Topical Bible: Hail: Destroys Army of the Amorites

◄ Hail: Destroys Army of the Amorites ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The event of hail destroying the army of the Amorites is a significant moment in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's direct intervention on behalf of the Israelites. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 10:1-15. The context of this miraculous occurrence is the southern campaign of the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua, following the conquest of Jericho and Ai.

Biblical Account

The narrative begins with the coalition of five Amorite kings—Adoni-Zedek of Jerusalem, Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon—who unite to attack Gibeon. The Gibeonites, having made a peace treaty with Israel, call upon Joshua for assistance. In response, Joshua leads a surprise overnight march from Gilgal to Gibeon.

The Lord assures Joshua of victory, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you" (Joshua 10:8). As the Israelites engage in battle, the Lord confounds the Amorite armies, allowing Israel to gain the upper hand.

Divine Intervention through Hailstones

The most remarkable aspect of this battle is the divine intervention through a hailstorm. As the Amorites flee before Israel, the Lord hurls large hailstones from the sky upon them. The Scripture records, "As they fled before Israel on the descent from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD cast down large hailstones upon them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites" (Joshua 10:11). This supernatural act underscores the power and sovereignty of God, who fights for His people and ensures their victory.

Theological Significance

This event is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, as He actively intervenes to protect and deliver them. Secondly, it highlights the theme of divine warfare, where God Himself fights on behalf of His chosen people, ensuring their success against overwhelming odds. The use of natural elements, such as hail, as instruments of divine judgment and deliverance is a recurring motif in the Scriptures, emphasizing God's control over creation.

Furthermore, the destruction of the Amorite armies by hailstones serves as a testament to the futility of opposing God's will. Despite their military alliance and strategic planning, the Amorite kings are unable to withstand the power of the Almighty. This event reinforces the biblical principle that victory belongs to the Lord, and those who trust in Him will not be put to shame.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, hailstorms were not uncommon, but the timing and intensity of this particular storm were extraordinary. The Amorites, like many ancient peoples, would have viewed such a phenomenon as an omen or act of divine intervention. For the Israelites, it was a clear sign of God's favor and presence among them.

The destruction of the Amorite coalition through hailstones also served to instill fear and awe among the surrounding nations, further establishing Israel's reputation as a people under the protection of a powerful and active deity. This event, along with others in the conquest narrative, contributed to the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Conclusion

The account of hail destroying the army of the Amorites is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His commitment to His people. It serves as an enduring testament to the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, guiding and protecting those who are faithful to Him.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 10:11
And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven on them to Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... difficult to please: one day they would hail their chiefs ... as to the difficulties
which an army had to ... of the Babylonian conquest, by the Amorites, who probably ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm