Topical Encyclopedia Hheth is a significant figure in the genealogical and historical narratives of the Old Testament. He is recognized as the second son of Canaan, who was the son of Ham, one of Noah's three sons. This places Hheth within the broader context of the Table of Nations, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons and their respective roles in the post-flood world. The name "Hheth" is often associated with the Hittites, a prominent group in the ancient Near East.Genealogy and Descendants Hheth is mentioned in the genealogical records found in Genesis 10:15, which states, "Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of Heth." This positions Hheth as a progenitor of the Hittites, a people frequently encountered by the patriarchs and later by the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. The Hittites are often referred to as "sons of Heth" in the biblical narrative, indicating their descent from this patriarch. Cultural and Historical Context The Hittites, descendants of Hheth, were a significant people in the ancient Near East, known for their advanced culture and powerful empire, which at its height rivaled those of Egypt and Assyria. They are frequently mentioned in the context of the patriarchal narratives, particularly in relation to Abraham and his descendants. In Genesis 23, Abraham negotiates with the Hittites for a burial site for his wife Sarah. The text refers to the Hittites as "sons of Heth," highlighting their connection to Hheth. Genesis 23:3-4 records, "Then Abraham got up from beside his dead wife and said to the Hittites, 'I am a foreigner and an outsider among you. Give me a burial site among you so that I can bury my dead.'" Interactions with the Patriarchs The interactions between the patriarchs and the Hittites are significant in the biblical narrative. Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite is a notable event, as it marks the first recorded acquisition of land in Canaan by Abraham, the father of the Israelite nation. This transaction is detailed in Genesis 23:16-18 : "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants. So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—the field with its cave and all the trees anywhere within the boundaries of the field—was deeded over to Abraham’s possession in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city." Legacy and Influence The legacy of Hheth and his descendants is evident in the continued presence and influence of the Hittites throughout the biblical narrative. They are mentioned among the nations that the Israelites were to displace upon entering the Promised Land, as seen in passages such as Exodus 3:8 and Deuteronomy 7:1. Despite their eventual decline, the Hittites' interactions with the Israelites and their role in the biblical history underscore the enduring impact of Hheth's lineage. Hheth's mention in the genealogical records and the subsequent prominence of the Hittites in biblical history highlight the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern peoples and the unfolding of God's plan through the descendants of Noah. Concordance Hheth (1 Occurrence)Psalms 119:57 Thesaurus Hheth (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Hheth (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:57 HHETH. Jehovah is my portion: I have said that I would observe thy words. (ASV). ... /h/hheth.htm - 6k Hezron's (1 Occurrence) Heth (13 Occurrences) Hid (145 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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