Bible Discussion Thread

What is the iniquity of the Amorites?

In Genesis chapter 15, we read about God speaking with Abram, that the day would come when Abram, who was childless at that time, would have a great progeny that would be without number. Then God speaks to Abram about the coming servitude of Israel to the Egyptians (vv13,14). But after four hundred years (or, the fourth generation: v16), they will finally be set free & enter into the land that God had promised them.

And the reason given is in verse 16, "But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." The land of Canaan was at that time filled with many people groups, such as the Amorites, Canaanites, Jebusites, etc.(vv19-21) & they were all wicked & idol worshippers. So, it was the Judgement of God that was to fall upon them for their wickedness, and it would be the Israelites that would be the instrument that God would use to wipe them out & that Israel would possess that land which God has promised them. The iniquity (wickedness) of the Amorites (probably, a people representative of the other heathen around them), had not fully matured, but when it happened, the Anger of the LORD would be poured out upon them. As a side note, the Israelites did not completely wipe out the idolators, and so in this they disobeyed God & also suffered for it by having those customs & practises permeate into Israel's life & worship.

Who are the other heathen around them that they represent ? Egyptians

The mentioning of the Amorites was a people referred to in verse 16, and they were representative of the other peoples in Canaan. And those others are mentioned in verses 19 to 21. The Egyptians were not in this part of the world, but all these other groups were given over to idolatry & were under God's Judgement.