The Amorites were a significant group among the ancient Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land of Canaan before the arrival of the Israelites. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the peoples that the Israelites encountered during their conquest of the Promised Land. The Amorites were known for their formidable presence and influence in the region, often posing a challenge to the Israelites' efforts to fully occupy the land as commanded by God.

Biblical Background

The Amorites are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:16, where they are listed as descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. They are depicted as a powerful and numerous people, occupying the hill country and various strategic locations in Canaan. The Amorites' presence in the land is significant, as they are often associated with the highlands and mountainous regions, which provided them with natural fortifications.

The Israelites' Struggle with the Amorites

The Israelites' encounters with the Amorites are marked by both conflict and compromise. In the Book of Numbers, the Amorites are described as a formidable enemy. When the Israelites, under Moses' leadership, sought passage through the land of the Amorites, King Sihon of the Amorites refused and engaged them in battle. The Israelites, however, were victorious, as recorded in Numbers 21:21-25 :

"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, nor 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 marched 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."

Despite this victory, the Israelites faced ongoing challenges in fully expelling the Amorites from the land. In the Book of Joshua, the Israelites are commanded to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan, including the Amorites. However, the task proved difficult, and the Israelites were unable to completely remove them from the land. Joshua 13:13 notes:

"Yet the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites, so Geshur and Maacath dwell among the Israelites to this day."

Tribute and Coexistence

While the Israelites were unable to expel the Amorites entirely, they did manage to subjugate them to some extent, extracting tribute from them. This arrangement is indicative of a compromise where the Amorites retained a degree of autonomy but were subject to Israelite authority. Judges 1:34-35 provides insight into this situation:

"The Amorites forced the Danites into the hill country and did not allow them to come down into the plain. And the Amorites were determined to dwell in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim. But when the house of Joseph grew stronger, they pressed the Amorites into forced labor."

This passage highlights the complex relationship between the Israelites and the Amorites, characterized by both conflict and coexistence. The Amorites' persistence in the land and the Israelites' inability to fully expel them serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by the Israelites in fulfilling God's command to possess the land completely.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Amorites, like other Canaanite tribes, had a significant cultural and religious influence on the Israelites. Their presence in the land posed a constant temptation for the Israelites to adopt Canaanite practices and idolatry, which was strictly forbidden by God. The Israelites' interactions with the Amorites and other Canaanite peoples often led to periods of spiritual decline and apostasy, as seen throughout the Book of Judges.

The Amorites' enduring presence in the land of Canaan serves as a testament to the complexities of the Israelites' conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. Their account is a reflection of the broader narrative of Israel's struggle to remain faithful to God's commands amidst external pressures and internal weaknesses.Judges 1:34,35
And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Who were the Amorites? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that “the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure” (Genesis 15:16)? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Sihon, king of the Amorites? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus