The Amorites, a prominent group among the Canaanite tribes, were known for their formidable presence in the ancient Near East. Their miraculous overthrow is a significant event in biblical history, demonstrating the power and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites.

Historical Context

The Amorites were one of the many Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land promised to the descendants of Abraham. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as adversaries of the Israelites. The Amorites occupied a strategic position in the hill country, making them a formidable obstacle to the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan.

Biblical Account

The miraculous overthrow of the Amorites is most notably recorded in the Book of Joshua. As the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, advanced into the Promised Land, they encountered a coalition of Amorite kings who sought to resist their progress. This coalition included the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon (Joshua 10:3).

In response to the Amorite threat, Joshua led a surprise attack against them. The Lord assured Joshua of victory, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you" (Joshua 10:8). The Israelites marched all night from Gilgal and launched a sudden assault on the Amorite forces at Gibeon.

Divine Intervention

The battle at Gibeon is marked by extraordinary divine intervention. As the Amorites fled before Israel, the Lord cast down large hailstones from the sky, killing more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword (Joshua 10:11). This supernatural act underscored the divine support for Israel and the futility of resisting God's will.

Furthermore, in one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in the Bible, Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still to allow more time for the Israelites to achieve complete victory. "So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies" (Joshua 10:13). This event demonstrated God's sovereign control over creation and His commitment to His covenant people.

Aftermath and Significance

The defeat of the Amorite coalition was a turning point in the conquest of Canaan. It not only showcased God's power but also served as a testament to His faithfulness in delivering the land to the Israelites as promised. The miraculous overthrow of the Amorites reinforced the belief that God was actively fighting for Israel, instilling confidence and faith among the Israelites as they continued their campaign.

The Amorites' defeat also served as a warning to other Canaanite tribes about the futility of opposing God's chosen people. It highlighted the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's promises, which are recurrent throughout the biblical narrative.

Conclusion

The miraculous overthrow of the Amorites is a powerful testament to God's intervention in history on behalf of His people. It illustrates the themes of divine sovereignty, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of God's promises, which are central to the biblical narrative.Joshua 10:11-14
And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven on them to Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... country was far more formidable than that of the Amorites. ... victory over Sihon and
Og and the overthrow of Pharaoh ... period that have in them a miraculous element ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... wine and various liqueurs manufactured in Alasia, in Singar, among the Khati, Amorites,
and the ... siesta in the shade cast by the Sphinx, the miraculous image of ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Who were the Perizzites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why 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

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