Topical Encyclopedia The Amorites were one of the prominent Canaanite tribes encountered by the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land. Known for their formidable presence and influence in the ancient Near East, the Amorites were deeply entrenched in idolatrous practices, which were in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.Historical Context The Amorites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as inhabitants of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham. They were a significant ethnic group in Canaan, and their presence is noted as early as the time of Abraham (Genesis 14:7). By the time of the Israelite conquest, the Amorites had established themselves in various regions, including the hill country and the Transjordan area. Idolatrous Practices The idolatry of the Amorites is highlighted in several biblical passages, illustrating their worship of multiple deities and their engagement in practices that were abhorrent to the Israelites. The Amorites, like other Canaanite tribes, worshiped a pantheon of gods, with Baal and Ashtoreth being among the most prominent. These deities were associated with fertility, weather, and war, and their worship often involved rituals that were morally and spiritually corrupt. In 1 Kings 21:26, the Bible explicitly condemns the idolatry of the Amorites: "He acted most abominably by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites." This passage underscores the severity of their idolatrous practices and the divine judgment that befell them as a result. Influence on Israel The idolatry of the Amorites posed a significant threat to the spiritual purity of the Israelites. God repeatedly warned the Israelites against adopting the religious practices of the Amorites and other Canaanite peoples. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua challenges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve, contrasting the gods of the Amorites with the LORD: "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." The Israelites were commanded to destroy the altars and idols of the Amorites to prevent the corruption of their worship (Exodus 23:24). Despite these warnings, the influence of Amorite idolatry persisted, leading to periods of apostasy among the Israelites, as seen in the Book of Judges. Divine Judgment The idolatry of the Amorites ultimately led to their downfall. God’s judgment upon the Amorites was part of the broader divine mandate to cleanse the land of Canaan from idolatrous practices. In Genesis 15:16, God tells Abraham that the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete, indicating that their judgment was both just and inevitable. The conquest of the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, as recorded in Numbers 21:21-35, serves as a testament to God's judgment against their idolatry and as a fulfillment of His promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham. The defeat of these kings marked a significant victory for the Israelites and a demonstration of God's power over the false gods of the Amorites. Legacy The idolatry of the Amorites serves as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative, illustrating the dangers of turning away from the worship of the one true God. Their practices and subsequent judgment are frequently cited as warnings to the Israelites and, by extension, to all who would follow the God of Israel. The Amorites' legacy is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of idolatry. Nave's Topical Index Judges 6:10And I said to you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but you have not obeyed my voice. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 21:26 Library Book 4 Footnotes Judges and Ruth. Numbers Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. Joshua's Conquest. National Apostasy Prophecies of Christ's Sovereignty, Flight into Egypt, &C. The Nations of the South-East Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers The Call of Moses Resources Who were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Book of the Wars of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org Who was Og king of Bashan? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Amorites: Allotted to Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh Amorites: Descendants of Canaan Amorites: Given to Descendants of Abraham Amorites: Intermarry With Jews Amorites: Judgments Denounced Against Amorites: Struck Down by Chedorlaomer and Rescued by Abraham The Amorites of Gigantic Strength and Stature The Amorites: Acquired an Extensive Territory from Moab East of Jordan The Amorites: Ahab Followed the Abominations of The Amorites: Brought Into Bondage by Solomon The Amorites: Character of Idolatrous The Amorites: Character of Profane and Wicked The Amorites: Defeated by Chedorlaomer The Amorites: Deprived of Their Eastern Territory by Israel The Amorites: Descent From, Illustrative of Man's Natural State The Amorites: Doomed to Utter Destruction The Amorites: Forbearance of God Towards The Amorites: Governed by Many Independent Kings The Amorites: had Many and Strong Cities The Amorites: had Peace With Israel in the Days of Samuel The Amorites: Jacob Took a Portion From The Amorites: Joined Abraham Against the Kings The Amorites: Kings of, Degraded and Slain The Amorites: Kings of, Great and Powerful The Amorites: Land of, Given to Reubenites The Amorites: Manasseh Exceeded Abominations of The Amorites: Miraculous Overthrow of The Amorites: One of the Seven Nations of Canaan The Amorites: Originally Inhabited a Mountain District in the South The Amorites: Refused a Passage to Israel The Amorites: The Gibeonites a Tribe of, Deceived Israel Into a League The Amorites: The Israelites Unable to Expel, But Extracted Tribute From The Amorites: The Jews After the Captivity Condemned for Intermarrying With The Amorites: Western Kings of, Confederated Against Israel Related Terms |