The Amorites were an ancient Semitic people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. They are often depicted as one of the primary inhabitants of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. The Amorites are known for their formidable presence in the region and their involvement in various conflicts with the Israelites and other neighboring peoples.

One significant event involving the Amorites is their defeat by Chedorlaomer, the king of Elam. This event is recorded in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 14. Chedorlaomer, along with three other allied kings—Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, and Tidal king of Goiim—waged a campaign against several rebellious city-states in the region of Canaan.

Genesis 14:5-7 provides an account of this military campaign: "In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in the area of Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is near the desert. Then they turned back to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar."

The defeat of the Amorites by Chedorlaomer and his allies is part of a broader narrative that sets the stage for the rescue of Lot by Abram (later Abraham). The Amorites, along with other groups, were subjugated during this campaign, highlighting the geopolitical dynamics of the time and the shifting power structures in the ancient Near East.

The Amorites' defeat is significant in the biblical narrative as it underscores the transient nature of earthly power and the unfolding of God's providential plan. The Amorites, despite their strength and influence, were unable to withstand the coalition led by Chedorlaomer. This event also serves as a backdrop to the subsequent actions of Abram, who, with divine assistance, would later defeat Chedorlaomer and rescue his nephew Lot, as described in Genesis 14:14-16 : "When Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer's army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people."

The Amorites' defeat by Chedorlaomer is a testament to the complex interplay of power, politics, and divine intervention in the biblical narrative. It illustrates the challenges faced by the inhabitants of Canaan and sets the stage for the unfolding account of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants.Genesis 14:7
And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelled in Hazezontamar.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Chapter xiv
... group attacked and vanquished are the "Amorites," who dwelt ... The dominant factor,
no doubt, was Chedorlaomer; cf ... situation of a number of defeated kings hastily ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... This is the Kudur-lagamar (Chedorlaomer) who helped ... Kudur-lagamar defeated them one
after another"the Rephaim ... En-mishpat, and pillaged the Amorites of Hazazon ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

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