Who Was Hattush in the Bible?
The Multiple Hattush Figures
The name Hattush (חַטּוּשׁ, Chattush in Hebrew) appears several times in the Old Testament, associated with at least four distinct individuals. The meaning of the name Hattush is uncertain, but its occurrences across various contexts highlight its importance in the post-exilic period of Israel’s history. This period, following the Babylonian exile, was marked by a significant effort to rebuild the physical and spiritual life of the Jewish community in Jerusalem.
Hattush, Descendant of David
One Hattush is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:22 as a descendant of David. He is identified as the son of Shemaiah and the brother of Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat. This genealogy is significant as it traces the royal lineage of David through the exilic and post-exilic periods, emphasizing the continuity of God’s covenant promises despite the disruptions caused by exile. The presence of a Hattush in Ezra 8:2, also linked to David, further underscores the importance of maintaining the genealogical record of David’s descendants, who held a significant place in Jewish hope and expectation.
Hattush, the Builder
Another Hattush is noted in Nehemiah 3:10 as the son of Hashabeneiah. He played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, working specifically on a section of the wall near his own house. This rebuilding effort, spearheaded by Nehemiah, was not just a physical restoration but also a symbolic act of reclaiming and renewing the community’s identity and security. The participation of individuals like Hattush highlights the communal effort and personal investment required to restore Jerusalem.
Hattush, the Signer of the Covenant
A further mention of Hattush occurs in Nehemiah 10:4 and Nehemiah 12:2. He is listed among those who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel and participated in signing the covenant. This covenant, led by Nehemiah, was a public declaration of the people’s commitment to follow God’s laws and re-establish their identity as a distinct, covenant-keeping community. The act of signing the covenant was a profound expression of repentance and recommitment to the covenantal relationship with God.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Importance of Faithfulness and Legacy
The multiple mentions of Hattush in different contexts remind modern Christians of the importance of faithfulness and maintaining one’s spiritual legacy. Just as Hattush and his family were noted for their roles in rebuilding Jerusalem and renewing the covenant, Christians today are called to actively participate in the life and mission of the Church. Whether through maintaining a godly heritage, contributing to the community’s well-being, or standing firm in faith, every believer has a role in God’s unfolding plan.
The Value of Personal and Communal Responsibility
Hattush’s role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and signing the covenant highlights the importance of both personal and communal responsibility in faith. In the Christian context, this translates to the call for believers to build up the Church, not just physically but spiritually, through acts of service, stewardship, and witness. The rebuilding of the walls was a collective effort that required each person’s contribution, mirroring the New Testament teaching that each member of the body of Christ has a unique and essential role (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Covenant Faithfulness
The presence of Hattush in the genealogies and his involvement in the covenant renewal underlines God’s faithfulness to His promises. Despite the exile—a consequence of Israel’s disobedience—God remained committed to His covenant with David’s lineage and His people. This assurance of God’s unwavering faithfulness provides comfort and hope for Christians today, affirming that God remains steadfast and true to His promises, regardless of circumstances.
Restoration and Renewal
The story of Hattush and his contemporaries is also a story of restoration and renewal. The return from exile and the rebuilding efforts symbolize God’s restorative power and His desire to bring His people back into a right relationship with Him. For modern believers, this reflects the ongoing work of spiritual restoration that God offers through Jesus Christ, calling all to repentance and renewal of faith.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Messianic Lineage
Hattush, as a descendant of David, points to the broader biblical narrative concerning the Messianic lineage. The careful preservation of genealogies in the Old Testament, including mentions of figures like Hattush, underscores the anticipation of the coming Messiah. This expectation is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate descendant of David, as affirmed in the genealogies found in the Gospels (see Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38). Jesus is the culmination of God’s promises to David, bringing salvation and establishing an everlasting kingdom.
Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Covenant
The covenant renewal that Hattush participated in foreshadows the new covenant established by Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament covenant required the people to adhere to the law, Jesus fulfilled the law and established a new covenant through His death and resurrection. This new covenant offers forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God, accessible to all who believe in Jesus Christ. The story of Hattush and the renewed commitment of his time points to the ultimate renewal found in Christ, who is the mediator of a better covenant (see Hebrews 8:6).
Conclusion
Hattush, appearing in various contexts within the post-exilic period, highlights the themes of faithfulness, restoration, and covenant commitment. His story, though brief, connects to the larger narrative of God’s work among His people, emphasizing the continuity of God’s promises and the importance of individual and communal faithfulness. For modern Christians, Hattush serves as a reminder of the value of participating in God’s redemptive work, the assurance of God’s unwavering faithfulness, and the ultimate fulfillment of all God’s promises in Jesus Christ. Through these lessons, believers are encouraged to live faithfully, contribute to the building up of the Church, and trust in God’s redemptive plan.