Amorites

Lore & Background

The Amorites appear in the Genesis narratives as one of the peoples inhabiting Canaan. In Genesis 14:7, they are said to have dwelt in Hazezontamar and were smitten by invading kings. An Amorite named Mamre, along with his brothers Eshcol and Aner, was a confederate of Abram (Genesis 14:13). God tells Abram that the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full, indicating a delay in judgment (Genesis 15:16). Later, Jacob claims to have taken a portion of land from the Amorite with his sword and bow (Genesis 48:22). In Exodus, the Amorites are repeatedly listed among the nations that God will drive out before the Israelites when they enter the promised land (Exodus 3:8; Exodus 3:17; Exodus 13:5; Exodus 23:23; Exodus 33:2; Exodus 34:11). Numbers 13:29 places the Amorites in the mountains. Numbers 21:13 notes that the Arnon River formed the border between Moab and the Amorites. Israel sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:21), and later took all the cities of the Amorites, including Heshbon (Numbers 21:25).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray the Amorites as a significant Canaanite people group, often listed alongside other nations such as the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (Exodus 3:8; Exodus 3:17; Exodus 13:5; Exodus 23:23; Exodus 33:2; Exodus 34:11). They are depicted as inhabitants of the land that God promises to the Israelites, and their presence is a key reason for the divine command to drive them out. The narrative in Genesis shows that the Amorites were present in the region during the time of Abraham, with some individuals like Mamre being allies of the patriarch (Genesis 14:13). The delay in judgment on the Amorites is noted in Genesis 15:16, suggesting a period of patience before their eventual displacement. In Numbers, the Amorites are a distinct political entity under King Sihon, whose territory was conquered by Israel (Numbers 21:21-25). The passages consistently present the Amorites as one of the peoples whose land is given to Israel, without providing extensive detail about their culture or religion.

Did You Know?

• An Amorite named Mamre was a confederate of Abram (Genesis 14:13).
• The Amorites are said to have dwelt in the mountains (Numbers 13:29).
• The Arnon River was the border between Moab and the Amorites (Numbers 21:13).
• Israel took all the cities of the Amorites, including Heshbon (Numbers 21:25).