Topical Bible: Prayer of the Israelites, when Attacked by the Amorites

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The Prayer of the Israelites during their confrontation with the Amorites is a significant event that underscores the reliance of the Israelites on divine intervention in times of military conflict. This episode is primarily recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy, where the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, face the Amorite kings, Sihon and Og.

Biblical Context

The Israelites, after their exodus from Egypt and subsequent wanderings in the wilderness, approached the land of the Amorites as they journeyed towards the Promised Land. The Amorites, a formidable Canaanite tribe, were ruled by King Sihon and King Og. The Israelites sought peaceful passage through the Amorite territory, as recorded in Numbers 21:21-22 : "Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, 'Let us pass through your land. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, nor drink water from any well. We will stay on the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory.'"

The Refusal and the Battle

King Sihon, however, refused Israel's request and mobilized his forces against them. This act of aggression prompted the Israelites to seek the Lord's guidance and intervention. The narrative in Numbers 21:23-24 continues: "But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to the wilderness to confront Israel. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified."

Divine Intervention and Victory

The victory over Sihon and the Amorites is attributed to the Lord's support and the faith of the Israelites in His promises. Deuteronomy 2:31-33 reflects this divine intervention: "Then the LORD said to me, 'See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land.' So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle against us at Jahaz. And the LORD our God delivered him over to us, and we defeated him and his sons and his whole army."

Theological Significance

The prayerful reliance of the Israelites on God during their encounter with the Amorites highlights several theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the importance of seeking God's will and guidance in times of conflict. The Israelites' approach to God in prayer and their subsequent victory demonstrate the power of faith and obedience to divine commands. Secondly, this event illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as He delivers His people from their enemies and grants them the land He had promised to their forefathers.

Legacy and Lessons

The defeat of the Amorites and the subsequent conquest of their land became a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises against seemingly insurmountable odds. This narrative serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of prayer, trust in God's providence, and the assurance that God fights for His people when they remain faithful to Him. The Israelites' experience with the Amorites is a powerful example of how prayer and divine intervention can lead to victory and fulfillment of God's purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 1:45
And you returned and wept before the LORD; but the LORD would not listen to your voice, nor give ear to you.
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... undergone considerable modifications since the Israelites had quitted ... The Amorites,
who had seriously suffered from the ... of that river, had attacked the cities ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... under Kastarit or Kyaxares of Karu-Kassi, attacked the fortresses ... were offered by
both Babylonians and Israelites, and in ... In a prayer for the Assyrian king the ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... we can learn, he does not seem to have attacked Khubushkia,* nor ... The Israelites,
initiated by them into the art of writing ... Illustration: 200.jpg Prayer at Sunset ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm