The Ammonites were a Semitic people descended from Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot by his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). They settled east of the Jordan River, in the region that is now modern-day Jordan. The capital of the Ammonites was Rabbah, known today as Amman. Throughout the Old Testament, the Ammonites are frequently depicted as adversaries of Israel.

The Ammonites opposed Israel during their journey to the Promised Land, refusing them passage through their territory (Judges 11:4-5). They were often at war with Israel during the period of the Judges and the monarchy. Notably, King Saul fought against them (1 Samuel 11:1-11), and King David subdued them, making them his subjects (2 Samuel 12:26-31).

The Ammonites worshiped the god Milcom, also known as Molech, and their religious practices included child sacrifice, which was condemned by the Israelites (1 Kings 11:7). Despite their enmity, the Israelites were commanded not to harass the Ammonites or take their land, as it was given to the descendants of Lot (Deuteronomy 2:19).

Moabites

The Moabites were also descendants of Lot, through his elder daughter, and settled in the region east of the Dead Sea (Genesis 19:37). Like the Ammonites, the Moabites had a tumultuous relationship with Israel. During the Exodus, the Moabite king Balak attempted to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam, but God turned the curse into a blessing (Numbers 22-24).

The Moabites were known for their worship of Chemosh, a deity to whom they offered human sacrifices (2 Kings 3:27). Despite their opposition to Israel, the Moabites are notably connected to the Israelites through Ruth, a Moabite woman who became the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 1:4, 4:13-17).

The Moabites were often in conflict with Israel, but they were also subject to Israelite control at various times. King David subdued Moab, and they paid tribute to him (2 Samuel 8:2). However, they regained independence and were a constant threat during the reigns of later kings.

Edomites

The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, and settled in the region south of the Dead Sea, known as Edom or Idumea (Genesis 36:1). The relationship between Israel and Edom was marked by hostility, rooted in the sibling rivalry between Esau and Jacob.

Edom refused Israel passage through their land during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21). Despite this, the Israelites were instructed not to despise the Edomites, as they were their brothers (Deuteronomy 23:7). The Edomites were subjugated by King David and remained under Israelite control until the reign of King Jehoram, when they revolted and gained independence (2 Kings 8:20-22).

The Edomites were known for their wisdom and their strongholds in the mountainous region of Seir. The prophets often pronounced judgment against Edom for their pride and hostility towards Israel, notably in the book of Obadiah.

Philistines

The Philistines were a non-Semitic people who settled along the coastal plain of Canaan, in what is now the Gaza Strip and southern Israel. They are believed to have originated from the Aegean region and are often associated with the Sea Peoples.

The Philistines were one of Israel's most persistent enemies during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. They are famously known for their conflict with Samson (Judges 13-16) and their battles against King Saul and King David. The Philistine giant Goliath was defeated by David, marking a significant victory for Israel (1 Samuel 17).

The Philistines worshiped several deities, including Dagon, whose temple was destroyed by Samson (Judges 16:23-30). Despite their military prowess, the Philistines were eventually subdued by King David, who incorporated their territory into his kingdom (2 Samuel 5:17-25).

Throughout the Old Testament, the Philistines are depicted as a formidable and technologically advanced people, known for their iron weapons and chariots. Their interactions with Israel highlight the ongoing struggle for control of the land and the influence of foreign cultures on the Israelites.