The Amorites were a prominent group among the ancient Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land west of the Jordan River. Known for their formidable presence and influence, the Amorites played a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly during the period of Israel's conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.

Historical Context and Identity

The Amorites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the primary inhabitants of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. They are often depicted as a powerful and warlike people, possessing fortified cities and advanced military capabilities. The Amorites are first introduced in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:16, where they are listed as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham.

Confederation Against Israel

One of the most notable events involving the Amorites is their confederation against Israel during the conquest of Canaan. This coalition is detailed in the Book of Joshua, where five Amorite kings banded together to oppose the Israelites. The confederation included the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. These kings, alarmed by the rapid success of the Israelites and the fall of Jericho and Ai, sought to halt Israel's advance by attacking the Gibeonites, who had made a peace treaty with Israel (Joshua 10:1-5).

The Battle of Gibeon

In response to the Amorite coalition's aggression, Joshua led the Israelite forces in a decisive battle at Gibeon. The biblical account emphasizes divine intervention, as 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). During the battle, the Lord caused confusion among the Amorite forces and sent hailstones from heaven, which killed more of the enemy than the swords of the Israelites (Joshua 10:10-11).

In a miraculous event, Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still to allow more time for the Israelites to achieve victory. The Lord granted this request, and "the sun stood still, and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies" (Joshua 10:13). This extraordinary event underscored the divine support for Israel and the futility of the Amorite resistance.

Aftermath and Significance

Following the defeat at Gibeon, Joshua and the Israelites pursued the Amorite kings and their armies, capturing and executing the five kings who had hidden in a cave at Makkedah (Joshua 10:16-27). This victory was pivotal in the Israelite campaign, as it broke the power of the Amorite coalition and opened the way for further conquests in southern Canaan.

The defeat of the Amorite kings is emblematic of the broader theme of divine providence and judgment against the Canaanite nations, as the Israelites fulfilled God's command to take possession of the Promised Land. The Amorites, like other Canaanite tribes, were seen as embodying the moral and spiritual corruption that necessitated their displacement by the people of Israel.

Legacy

The Amorites, despite their initial strength and influence, ultimately succumbed to the advancing Israelites. Their legacy in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and the establishment of Israel in the land of Canaan. The account of the Amorite kings' confederation against Israel highlights the futility of opposing God's will and the assurance of victory for those who trust in Him.Joshua 10:1-5
Now it came to pass, when Adonizedec king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Babylonia and Assyria
... statues in "the land of the Amorites." But the ... Tiglath-pileser marched against the
confederated forces of ... A great gathering of the western kings took place at ...
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