The Amorites were an ancient Semitic people who played a significant role in the history of the Near East, including the biblical narrative. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the peoples inhabiting Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. The Amorite kings were rulers of various city-states and regions, and their interactions with the Israelites are documented in several biblical accounts.

Historical Context

The Amorites are believed to have originated from the region of Mesopotamia and gradually migrated westward into Canaan and surrounding areas. By the time of the patriarchs, they had established themselves as a dominant force in the land. The Bible often refers to the Amorites as one of the seven nations that the Israelites were commanded to dispossess upon entering the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:1).

Notable Amorite Kings

1. Sihon, King of Heshbon: Sihon is one of the most prominent Amorite kings mentioned in the Bible. He ruled over the territory of Heshbon, which lay east of the Jordan River. The Israelites, during their wilderness journey, requested passage through his land, but Sihon refused and instead attacked them. The Israelites, under God's guidance, defeated Sihon and took possession of his territory. This victory is recounted 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 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 went 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."

2. Og, King of Bashan: Another significant Amorite king was Og, who ruled over Bashan, a region known for its fortified cities and mighty warriors. Like Sihon, Og opposed the Israelites and was defeated by them. The account of Og's defeat is found in Numbers 21:33-35: "Then they turned and went up along the road to Bashan, and Og king of Bashan came out against them with his whole army to fight at Edrei. But the LORD said to Moses, 'Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.' So they struck down Og, his sons, and his whole army until no remnant was left, and they took possession of his land."

Amorite Influence and Legacy

The Amorites were known for their influence on the culture and politics of the ancient Near East. They established several powerful city-states and were known for their military prowess. Despite their initial strength, the Amorite kings were ultimately unable to withstand the divinely ordained conquest by the Israelites.

The Amorites are often mentioned in the context of God's judgment against the Canaanite nations for their idolatry and wickedness. In Genesis 15:16, God tells Abraham that the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete, indicating that their eventual defeat was part of God's plan for the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs.

Biblical References

The Amorite kings and their interactions with the Israelites are mentioned in various books of the Bible, including Genesis, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges. These accounts highlight the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites and His sovereignty over the nations.