Topical Encyclopedia The Ammonites, descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a significant group in the ancient Near East. Throughout biblical history, they frequently appear as adversaries of Israel. The Ammonites, along with the Moabites and Amalekites, formed a confederation against Israel during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by cycles of Israelite apostasy, oppression, and deliverance.Historical Context The Ammonites occupied the region east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. Their capital was Rabbah, later known as Philadelphia, and today as Amman. The Ammonites were closely related to the Moabites, as both were descendants of Lot, and they often collaborated in military campaigns against Israel. Biblical Account The confederation of the Ammonites with the Moabites and Amalekites is notably recorded in the Book of Judges. During the time of Ehud, the Israelites again did evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to their subjugation by Eglon, king of Moab. Judges 3:12-13 states, "Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He strengthened Eglon king of Moab against Israel. And taking with him the Ammonites and Amalekites, Eglon came and attacked Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms." This coalition was a significant threat to Israel, as it combined the forces of three hostile groups. The City of Palms, identified as Jericho, was a strategic location, and its capture signified a substantial loss for Israel. The oppression lasted for eighteen years, during which the Israelites were subject to Moabite rule. Deliverance Through Ehud The narrative continues with the deliverance of Israel through Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite. Judges 3:15 recounts, "And the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed man, of the tribe of Benjamin, as their deliverer." Ehud's cunning assassination of Eglon led to the rallying of the Israelite forces, who then defeated the Moabites, effectively breaking the confederation and securing peace for Israel for eighty years. Theological Significance The confederation of the Ammonites, Moabites, and Amalekites against Israel serves as a reminder of the persistent enmity between the descendants of Lot and the chosen people of God. It highlights the recurring theme of Israel's disobedience leading to oppression, followed by divine deliverance upon repentance. The narrative underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness in raising deliverers to rescue His people, despite their repeated failures. Later Conflicts The Ammonites continued to be a thorn in Israel's side throughout the Old Testament. They were involved in various conflicts, including those during the reigns of Saul, David, and Jehoshaphat. Their persistent hostility is a testament to the enduring animosity between Israel and its neighbors, rooted in ancient familial ties and territorial disputes. Conclusion The alliance of the Ammonites with the Moabites and Amalekites against Israel is a significant episode in the biblical narrative, illustrating the complex interplay of kinship, politics, and divine intervention in the history of God's people. Nave's Topical Index Judges 3:12,13And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Library The Israelites Chapter xiv Resources What is an abomination? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is significance of Mount Seir? | GotQuestions.org Who was Lot in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ammonites: Confederate With Moabites and Amalekites Against Israel Ammonites: Conspire Against the Jews Ammonites: Defeated by the Israelites Ammonites: Descendants of Ben-Ammi, One of the Sons of Lot Ammonites: Excluded from the Congregation of Israel Ammonites: Israelites Forbidden to Disturb Ammonites: Jews Intermarry With Ammonites: Prophecies Concerning Ammonites: Solomon Takes Wives From The Ammonites of Rabbah Reduced to Hard Bondage The Ammonites with the Philistines Oppressed Israel for Eighteen Years The Ammonites: Aided the Chaldeans Against Judah The Ammonites: Assisted Eglon Against Israel The Ammonites: Called The: Children of Ammon The Ammonites: Called The: Children of Lot The Ammonites: Character of Cruel and Covetous The Ammonites: Character of Fond of Ornaments The Ammonites: Character of Idolatrous The Ammonites: Character of Proud and Reproachful The Ammonites: Character of Superstitious The Ammonites: Character of Vindictive The Ammonites: Chief Cities of Ai The Ammonites: Chief Cities of Rabbah The Ammonites: Confederated Against Jehoshaphat The Ammonites: Country of: Belonged to the Zamzummims The Ammonites: Country of: Bordered on the Amorites The Ammonites: Country of: Half of, Given to the Gadites The Ammonites: Country of: Was Fertile The Ammonites: Country of: Well Fortified The Ammonites: Defeated by Jotham The Ammonites: Governed by Hereditary Kings The Ammonites: Hired the Syrians Against David The Ammonites: Ill-Treated David's Ambassadors The Ammonites: Jephthah Raised up to Deliver Israel From The Ammonites: Jewish Laws Respecting: No Covenant to Made With The Ammonites: Jewish Laws Respecting: Not to be Distressed The Ammonites: Jewish Laws Respecting: Perpetual Exclusion from the Congregation The Ammonites: Miraculous Defeat of The Ammonites: One of David's Mighty Men Was of The Ammonites: Predictions Respecting: Destructions for Hatred to Israel The Ammonites: Predictions Respecting: Punishment for Oppressive Cruelty The Ammonites: Predictions Respecting: Restoration The Ammonites: Predictions Respecting: Subjection to Babylon The Ammonites: Predictions Respecting: Subjection to the Jews The Ammonites: Proposed a Disgraceful Treaty to Jabesh-Gilead The Ammonites: Saul's Victories Over The Ammonites: Seized Upon the Possessions of Gad The Ammonites: Solomon Intermarried With, and Introduced Idols of Into The Ammonites: Spoil of, Consecrated to God The Ammonites: Submitted to Uzziah The Ammonites: The Jews Reprobated for Intermarrying With The Ammonites: The Royal Treasure of, Taken The Ammonites: Vexed the Jews After Captivity The Ammonites: Victories of Joab Over Related Terms |
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