Topical Encyclopedia The Ammonites, descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot and his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a people who lived east of the Jordan River. Throughout biblical history, they are frequently mentioned in relation to the Israelites, often as adversaries. The Ammonites' exclusion from the congregation of Israel is a significant aspect of their relationship with the Israelites, rooted in historical and theological contexts.Biblical Basis for Exclusion The exclusion of the Ammonites from the assembly of the Lord is explicitly stated in Deuteronomy 23:3-4 : "No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, not even in the tenth generation. For they did not meet you with bread and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you." This passage highlights two primary reasons for their exclusion: their lack of hospitality towards the Israelites during the Exodus and their attempt to curse Israel through Balaam. Historical Context The Ammonites' inhospitable actions during the Israelites' journey from Egypt are recorded in the narrative of the Exodus. As the Israelites approached the Promised Land, they sought passage through various territories, including that of the Ammonites. However, the Ammonites, like the Moabites, refused to provide assistance or allow passage, demonstrating hostility rather than kinship. Additionally, the Ammonites' involvement in hiring Balaam to curse Israel further solidified their adversarial stance. Although God thwarted Balaam's attempts to curse Israel, the Ammonites' intent was clear and contributed to their exclusion from the congregation. Theological Implications The exclusion of the Ammonites from the assembly of the Lord underscores the importance of covenantal faithfulness and the consequences of opposing God's chosen people. The Ammonites' actions were seen as a direct affront to God's covenant with Israel, warranting their exclusion. This exclusion served as a reminder to Israel of the importance of loyalty to God and the rejection of those who sought to undermine His plans. Interactions with Israel Despite their exclusion, the Ammonites continued to interact with Israel throughout biblical history, often as enemies. They were involved in various conflicts, including those during the time of the Judges and the reigns of Saul and David. Notably, King David had significant military engagements with the Ammonites, as recorded in 2 Samuel 10 and 1 Chronicles 19. However, there were also instances of individual Ammonites integrating into Israelite society. One notable example is Naamah, an Ammonite woman who became one of Solomon's wives and the mother of Rehoboam, Solomon's successor (1 Kings 14:21). This indicates that while the Ammonites as a people were excluded, individual integration was possible under certain circumstances. Prophetic Denunciations The prophets of Israel also spoke against the Ammonites, condemning their actions and foretelling their judgment. For instance, the prophet Amos declared God's judgment against the Ammonites for their violent expansionist policies (Amos 1:13-15). Similarly, Jeremiah and Ezekiel prophesied against the Ammonites, predicting their downfall due to their persistent enmity towards Israel (Jeremiah 49:1-6; Ezekiel 25:1-7). Conclusion The Ammonites' exclusion from the congregation of Israel is a multifaceted topic that reflects historical hostilities, theological principles, and prophetic judgments. Their interactions with Israel serve as a testament to the enduring complexities of relationships between neighboring peoples in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 23:3-6An 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: Nave's Topical Index Library CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Who were the Ammonites? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jephthah? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about child sacrifice? | 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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