2:9 I . . . destroyed the Amorite. Faithful to His covenant promises (Gen. 15:16–21), the Lord had driven out the Canaanites (simply called “the Amorite” here) from the Promised Land. See note Gen. 10:16.

like . . . the cedars. The description recalls the report of the twelve spies (Num. 13:32, 33), but also God’s wrath against all that is lofty and proud (Is. 2:12–18).

fruit above . . . roots beneath. A poetic expression for complete destruction.