Topical Bible: Mocking: The Ammonites Mock God

◄ Mocking: The Ammonites Mock God ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Mocking, in the biblical context, refers to the act of ridiculing, deriding, or showing contempt towards God, His people, or His commandments. This behavior is often depicted as a serious offense against the divine order, reflecting a heart hardened against the truth and righteousness of God. One notable instance of mocking in the Bible involves the Ammonites, a people frequently in conflict with Israel, who are recorded as having mocked God and His people.

Historical Context

The Ammonites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and inhabited the region east of the Jordan River. Throughout biblical history, they were often in opposition to the Israelites, engaging in battles and conflicts. Their animosity towards Israel was not merely political but also spiritual, as they frequently opposed the worship and commandments of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Biblical Account

One significant episode of the Ammonites mocking God is found in the narrative of King David's reign. In 2 Samuel 10, the Ammonite king, Hanun, humiliated David's envoys. David had sent these envoys to express sympathy after the death of Hanun's father, Nahash, who had shown kindness to David. However, the Ammonite princes convinced Hanun that David's intentions were not genuine, leading him to disgrace the envoys by shaving off half their beards and cutting their garments at the hips. This act was not only an insult to David but also a mockery of the God whom David served, as it was a direct affront to the dignity and honor of God's anointed king.

Scriptural Reference

The account is detailed in 2 Samuel 10:1-5 :

"Some time later, the king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son Hanun. And David said, 'I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.' So David sent his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites, the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, 'Do you really think that David is honoring your father by sending you messengers to express sympathy? Hasn’t David sent them to you in order to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?' So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut their garments in half at the hips, and sent them away. When this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, for they were greatly humiliated. The king told them, 'Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.'"

Theological Implications

The mocking of God by the Ammonites serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disrespecting the divine order. In response to this insult, David mobilized his forces, leading to a series of battles that resulted in the defeat of the Ammonites and their allies. This narrative underscores the biblical principle that God defends His honor and the honor of His people. Mocking God is portrayed as an act that invites divine retribution, as it reflects a rejection of God's sovereignty and a challenge to His authority.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

From a moral and spiritual perspective, the account of the Ammonites' mockery serves as a reminder of the importance of reverence towards God and His representatives. It highlights the dangers of pride and the folly of underestimating the power and justice of God. Believers are encouraged to maintain a posture of humility and respect, recognizing that God is not mocked, as stated in Galatians 6:7 : "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return."

In summary, the mocking of God by the Ammonites is a significant biblical event that illustrates the serious nature of contempt towards the divine. It serves as a warning to all who would challenge the authority and holiness of God, emphasizing the need for humility and reverence in the presence of the Almighty.

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Ezekiel 25:3
And say to the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus said the Lord GOD; Because you said, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity;
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