Topical Encyclopedia The Amorites were an ancient Semitic people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. They are often depicted as formidable adversaries of the Israelites and are noted for their significant territorial acquisitions, particularly from the Moabites, east of the Jordan River.Historical Context and Territory The Amorites are first introduced in the biblical narrative as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham (Genesis 10:16). They were one of the many Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land promised to the descendants of Abraham. The Amorites are described as a powerful and numerous people, often associated with the hill country (Numbers 13:29). The most notable territorial acquisition by the Amorites occurred during the time of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. The Amorite king Sihon played a central role in this expansion. According to the biblical account, Sihon waged war against the Moabites and seized a significant portion of their land. This territory extended from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River, encompassing the region east of the Jordan River (Numbers 21:26). Biblical Account of the Amorite Conquest The conquest of Moabite territory by the Amorites is detailed in the Book of Numbers. The Israelites, journeying toward the Promised Land, requested passage through the land of the Amorites. However, Sihon refused and instead mobilized his forces against Israel. The ensuing battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Israelites, who then occupied the Amorite cities and their lands (Numbers 21:21-25). The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event: "But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered all his troops and went out to the wilderness to confront Israel. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. And 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 21:23-24). Cultural and Religious Significance The Amorites were known for their fortified cities and advanced culture, which posed a significant challenge to the Israelites. Their religious practices, often associated with idolatry and moral corruption, were condemned by the biblical prophets. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the ways of the Amorites and other Canaanite peoples (Joshua 24:15). The Amorite conquest of Moabite territory and subsequent defeat by the Israelites is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. The victory over the Amorites is seen as a testament to God's faithfulness and power in delivering the land to His chosen people. Legacy and Influence The Amorites' influence persisted in the region even after their defeat. They are frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's ongoing struggles with the Canaanite tribes. The legacy of the Amorites is reflected in the biblical narrative as a symbol of the challenges faced by the Israelites in their quest to establish a nation under God's covenant. In summary, the Amorites' acquisition of Moabite territory east of the Jordan River and their subsequent defeat by the Israelites is a significant episode in the biblical history of the Promised Land. It highlights the complex interactions between the ancient peoples of the region and the unfolding of God's plan for Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 21:26,30For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even to Arnon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... 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) |