The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a people frequently in conflict with the Israelites throughout biblical history. Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Ammonites are often depicted in the Bible as adversaries of Israel, and their enmity is particularly evident in their conspiracies against the Jewish people.

Historical Context

The Ammonites' hostility towards Israel is rooted in the territorial disputes and cultural differences that characterized the ancient Near East. The Israelites, upon entering the Promised Land, encountered various indigenous peoples, including the Ammonites, who resisted their settlement and expansion. The Ammonites' opposition is documented in several biblical narratives, where they are portrayed as persistent enemies of God's chosen people.

Biblical Accounts of Conspiracy

One of the most notable instances of Ammonite conspiracy against the Jews is found in the book of Nehemiah. During the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah faced opposition from various groups, including the Ammonites. Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab mocked and plotted against the Jews to thwart their efforts. Nehemiah 4:7-8 states, "Now when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry, and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance."

This conspiracy was not merely a political maneuver but also a spiritual battle, as the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls symbolized the restoration of God's covenant with His people. Nehemiah's response to this threat was both practical and spiritual; he armed the workers and encouraged them to trust in God, saying, "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes" (Nehemiah 4:14).

Theological Implications

The Ammonites' opposition to Israel is often interpreted as part of the broader spiritual warfare between the forces of God and those opposed to His plans. The Ammonites, like other enemies of Israel, are seen as instruments of opposition used by Satan to disrupt God's redemptive purposes. However, the biblical narrative consistently demonstrates that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes. The successful completion of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership is a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of prayer and perseverance.

Legacy and Lessons

The Ammonites' conspiracies against the Jews serve as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by God's people throughout history. These accounts encourage believers to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's protection and provision. The account of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls is a powerful example of how faith, leadership, and community can overcome adversity, even in the face of formidable opposition.Nehemiah 4:7,8
But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,
Nave's Topical Index

Give us Today Our Needful Bread
... than any elevation of words upreared against the knowledge ... in every way and henceforth
to conspire in the ... today, and He is father of the Ammonites until today ...
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