Topical Encyclopedia The Amorites were one of the seven nations inhabiting the land of Canaan during the time of the Israelite conquest under Joshua. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a significant and formidable people. The Amorites are often depicted as a powerful and influential group, both in terms of military prowess and cultural impact.Biblical References and Historical Context The Amorites are first mentioned in Genesis 10:16 as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. They are listed among the various Canaanite tribes that occupied the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. In Genesis 15:16, God tells Abraham that his descendants will return to the land of Canaan in the fourth generation, "for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete" . This indicates that the Amorites were already established in the region and that their moral decline would eventually lead to their judgment. The Amorites are frequently mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In Numbers 21:21-25, the Israelites, under Moses' leadership, request passage through the land of the Amorite king Sihon. When Sihon refuses and attacks, the Israelites defeat him and take possession of his territory. This victory is significant as it marks the beginning of Israel's conquest of the Transjordan region. In Deuteronomy 7:1, the Amorites are listed among the seven nations that the Israelites are commanded to utterly destroy upon entering the Promised Land: "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—seven nations larger and stronger than you" . This command underscores the Amorites' role as one of the primary adversaries of Israel. Cultural and Religious Practices The Amorites, like other Canaanite nations, were known for their idolatrous practices and moral corruption. Their worship included various deities, with Baal being one of the most prominent. The Amorites' religious practices were characterized by rituals that were abhorrent to the Israelites, including child sacrifice and temple prostitution. These practices are condemned throughout the Old Testament and are cited as reasons for God's judgment upon them. Military and Political Influence The Amorites were known for their military strength and strategic locations. They occupied key territories in the hill country, which made them formidable opponents. In Joshua 10, the Amorite kings form a coalition to attack Gibeon, a city that had made peace with Israel. Joshua's subsequent victory over this coalition, aided by miraculous events such as the sun standing still, is a testament to the Amorites' significant military threat. Legacy and Impact The Amorites' influence extended beyond their military encounters with Israel. They played a crucial role in the cultural and political landscape of ancient Canaan. Despite their eventual defeat and assimilation, the Amorites left a lasting impact on the region's history. Their interactions with the Israelites serve as a backdrop for many of the theological and moral lessons found in the Old Testament. In summary, the Amorites were a prominent and influential people in the biblical narrative. Their interactions with the Israelites highlight themes of divine judgment, the consequences of idolatry, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 15:21And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 3:8,17 Library Book 5 Footnotes Joshua's Conquest. Canaan Book 4 Footnotes The Antiquities of the Jews How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The The Book of Jubilees The Assumption of Moses The Israelites Editor's Preface Resources Who were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Book of the Wars of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org Who was Og king of Bashan? | 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) |