The Amorites were a significant group of ancient Semitic-speaking peoples who played a prominent role in the history of the Near East. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land promised to the descendants of Abraham. The Amorites are often depicted as formidable adversaries of the Israelites, yet there was a period during the time of the prophet Samuel when peace prevailed between them and Israel.

Historical Context

The Amorites are first mentioned in the Bible as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham (Genesis 10:16). They occupied the hill country of Canaan and were known for their fortified cities and military prowess. The Israelites encountered the Amorites during their journey to the Promised Land, and several battles ensued, notably under the leadership of Moses and Joshua. Despite these conflicts, the Amorites were not entirely driven out of the land, and they continued to coexist with the Israelites in various regions.

Peace in the Days of Samuel

The period of peace between the Amorites and Israel during the days of Samuel is a notable exception in the otherwise tumultuous history between the two groups. This era of tranquility is recorded in 1 Samuel 7:14, which states, "The cities from Ekron to Gath, which the Philistines had taken from Israel, were restored to Israel, and Israel delivered the neighboring territory from the hand of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites."

This peace can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the leadership of Samuel, who was both a prophet and a judge, played a crucial role in unifying the Israelites and turning them back to the worship of Yahweh. Under Samuel's guidance, the Israelites repented of their idolatry and sought the Lord's favor, which resulted in divine intervention against their enemies, including the Philistines.

Secondly, the weakening of the Philistine threat allowed Israel to focus on internal consolidation and regional diplomacy. The Amorites, recognizing the strengthened position of Israel under Samuel's leadership, may have sought peaceful relations to avoid conflict and maintain stability in the region.

Theological Significance

The peace between Israel and the Amorites during Samuel's time highlights the importance of faithfulness to God and the blessings that follow obedience. Samuel's leadership exemplified a return to covenantal faithfulness, which brought about divine favor and protection. This period serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring peace even among historical adversaries.

Furthermore, the peace with the Amorites underscores the potential for reconciliation and coexistence when God's people align themselves with His will. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's desire for peace and harmony among nations, as well as the transformative power of righteous leadership.

Conclusion

The era of peace between Israel and the Amorites during the days of Samuel stands as a testament to the power of divine intervention and the blessings of obedience to God. It serves as a historical and theological reminder of the potential for peace and reconciliation when God's people earnestly seek His guidance and favor.1 Samuel 7:14
And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Nations of the South-East
... was enabled to pasture his flocks in peace in its ... delivered them from their two
assailants, the Amorites on the ... of those who, in earlier times, had exercised a ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Canaan
... Egyptian supremacy could not keep them at peace. ... devastating the villages of central
Israel in the ... mountains of Asia Minor, the Amorites had probably wandered ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Refutation of the Jews
... all the nations set their hopes and had peace, instead of ... make war on Moses and the
Amorites oppose him ... Did not the nations always regard Israel with implacable ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 6 refutation of the.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... [1] The Amorites were one ... name, which will then denote that God would provide peace
by that ... of those seven nations of Canaan whose wickedness had rendered them ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... thou hast instructed me that there is no peace in that ... time when the mountain of
the Amorites lay in ... of her harlotries and after she had committed fornication ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose ... Lord, gave their adherence to what had
been done ... which offered burnt-offerings, and sacrificed peace-offerings of ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
... done wickedly above all that the Amorites did which ... Jeremiah or Zephaniah, though
the former had been called to ... be gathered into thy grave in peace: and thine ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon vii josiah a pattern.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... For it is a law of the Amorites, that she who is ... a Star arise to you from Jacob in
peace, and a ... And Judah, when he had said these things, fell asleep; and his ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the engagement; at all events, the Amorites were routed ... and unto his house," but
he had also erected ... altar to Jahveh-Shalom ("Jehovah is peace").* This sanctuary ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Israelites
... himself king of "the land of the Amorites," as Palestine ... should bring its discordant
elements into peace and order ... king, and the kings of Edom had but recently ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Who were the Amorites? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that “the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure” (Genesis 15:16)? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Sihon, king of the Amorites? | GotQuestions.org

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