan
The Hittites lived primarily in the hill country of Canaan (Numbers 13:29), though their influence extended beyond Israel’s borders. They were well-established, organized, and respected among surrounding peoples.
One of the clearest biblical accounts involving the Hittites appears in Genesis 23, when Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite as a burial place for Sarah. This passage shows that the Hittites were:
- Landowners
- Politically organized
- Skilled in legal and commercial transactions
Despite being outside the covenant, they interacted peacefully with God’s people at times.
The Hittites and Israel’s Conquest
When Israel entered the Promised Land under Joshua, the Hittites were listed among the nations Israel was commanded to drive out:
“The Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.” (Joshua 3:10)
Their removal was not based on ethnicity but on persistent idolatry and moral corruption. God’s command reflected His holiness and His desire to preserve Israel from spiritual compromise.
However, Israel’s failure to fully obey led to ongoing influence from the Hittites and other nations, which later contributed to Israel’s cycles of disobedience.
Notable Hittites in Scripture
One of the most significant individuals connected to the Hittites is Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel 11). Though ethnically a Hittite, Uriah served faithfully in David’s army and demonstrated strong moral integrity.
This account highlights two key truths:
- God’s covenant community was not defined by ethnicity alone but by faithfulness.
- David’s sin against Uriah shows how compromise among God’s people brings serious consequences.
Uriah’s story stands as a powerful contrast between righteousness and moral failure.
Theological and Prophetic Significance
The Hittites represent more than a historical nation. Biblically, they illustrate how God deals with nations collectively—granting time, calling for repentance, and ultimately bringing judgment when sin remains unchecked.
Prophetically, their story aligns with a consistent biblical theme:
- God is patient
- Judgment is measured
- Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin brings destruction
This pattern continues through Scripture and points forward to the final judgment described in the New Testament.
Conclusion
The Hittites were a real, powerful, and influential people woven into the biblical story of redemption. They remind us that God is sovereign over all nations, that His promises unfold in real history, and that obedience to Him is never optional. Whether through peaceful interaction, moral failure, or divine judgment, the presence of the Hittites in Scripture reinforces the truth that God’s purposes will always prevail.