Hittites — The Bite of Fear
📖 Suggested Reading:
Joshua 1:1–9; Joshua 11:1–9; Deuteronomy 7:17–21
These passages highlight the might and intimidation of the Hittite nation, and how fear of them threatened Israel’s obedience. Repeatedly, God warns His people not to be afraid, because fear undermines trust—and trust is what activates victory.
Fear wears many disguises: caution, logic, humility, even “just being realistic.” But beneath it all, fear is still fear—and fear still bites. It paralyzes when we should move forward. It silences when we should speak up. It shrinks God down and magnifies problems. That’s exactly what the Hittites did to Israel. And that’s what fear still does today.
While many believers don’t face Hittite armies on physical battlefields, we face their spiritual offspring in our minds and emotions every day. The Hittites weren’t just a nation—they were an influence. And they follow the ITES pattern perfectly:
⚠️ ITES – Influence, Tempt, Entangle, Sin
- Influence: Fear whispers “what if…” into your mind when you hear God’s command.
- Tempt: Fear tempts you to take control or delay obedience.
- Entangle: Fear binds your heart in indecision, anxiety, or paralysis.
- Sin: Ultimately, fear leads to disobedience—and that’s always sin, even if it feels justifiable.
That’s how fear bit Israel. And if we’re not careful, it’ll bite us too.
📜 Who Were the Hittites?
The word “Hittite” comes from the Hebrew root meaning “terror” or “dread.” They were a strong people with powerful cities, known for their intimidating presence. God knew this—and He didn’t downplay their strength. Instead, He repeatedly told Israel, “Do not be afraid of them.”
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Notice, God didn’t say, “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” He said, “Don’t let fear stop you, because I’m with you.” The danger wasn’t the Hittites’ strength. The real threat was Israel’s fear.
😨 The Bite of Fear: Still Sharp Today
Fear might not wear armor anymore, but it still marches around in our minds:
- 🙅♂️ Fear of failure: “What if I try and it doesn’t work?”
- 🙊 Fear of people: “What will they think if I speak up?”
- ⏳ Fear of the unknown: “What if I step out and everything falls apart?”
- 🚪 Fear of rejection: “What if I obey God and lose my relationships or opportunities?”
Here’s the problem: every time fear wins, faith loses ground. We don’t have to fall into gross sin to get off track. All it takes is enough fear to stop us from walking forward.
Like Israel standing at the border of Canaan, we often know what God has promised—but the Hittites in our minds shout louder than the still, small voice of His Word.
🔁 Fear Repeats the ITES Pattern
Fear is the gateway to many sins. It was fear that kept Israel from entering the land the first time:
“Then all the congregation raised a loud cry… ‘Why is the Lord bringing us into this land to fall by the sword?’” (Numbers 14:1–3, ESV)
And what happened? That generation died in the wilderness—not because the giants were too big, but because fear was bigger than their faith. That’s the tragedy of the Hittite bite. It talks you out of God’s promise before the first step is even taken.
💬 What Fear Costs You
Let’s not sugarcoat it—fear is expensive. It costs you:
- ⛓️ Delayed obedience
- 😞 Missed opportunities
- 🛑 Stunted growth
- 💤 Spiritual dullness
- ⛺ A wilderness life instead of a promised land journey
Fear doesn’t always feel sinful, but when it keeps us from obeying God, it absolutely is. That’s why the ITES pattern matters: if we let fear influence our thoughts, it will tempt our decisions, entangle our will, and end in disobedience.
🛡️ How to Drive Out the Hittites
God doesn’t call us to pretend we’re never afraid. He calls us to trust Him more than our fears. The battle is fought not in the absence of fear, but in the presence of God’s promise.
Here’s how to defeat fear in your spiritual walk:
- Refocus on God’s presence: You’re not alone. Joshua wasn’t. Neither are you.
- Rehearse God’s promises: Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). Read it aloud. Let it shape your mind.
- Replace fear with action: Take small steps of obedience. Courage grows in motion.
- Refuse the lie that fear protects you: It doesn’t. It paralyzes you.
- Renew your identity: You are not a slave to fear. You are a child of God (Romans 8:15).
Fear is a liar, and the truth is louder. But you have to speak it.
🧠 A Thought to Remember
Sometimes the greatest victories are won by those who simply chose not to back down when fear said “turn around.” David ran toward Goliath. Esther walked into the throne room. Peter stepped out of the boat.
And you? What’s the fear you’ve been feeding? What’s the decision you’ve delayed? What’s the calling you’ve quieted?
Don’t wait for the fear to vanish. It might not. Walk forward anyway—with your knees shaking and your eyes fixed on Jesus.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Next up: Amorites — The Bite of Pride
