Topical Encyclopedia The Amorites were a significant and influential group in the ancient Near East, frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the prominent Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land before the arrival of the Israelites. Their presence and power are noted in various biblical narratives, highlighting their role as formidable adversaries and rulers in the region.Historical Context and Origin The Amorites are believed to have originated from the region of Mesopotamia, migrating westward into Canaan. They are often associated with the hill country, as indicated in the Bible, and were known for their warrior culture and fortified cities. The Amorites are mentioned alongside other Canaanite tribes, such as the Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites, as inhabitants of the Promised Land that God pledged to the descendants of Abraham. Biblical References and Notable Kings The Amorites are frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's conquest of Canaan. One of the most notable Amorite kings was Sihon, king of Heshbon. The Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, encountered Sihon during their journey to the Promised Land. Despite Sihon's refusal to allow passage through his territory, the Israelites defeated him and took possession of his land. This victory is recorded in Numbers 21:21-24 : "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. We will not drink the water from any well. We will travel the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory.' But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and marched out to the wilderness to confront Israel. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. But 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." Another significant Amorite king was Og, king of Bashan, who ruled over a region known for its fortified cities and giant inhabitants. The Israelites, again under Moses' leadership, defeated Og and his forces, as recorded in Deuteronomy 3:3-5 : "So the LORD our God also delivered Og king of Bashan and his whole army into our hands. We struck them down until no survivor was left. At that time we captured all sixty of his cities. There was not a single city we failed to take from them: the entire region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages." Cultural and Religious Influence The Amorites were known for their polytheistic beliefs, worshiping a pantheon of gods similar to other Canaanite tribes. Their religious practices often included idolatry and rituals that were in direct opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This religious conflict is highlighted in the biblical narrative, where the Israelites are repeatedly warned against adopting the practices of the Amorites and other Canaanite peoples. Legacy and Impact The Amorites' legacy is marked by their initial resistance to Israelite settlement and their eventual defeat, which paved the way for the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land. Their account serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and the divine assistance granted to the Israelites in their conquest. The Amorites' presence in the biblical narrative underscores the challenges faced by the Israelites and the sovereignty of God in delivering His people from powerful adversaries. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 136:18,20And slew famous kings: for his mercy endures for ever: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Five Kings in a Cave Psalm CXXXVI. Afraid of Giants Canaan Moses Egypt The Nations of the North-East Demonstration v. --Of Wars. The Story of God's Mighty Acts The Work of Christ. Resources Who were the Perizzites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God send the Israelites to Egypt for 400 years (Genesis 15:13)? | GotQuestions.org Is it true that the sun stood still? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Amorites: Allotted to Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh Amorites: Descendants of Canaan Amorites: Given to Descendants of Abraham Amorites: Intermarry With Jews Amorites: Judgments Denounced Against Amorites: Struck Down by Chedorlaomer and Rescued by Abraham The Amorites of Gigantic Strength and Stature The Amorites: Acquired an Extensive Territory from Moab East of Jordan The Amorites: Ahab Followed the Abominations of The Amorites: Brought Into Bondage by Solomon The Amorites: Character of Idolatrous The Amorites: Character of Profane and Wicked The Amorites: Defeated by Chedorlaomer The Amorites: Deprived of Their Eastern Territory by Israel The Amorites: Descent From, Illustrative of Man's Natural State The Amorites: Doomed to Utter Destruction The Amorites: Forbearance of God Towards The Amorites: Governed by Many Independent Kings The Amorites: had Many and Strong Cities The Amorites: had Peace With Israel in the Days of Samuel The Amorites: Jacob Took a Portion From The Amorites: Joined Abraham Against the Kings The Amorites: Kings of, Degraded and Slain The Amorites: Kings of, Great and Powerful The Amorites: Land of, Given to Reubenites The Amorites: Manasseh Exceeded Abominations of The Amorites: Miraculous Overthrow of The Amorites: One of the Seven Nations of Canaan The Amorites: Originally Inhabited a Mountain District in the South The Amorites: Refused a Passage to Israel The Amorites: The Gibeonites a Tribe of, Deceived Israel Into a League The Amorites: The Israelites Unable to Expel, But Extracted Tribute From The Amorites: The Jews After the Captivity Condemned for Intermarrying With The Amorites: Western Kings of, Confederated Against Israel Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |