What do we know about the Amorites?

TL;DR:

The Amorites, an ancient people group related to the Canaanites, clashed with Israel due to their idolatry and hostility. The Amorites were defeated and remind us of how seriously God takes sin.

The Amorites were descendants of Canaan and lived among the tribes in the land promised to Israel. They clashed with the Israelites, starting from Abraham’s time and continuing as Israel left Egypt and moved towards the Promised Land. Key battles against Amorite kings like Sihon and Og are celebrated stories in the Bible because they were clear signs that God was on Israel's side. These victories under Moses and later Joshua, who defeated five more Amorite kings, showed God’s support for Israel. Eventually, under King Solomon, the Amorites' story shifts from one of power to one of servitude. The Bible tells of their long history of opposition against Israel and how they faced consequences for their actions.

from the old testament

The Amorites first show up as descendants of Canaan, linking them to the land promised to Israel (Genesis 10:15–16).
Leviticus 18 and 20 describe in detail what the people of the land of Canaan were doing that was abominable to God.
The Amorites were known as warriors. Some of their people may also have been known for being very tall. For example, Deuteronomy 3:11 says, "For only Og the king of Bashan was left of the remnant of the Rephaim. Behold, his bed was a bed of iron. Is it not in Rabbah of the Ammonites? Nine cubits was its length, and four cubits its breadth, according to the common cubit." This length, approximately 13.5 feet long (more than four meters), indicates that the man was either very tall, very wealthy, or both.
The Amorites are mentioned as a major threat during Abraham's time, defeated by a coalition led by Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:7).
As Israel neared the Promised Land, the Amorites controlled areas like the “hill country of the Amorites,” which the Israelites explored (Deuteronomy 1:7, 19–40).
Moses' victories over Amorite kings Sihon and Og marked key wins for Israel’s advance (Deuteronomy 31:4).
Under Joshua, more Amorite kings fell, and God's support for Israel was shown (Joshua 10:6–10).
By the time of King Solomon, the remaining Amorites were put to work as judgment against them (1 Kings 9:20–21).

from the new testament

- The New Testament doesn’t mention the Amorites directly.

implications for today

The Amorites' story demonstrates how serious God is about sin and the consequences that come with ignoring His laws. They repeatedly chose to worship other gods and defy the boundaries set by God, leading directly to their downfall and serving as a stark warning about the price of disobedience. This reminds us that sin isn’t just a small misstep. It can lead to major consequences, and God expects us to take His commandments seriously.

The Amorites’ struggles also prompt us to look at our own lives. Are we letting things like money, power, or popular culture lead us away from God’s truth? The Amorites’ defeat is a clear call for us to stay true to God and avoid the trap of following trends that oppose Him.

Seeing the Amorites go from a powerful tribe to workers under Solomon’s rule shows that those who elevate themselves against God’s ways will eventually be brought low. It’s a moment for us to think about whether we're really promoting what’s right or if we’re also at risk of falling due to pride and arrogance.

The story of the Amorites isn’t just old history, it’s a direct warning for us today. It calls us to reject sin, stick closely to what God teaches, and live lives that make it clear we honor and follow Him.

understand

The Amorites were pagan people who lived in Canaan.
The Amorites were given four hundred years to repent.
The Amorites had a long history of opposition against Israel and faced consequences for their actions.

reflect

The story of the Amorites serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience. Reflecting on their downfall, in what areas of life are you compromising your values or straying from God's commandments?
The transformation of the Amorites from powerful warriors to servants under Solomon's reign highlights the fleeting nature of worldly power and the ultimate authority of God. How are you encouraged or challenged to reconsider where you put your trust and allegiance, whether in temporal success or in steadfast devotion to God?
Contemplating the Amorites' trajectory from defiance to defeat underscores the importance of humility and alignment with God's will. Why is obedience to God so important?

engage

The Amorites did many abominable things in following false gods and denying the true God. What parallels are there between their idolatry and modern-day rejection of God?
How can we discern between cultural norms and God's commandments, especially when societal trends may contradict biblical principles? How do we navigate the tension between cultural acceptance and fidelity to God's truth?
Reflecting on the fate of the Amorites, how can we cultivate a mindset of humility and reliance on God's sovereignty? What practices or attitudes help guard against the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance in our daily lives?