Overview
The Hittites were among the indigenous peoples of Canaan whom Israel encountered during Joshua's conquest. They inhabited various regions and initially formed defensive alliances against Israel's advancement. Over time, some Hittites were incorporated into Israel's kingdom structure, particularly during Solomon's administration.
Key Scriptures
"Now it came about when all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard how the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the sons of Israel until they had crossed, that their hearts melted and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the sons of Israel" (Joshua 5:1, NASB).
"But the sons of Israel did not drive out the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Canaanites...King Solomon conscripted them as forced laborers, and they remain so to this day" (1 Kings 9:20-21, ESV).
Application
Reflect on how God's sovereignty extends over all nations and peoples, using even conquered enemies to accomplish His purposes.