Topical Bible: Malice: Ammonites Toward the Israelites

◄ Malice: Ammonites Toward the Israelites ►

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The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), are frequently depicted in the Old Testament as adversaries of the Israelites. Their malice toward the Israelites is a recurring theme, manifesting in various forms of hostility and conflict throughout biblical history.

Historical Context and Hostility

The animosity between the Ammonites and the Israelites is rooted in territorial disputes and cultural differences. The land of Ammon was located east of the Jordan River, and the Ammonites often sought to expand their territory at the expense of Israel. This enmity is first evident during the period of the Judges. In Judges 10:7-9, the Ammonites, along with the Philistines, oppressed the Israelites, leading to a period of great distress for the people of Israel.

The conflict escalated during the time of Jephthah, a judge of Israel. The Ammonites waged war against Israel, claiming that the Israelites had taken their land during the Exodus. Jephthah refuted this claim by recounting Israel's peaceful passage through the land and the subsequent conquest of territories that were not part of Ammon (Judges 11:12-27). Despite Jephthah's diplomatic efforts, the Ammonites persisted in their aggression, resulting in a military confrontation in which Jephthah emerged victorious (Judges 11:32-33).

Continued Hostility in the Monarchical Period

The malice of the Ammonites continued into the era of the Israelite monarchy. During King Saul's reign, Nahash the Ammonite besieged Jabesh-gilead, threatening to gouge out the right eyes of its inhabitants as a disgrace upon all Israel (1 Samuel 11:1-2). Saul, newly anointed as king, rallied the Israelites and defeated Nahash, delivering Jabesh-gilead from Ammonite oppression (1 Samuel 11:11).

King David also encountered Ammonite hostility. After the death of Nahash, David sought to show kindness to Hanun, Nahash's son, but his gesture was misinterpreted as espionage. Hanun humiliated David's envoys, leading to a war in which David's forces ultimately subdued the Ammonites (2 Samuel 10:1-19). The Ammonites' malice is further highlighted by their alliance with other nations against Israel, as seen in their support of Absalom's rebellion against David (2 Samuel 17:27-29).

Prophetic Denunciations

The prophets of Israel also addressed the malice of the Ammonites. The prophet Amos condemned the Ammonites for their brutal expansionist policies, specifically their violent attacks on Gilead to enlarge their borders (Amos 1:13). Jeremiah prophesied judgment against Ammon, declaring that their capital, Rabbah, would become a desolate heap (Jeremiah 49:1-6). Ezekiel echoed this sentiment, foretelling the destruction of Ammon as a consequence of their rejoicing over the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 25:1-7).

Theological Implications

The persistent malice of the Ammonites toward the Israelites serves as a backdrop for understanding the broader narrative of Israel's relationship with its neighbors. It underscores the theme of divine justice and the protection of God's chosen people amidst external threats. The Ammonites' hostility is portrayed as part of the larger spiritual and moral struggle between the nations surrounding Israel and the covenant community established by God.

In summary, the Ammonites' malice toward the Israelites is a significant aspect of the Old Testament narrative, reflecting the ongoing conflict and divine intervention in the history of Israel. The biblical account of this enmity provides insight into the challenges faced by the Israelites and the faithfulness of God in delivering His people from their adversaries.

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Deuteronomy 23:3,4
An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:
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