Topical Encyclopedia The Amorites were a significant group of ancient people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. They are often depicted as one of the primary inhabitants of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. The Amorites are described as a powerful and formidable people, known for their fortified cities and military prowess. Their refusal to allow the Israelites passage through their land is a notable event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the challenges faced by the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land.Biblical Account The incident of the Amorites refusing passage to the Israelites is recorded in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy. As the Israelites, led by Moses, approached the land of Canaan, they sought permission to pass through the territory of the Amorites. Moses sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites, with a peaceful request: "Let us pass through your land. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, nor drink water from any well. We will travel the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory." (Numbers 21:22) Despite this peaceful overture, Sihon refused to grant passage and instead mobilized his forces against Israel. The Amorites' refusal was not merely a denial of passage but an act of aggression, as Sihon gathered his people and went out to confront Israel in battle at Jahaz. The Israelites, under divine guidance, engaged in battle with the Amorites and emerged victorious: "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." (Numbers 21:24) Theological Significance The refusal of the Amorites to allow Israel passage is significant in several ways. It highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the conquest of Canaan. The victory over the Amorites served as a testament to God's faithfulness and power, as He delivered the Amorite kings into the hands of His chosen people. This event also underscores the theme of divine justice, as the Amorites' resistance and subsequent defeat were seen as part of God's judgment against the inhabitants of Canaan for their iniquities. Historical and Cultural Context The Amorites were a Semitic people who played a prominent role in the history of the ancient Near East. They are mentioned in various ancient texts outside the Bible, including the Mari Tablets and the Amarna Letters, which provide additional context to their interactions with neighboring cultures. The Amorites were known for their influence in Mesopotamia and their establishment of several city-states in the region. In the biblical narrative, the Amorites are often grouped with other Canaanite nations that opposed Israel. Their refusal to allow passage and subsequent defeat is emblematic of the broader conflict between the Israelites and the Canaanite peoples, as Israel sought to establish itself in the land promised to them by God. Legacy The defeat of the Amorites and the subsequent occupation of their land by the Israelites marked a significant step in the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant. The land taken from the Amorites became part of the inheritance of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, as detailed in the Book of Joshua. The narrative of the Amorites' refusal and defeat serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites and the divine intervention that guided their journey to the Promised Land. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 21:21-23And Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 2:30 Library From Kadesh to the Death of Moses. The Nations of the South-East The Israelites Numbers Chapter xlviii Covenanting Confers Obligation. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria 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) |