The Amorites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the prominent Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land before the arrival of the Israelites. The notion of the Amorites being giants is derived from various biblical texts that describe their formidable stature and strength.

Biblical References

In the Book of Amos, the Amorites are described in terms that suggest great size and strength: "I 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" (Amos 2:9). This passage metaphorically compares the Amorites to towering trees, indicating their imposing physical presence.

The narrative of the conquest of Canaan further emphasizes the formidable nature of the Amorites. In Deuteronomy 1:28, the Israelites express their fear of the inhabitants of the land, saying, "Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’" While the Anakim are specifically mentioned, the context includes the Amorites as part of the broader group of intimidating inhabitants.

Historical Context

The Amorites were a Semitic people who played a significant role in the history of the ancient Near East. They are believed to have originated from the region of modern-day Syria and spread into Mesopotamia and Canaan. The biblical portrayal of the Amorites as giants may reflect their reputation as fierce warriors and their significant influence in the region.

Theological Implications

The depiction of the Amorites as giants serves to highlight the miraculous nature of Israel's conquest of Canaan. Despite the overwhelming odds and the physical superiority of the Canaanite tribes, the Israelites, under divine guidance, were able to claim the Promised Land. This theme underscores the power of God in delivering His people and fulfilling His promises, as seen in passages like Joshua 10:10-11, where God intervenes directly in battle.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights

While the biblical text emphasizes the giant-like stature of the Amorites, archaeological evidence provides a more nuanced picture. The Amorites were known for their city-states and advanced culture, contributing to the development of the region. Their depiction as giants may be symbolic, reflecting their cultural and military dominance rather than literal physical size.

Conclusion

The portrayal of the Amorites as giants in the Bible serves multiple purposes: it emphasizes the challenges faced by the Israelites, highlights the miraculous nature of their victories, and underscores the sovereignty of God in fulfilling His covenant promises. The Amorites, as a historical and biblical people, remain a testament to the complex interplay of faith, history, and divine intervention in the narrative of the Old Testament.Amos 2:9
Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.
Nave's Topical Index

Afraid of Giants
... on to dilate on the terrors of the giants and the ... we need only notice that the Hittites
were an outlying ... till David's time; that the 'Amorites,' or 'Highlanders ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/afraid of giants.htm

Canaan
... Amorite and Hittite, Canaanite and Philistine, were all alike ... mountains of Asia Minor,
the Amorites had probably ... the word is usually rendered "giants;" it seems ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Story of the Grapes from Canaan
... cities, and we dare not fight those tall giants.". ... But they were without leaders
and without order"a mob ... the land, the Canaanites and the Amorites, came down ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the grapes.htm

Chapter xiv
... are associated with other races that may have been of the giants, it is ... smote all
the field of the Amalekites and also the Amorites that were dwelling in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... honey, unto the places of Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites ... but
some said that the people were strong, and many kings and giants, in such ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... These were the Amorites which the tribe of Dan at a later period could not
dislodge from the lands which had been allotted to them. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... They are represented as being giants"Rephalm; men of ... as grasshoppers;*** as the Horim
who were encamped on ... of En-mishpat, and pillaged the Amorites of Hazazon ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... The Amorites, the people of Zahi, Alasia, and Naharaim, together with recruits from ...
and in that of Amenothes III., but they were lukewarm agreements, and their ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Who were the Perizzites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why 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

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