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and as far north as Lebo-hamath (13:21; cf. 34:8). 9 Thus, though “hill country” in both north and
south is condensed indiscriminately in their report it is important to note that both are indeed in
view. It is left to the audience to discern which people group belong where. The Amorites and
haḥittî make reasonable northern candidates with the Jebusites occupying the south. 10
In Joshua the context provides some clarification where the list applies to a northern
coalition of peoples summoned by Jabin in defense of Hazor (11:3). Geographically the hill
country attributed to “the Amorites, haḥittî, the Perizzites, and the Jebusites” also appears in
conjunction with the Hivites located in “the land of Mizpah” just below Mt. Hermon. 11 Wherever
this northern hill country lies exactly, the parallel suggests it is north of Hazor. Haḥittî is
associated twice more with bāhār, both in the framework of the formulaic six-fold list and
generic geographic descriptors. Interestingly the narrator indicates that the Canaanite kings who
heard and responded to the treaty made between Israel and Gibeon included those as far north as
Lebanon (9:1), which is consistent with the northerly location demonstrated by the Hazor
campaign. The final reference is ambiguous (12:8) and should be read in light of the other two
Joshua contexts. Where the phrase “in the hill country” might apply to haḥittî a northern
geographic location seems to be consistently intended.
Another important geographic point favoring a Neo-Hittite referent for the haḥittî of the
lists is found in idealized dimensions of the land promised to Israel. The divine oath as stated to
Abraham (Gen 15:18), Moses (Deut 1:7), and Joshua (Josh 1:4) reflect a territory which extends
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9 For a discussion of the northern border of the Promised Land, including the likely locations of Mt. Hor,
Lebo-hamath, and Zedad, see Rainey (2006, 35).
10 “Amorite” may appear interchangeably for “Canaanite” as a universal term for the general populace of
Palestine. The context here and in Joshua indicate a more specific use of the term via the geographic marker “in the
hill country” as well as the presence of other listed people groups. The more specific use of the term “Amorite” has
the northern region (Amurru) of Palestine in view. For an overview of the Amorites supported by ancient Near
Eastern texts and data, see Liverani (1973; cf. Schoville 1994, 164–167).
11 Hoffner (1973, 225) suggests the biblical Hivites be identified as principally Hurrian (following
Speiser). He also argues the Jebusites too may be Hurrian based on the Amarna age personal name “Servant of
H˘ epa” and variants for the 10c ruler “Arawnah.”
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