Who Were the Amorites?
And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.
Key Facts
Term Name
Amorites
Role
Canaanite people group
Born
c. 2000 BC
Died
c. 1200 BC
Key Takeaways
- The Amorites were a prominent Canaanite people group in the Old Testament, linked to Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land.
- Genesis 15:16 explains God delayed judgment on the Amorites until their sin reached its 'full measure,' highlighting divine timing.
- The Amorites' presence in Canaan became a focal point for Israelite conquest under Joshua, reflecting God's judgment on unrepentant sin.
Who Were the Amorites in the Bible?
The Amorites, a prominent Canaanite people group in the Old Testament, are notably linked to the Israelites' inheritance of the Promised Land.
The Amorites inhabited regions spanning modern-day Jordan, the Levant, and parts of the Dead Sea area, often described as semi-nomadic tribes. Genesis 15:16 explicitly references them, stating, 'But in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.' This verse underscores God’s timing in judgment, indicating that divine justice would come only after their wickedness had accumulated sufficiently.
Their presence in biblical narratives extends beyond Genesis, appearing in accounts of Israelite conquest and conflict, reflecting their cultural and geopolitical significance in the ancient Near East.
The Amorites in Israel's Conquest of Canaan
The Amorites played a central role in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua, as their presence in the land became a focal point for divine judgment and military conflict.
The Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3–4) marked the beginning of their campaign to displace the Amorites from Canaan. Battles such as the one at Gibeon (Joshua 10) saw the Israelites confront Amorite coalitions, with divine intervention securing their victories. Deuteronomy 20:17 explicitly commands their complete removal, reflecting God’s judgment on their persistent wickedness. The Amorites thus serve as a biblical archetype of unrepentant sin, illustrating the consequences of moral and spiritual decay in the land.
What We Can Learn From the Amorites
The story of the Amorites reveals key aspects of God’s character, particularly His patience and timing in executing judgment.
Genesis 15:16 explains that God delayed judgment until their sin reached its 'full measure,' showing that divine justice is both measured and merciful. This teaches us to trust in God’s timing, understanding that He grants space for repentance before acting.
Further Reading
Key Scripture Mentions
Genesis 15:16
God promises Abraham the Israelites will displace the Amorites after their sin reaches its full measure.
Joshua 3–4
Describes the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River, beginning their campaign against the Amorites.
Joshua 10
Narrates Israelite victories over Amorite coalitions at Gibeon with divine intervention.
Deuteronomy 20:17
Commands the Israelites to completely remove the Amorites from Canaan as divine judgment.
Related Concepts
Canaan (Places)
The land promised to Israel, where the Amorites were a dominant people group.
Israelites (Figures)
God's chosen people who conquered the Amorites in Canaan under Joshua's leadership.
Divine Justice (Theological Concepts)
The biblical theme of God's measured judgment, as seen in the Amorites' delayed punishment.