The Amorites were an ancient Semitic people who played a significant role in the history of the Near East, particularly during the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. The Amorites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the primary groups inhabiting the land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham. Their interactions with the Israelites are marked by conflict and divine judgment, culminating in the loss of their eastern territories to the advancing Israelites.

Historical Background

The Amorites are first mentioned in the Bible in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10:16), where they are listed as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. They were known to inhabit the hill country of Canaan and were considered formidable warriors. The Amorites established several city-states and kingdoms, with their influence extending across the region.

Biblical Narrative

The narrative of the Amorites' loss of their eastern territory is primarily found in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy. As the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, they encountered the Amorite kingdoms east of the Jordan River. The most notable Amorite kings during this period were Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan.

In Numbers 21:21-26, the Israelites, led by Moses, sent messengers to Sihon, requesting passage through his land. Sihon refused and instead mobilized his forces against Israel. The ensuing battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Israelites, as recorded in Numbers 21:24 : "Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only as far as the Ammonites, because their border was fortified."

Following this victory, the Israelites turned their attention to Og, king of Bashan. Deuteronomy 3:1-6 recounts the conquest of Bashan, where the Israelites, under divine guidance, defeated Og and his forces, taking possession of his territory. Deuteronomy 3:3 states, "So the LORD our God also delivered Og king of Bashan and all his people into our hands, and we struck them down until no survivor was left."

Theological Significance

The conquest of the Amorite territories is portrayed in the Bible as a fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham. The victories over Sihon and Og are seen as acts of divine intervention, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power. Deuteronomy 2:31 emphasizes this divine involvement: "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.'"

The Amorites' defeat also serves as a warning against idolatry and disobedience to God. The Amorites, like other Canaanite peoples, were known for their pagan practices, which were abhorrent to the Israelites' monotheistic faith. The destruction of the Amorite kingdoms is depicted as a judgment against their wickedness and a means of purifying the land for the Israelites.

Legacy

The Amorites' legacy in biblical history is one of opposition to God's people and subsequent judgment. Their defeat and the loss of their eastern territories to Israel are emblematic of the broader conquest of Canaan, which was marked by divine promises and the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's covenant. The narrative of the Amorites serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of faithfulness to His commands.Numbers 21:24-35
And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon to Jabbok, even to the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Canaan
... in Syria "in the land of the Amorites," while at ... were a nation of warriors, and their
forces were ... But the vanquished population was deprived of the means for ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Joshua's Song of Victory over the Amorites (Joshua 10 ... with the empire, but Urartu,
although deprived of the ... another, and every now and then their disputes broke ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the engagement; at all events, the Amorites were routed ... Manasseh, now deprived of
a chief, and given up ... police, or for piratical expeditions on their own account ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... or ears cut off, others were deprived of sight ... the sea, while the Phoenicians, with
their wonted prudence ... Byblos, Mahallat, Maiza, Kaiza, the Amorites and Arvad ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Khati,* and Cole-Syria, Amurru, the land of the Amorites. ... was necessary to strike
a blow within their own territory ... of all the provinces on the eastern bank of ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... The Amorites, the people of Zahi, Alasia, and Naharaim ... torrents leaping from the
heights make their way into ... At the extreme eastern point of the coast, almost ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... it on its southern and south-eastern sides, while ... the domain of Sihon, King of the
Amorites, and that ... the mixture of races therein, and their almost infinite ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Who were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Book of the Wars of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Og king of Bashan? | GotQuestions.org

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