The Amorites were a prominent group among the ancient inhabitants of Canaan, frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. They are often depicted as a formidable people with significant influence and power in the region. The Amorites are noted for their many and strong cities, which played a crucial role in their interactions with the Israelites and other neighboring peoples.

Biblical References

The Amorites are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:16, where they are listed as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. Their presence in the land of Canaan is well-documented throughout the Pentateuch and the historical books of the Old Testament.

In Genesis 14:7, the Amorites are mentioned in the context of the military campaign of Chedorlaomer and his allies, who defeated the Amorites living in Hazezon-tamar. This early reference highlights their established presence in the region.

The strength and fortification of Amorite cities are particularly emphasized in the narrative of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In Numbers 13:29, the Amorites are described as dwelling in the hill country, a strategic location that provided natural defenses. Deuteronomy 1:7 further identifies the hill country of the Amorites as part of the land promised to the Israelites.

One of the most notable Amorite kings was Sihon, who ruled over Heshbon. In Numbers 21:21-26, the Israelites requested passage through his territory, but Sihon refused and engaged them in battle. The Israelites, under divine guidance, defeated Sihon and took possession of his land, including the fortified city of Heshbon. This victory is recounted in Deuteronomy 2:24-37, where the strength of the Amorite cities is acknowledged.

Another significant Amorite king was Og of Bashan, whose defeat is recorded in Numbers 21:33-35. Og's kingdom included many fortified cities, as noted in Deuteronomy 3:4-5: "We captured all his cities at that time; there was not a city that we did not take from them: sixty cities, the whole region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. All these cities were fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides a great many unwalled villages."

The Amorites' reputation for strong cities is further highlighted in Joshua 10, where five Amorite kings formed a coalition against Gibeon, which had made peace with Israel. The ensuing battle, in which the Lord intervened by casting down large hailstones and causing the sun to stand still, resulted in a decisive victory for Israel. The Amorite cities, including Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon, were subsequently captured by Joshua and the Israelites.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Amorites were part of the larger Semitic-speaking population in the ancient Near East. Archaeological evidence suggests that they were a significant cultural and political force during the second millennium BC. Their cities were often strategically located and well-fortified, reflecting their military prowess and organizational skills.

The biblical portrayal of the Amorites as a powerful and entrenched people underscores the challenges faced by the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan. The strength of the Amorite cities serves as a testament to the formidable obstacles overcome by the Israelites through divine intervention and guidance.

Theological Significance

The narrative of the Amorites and their strong cities is often interpreted as a demonstration of God's faithfulness to His promises and His power to deliver His people. The conquest of the Amorite territories is seen as a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, as stated in Genesis 15:18-21, where the land of the Amorites is included in the promised inheritance.

The defeat of the Amorites also serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's will. Despite their strength and fortifications, the Amorites were unable to withstand the divine mandate given to the Israelites. This theme resonates throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to accomplish His purposes through His chosen people.Numbers 32:17,33
But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How the Hebrews Fought with the Midianites, and Overcame Them.
... they be numbered, they were so very many: and among ... tribes to possess the land of
the Amorites; but upon ... their wives, and whatsoever else they had that might ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how the hebrews.htm

Joshua's Conquest.
... who had been there about six centuries, and the Amorites, who had lived there ... Around
Palestine were many kingdoms, some large and strong, some small and ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

How Moses Conquered Sihon and Og Kings of the Amorites, and ...
... obstinately persevered in the labors they had already undergone ... and their bows, so
that many were slain ... was the destruction which overtook the Amorites, who were ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how moses conquered.htm

Canaan
... there were many Baals, there were also many kinglets ... the fall of the Egyptian supremacy
which had succeeded the ... in Syria "in the land of the Amorites," while at ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Story of the Grapes from Canaan
... They changed their minds as suddenly as they had made up ... part of the land, the
Canaanites and the Amorites, came down upon them and killed many of them ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the grapes.htm

That the Judges who Succeeded Gideon Made War with the Adjoining ...
... his ancestors about the land of the Amorites, and ought ... when he had prayed for victory,
and had vowed to ... the land of the Ammonites, and overthrew many of their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 that the judges.htm

Afraid of Giants
... whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19 ... the Hittites, and the Jebusites,
and the Amorites, dwell in ... evil report of the land which they had searched unto ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/afraid of giants.htm

National Apostasy
... And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the
Amorites, whom the Lord cast out ... For many years they had been losing ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 8 national apostasy.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... and whose country was far more formidable than that of the Amorites. ... man that had
often been wrongly accused, that had meekly borne so many trials, that ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... habitation in the country of the Amorites, which was ... because thou hast promised us,
by many signs, that ... taking them; for when the Canaanites had learned that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.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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