Bob Boyd<\/b><\/p>\n
Until about a century ago, only the Bible mentioned the Hittites.2 Since there was no evidence in secular history to substantiate the reality of these people, critics had a field day in labeling these portions of Scripture in error. Then references to them began to appear in Egyptian and Assyrian records.<\/p>\n
Finally, archaeological discoveries in 1906, at Bogaskoy (the Hittite capital of Hattusas, now central Turkey), brought to light evidence to confirm their existence. In the second millennium BC, they were a major force, rivaling at times Egyptian and Mesopotamian powers. This confirms Genesis 15:17\u20132 I, which describes Abraham\u2019s coming to Canaan, a land that included the Hittites. Later, the Tell el-Amarna letters (found in Egypt) confirm the activities of a Hittite people in Palestine. Even as late as Solomon\u2019s time we are told that he sold horses and chariots to the \u201cKings of the Hittites\u201d (2 Chr 1:17). They were obviously not an insignificant people.<\/p>\n
When Bogazkoy was discovered, the style of writing on inscriptions and clay tablets made it difficult to determine who wrote them. Characters differed from the hieroglyphs of the Egyptians and the cuneiform style of the Mesopotamians.<\/p>\n
Although some resembled cuneiform and hieroglyphs, A. H. Sayce (1846\u20131933) \u201cbroke the code,\u201d so to speak, by discovering that picture writing in Syria was the same as that in Turkey. He was the pioneer in equating these people with the Hittites of the Bible and the \u201cKheta\u201d named in Egyptian texts. (Other scholars later deciphered the strange language.) There was then no doubt that the Bible was correct all along<\/i> in mentioning a Hittite people.<\/p>\n
Inscriptions both in Hittite country and Egypt reveal battles between these two nations. In Karnak, Egypt, there is a text which refers to a treaty between Rameses II of Egypt and a Hittite king, Hattusilis III. The Oriental<\/p>\n
Hittite Princess with Egyptian and Hittite Kings<\/b><\/p>\n
BSP<\/i> 1:3 (Summer 1988) p. 11<\/p>\n
Institute of Chicago has an inscribed plaque showing a Hittite king and an Egyptian king, all seated, with a Hittite princess in the center.<\/p>\n
Archaeological discoveries which relate to the Bible not only confirm historical events, but often illuminate many passages as well, helping us to better understand many ancient customs. For example: often a defeated king would present one of his daughters to the victorious king to keep peace between themselves. Not only were daughters and\/or wives presented, but ofttimes kings of a weaker nation would bring gifts to a powerful king, hoping that the stronger king would never invade their land; sometimes to make an impression. In either case, peace was usually the motive.<\/p>\n
In king Solomon\u2019s case, due to his wisdom, his fame was in all nations round about. There came people and kings from all the earth to hear him (1 Kings 4:31\u201334). When these kings and people came, they presented him with gifts. The Queen of Sheba, for example, visited him and gave him 120 talents of gold, spices in abundance and of great value, and precious stones (worth today probably over $5,000,000: 1 Kings 10:1, 10). [She can visit my house anytime she wishes!]<\/p>\n
There is a possibility, according to this custom, that many kings gave daughters and wives to Solomon, which would explain how he wound up with 700 wives and princesses, and 300 concubines. What a man. [It takes all I can do to handle one!]<\/p>\n
Tragically, these pagan women turned this once wise man into the most foolish king. The United Kingdom was divided as a result of his folly. But the forgiveness and Sovereignty of God is matchless -Solomon is listed in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:6).<\/p>\n
Stele of the Hittite Storm God Teshub Standing on a Bull<\/b><\/p>\n
BSP<\/i> 1:3 (Summer 1988) p. 12<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Bob Boyd Until about a century ago, only the Bible mentioned the Hittites.2 Since there was no evidence in secular history to substantiate the reality of these people, critics had a field day in labeling these portions of Scripture in error. Then references to them began to appear in Egyptian and Assyrian records. Finally, archaeological … Continue reading “THE
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