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 fortified cities, the Amorites were descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham, as listed in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10:16). Their territory extended from the hill country of Judah to the northern regions of Bashan, and they were often associated with other Canaanite groups such as the Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites.The Amorites are frequently mentioned in the context of divine judgment due to their idolatrous practices and moral corruption. The Bible records several instances where God pronounced judgments against them, emphasizing the consequences of their iniquity and the fulfillment of divine justice. 1. Judgment Pronounced in Abraham's Time: In Genesis 15:16, God informs Abraham that his descendants would return to the land of Canaan after four generations, for "the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." This statement indicates that the Amorites' sinfulness would eventually reach a point warranting divine intervention and judgment. 2. Conquest by Israel: The Amorites faced significant judgment during the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua. In Joshua 10:5-11, a coalition of Amorite kings waged war against Gibeon, prompting Joshua to come to Gibeon's aid. The Lord intervened miraculously, as described in Joshua 10:11 : "As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites." 3. Destruction of Sihon and Og: The Amorite kings Sihon and Og were defeated by the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 2:24-34, God commands the Israelites to engage Sihon, king of Heshbon, in battle. The Lord delivers Sihon and his land into Israel's hands, as stated in Deuteronomy 2:31 : "See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land." Similarly, Og, king of Bashan, is defeated in Numbers 21:33-35, further demonstrating God's judgment against the Amorites. 4. Prophetic Denunciations: The prophets also spoke of judgments against the Amorites. In Amos 2:9-10 , God reminds Israel of His past actions against the Amorites: "Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the cedars and whose strength was like the oaks. I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below." This passage highlights the complete and thorough nature of God's judgment upon the Amorites. 5. Symbol of Sin and Judgment: The Amorites often symbolize the sinful nations that stood in opposition to God's people and His purposes. Their destruction serves as a warning and a reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and rebellion against God. Throughout the biblical narrative, the judgments pronounced and executed against the Amorites underscore the righteousness and justice of God. Their account serves as a testament to the fulfillment of divine promises and the ultimate triumph of God's will over the forces of idolatry and immorality. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 23:24You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but you shall utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 33:2 Exodus 34:10,11 Deuteronomy 20:17,18 Library The Reaction against Egypt Covenanting Confers Obligation. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who were the Perizzites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God send the Israelites to Egypt for 400 years (Genesis 15:13)? | GotQuestions.org Is it true that the sun stood still? | 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 |