The Amorites were an ancient Semitic people who played a significant role in the history of the Near East, particularly in the biblical narrative. The land of the Amorites, as described in the Bible, was a region of great importance and was eventually given to the tribe of Reuben as part of the Israelite inheritance.

Geographical Context

The Amorite territory was located east of the Jordan River, encompassing parts of what is now modern-day Jordan and Syria. This land was characterized by its fertile plains and strategic location, making it a desirable possession for the Israelites. The Amorites were known for their fortified cities and strong military presence, which posed a significant challenge to the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan.

Biblical Narrative

The conquest of the Amorite land is detailed in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy. The Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, thereby gaining control of their territories. Numbers 21:24 states, "And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only as far as the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified."

The victory over the Amorites was a pivotal moment for the Israelites, as it marked the beginning of their settlement in the Promised Land. The land was subsequently divided among the tribes of Israel, with the tribe of Reuben receiving a portion of the Amorite territory. Deuteronomy 3:12-13 records, "So at that time we took possession of this land. I gave to the Reubenites and Gadites the territory extending from Aroer by the Arnon Gorge, along with half the hill country of Gilead and its cities."

Tribal Inheritance

The allocation of the Amorite land to the Reubenites was part of the broader division of the Transjordan region among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This division was in accordance with the instructions given by Moses, as the tribes sought to establish their inheritance before crossing the Jordan River into the main body of the Promised Land.

The Reubenites, as descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob, were granted this territory as part of their inheritance. The land provided them with ample resources and strategic advantages, although it also required them to maintain vigilance against surrounding hostile nations.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Amorite land, as part of the Reubenite inheritance, holds significant cultural and historical importance within the biblical narrative. It represents the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and the establishment of Israelite presence in the region. The conquest and settlement of this land underscore the themes of divine providence and faithfulness that permeate the biblical text.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Amorites are frequently mentioned as a symbol of the challenges and obstacles faced by the Israelites in their quest to inhabit the land promised to them by God. The successful acquisition of the Amorite territory by the Reubenites serves as a testament to the Israelites' perseverance and reliance on divine guidance.Joshua 13:15-31
And Moses gave to the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Book 4 Footnotes
... any other people, but those belonging to the land of Canaan ... holy laws which the true
God had given them by ... the delay of the punishment of the Amorites is given ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 4 footnotes.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... the general name for the Canaanite tribes was Amorites. ... are a reaffirmation of the
promise formerly given at Bethel ... while Israel dwelt in that land that Reuben ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... in the engagement; at all events, the Amorites were routed ... day of the captivity of
the land."* The tribe ... history of this migration, which is given summarily in ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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