The Ammonites were a people descended from Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot by his younger daughter, as recorded in Genesis 19:38: "The younger daughter also gave birth to a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today." The Ammonites settled east of the Jordan River, in the region that is now part of modern-day Jordan. Throughout biblical history, they were often in conflict with the Israelites.

Baalis, King of the Ammonites

Baalis is one of the few Ammonite kings mentioned by name in the Bible. His reign is noted during the tumultuous period following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Baalis is specifically mentioned in the context of the political intrigue that followed the fall of Jerusalem.

In Jeremiah 40:14, Baalis is implicated in a plot against Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians over the remnant of Judah: "and said to him, 'Are you aware that Baalis king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to take your life?' But Gedaliah son of Ahikam did not believe them." This passage highlights the political instability and the complex web of alliances and enmities in the region during this period.

Historical Context and Relations with Israel

The Ammonites, including under the rule of Baalis, were often adversaries of Israel. Their territory was located to the east of the Israelite tribes of Gad and Reuben, and they frequently clashed over land and resources. The Ammonites were known for their worship of the god Milcom, also referred to as Molech, which was condemned by the Israelites as idolatrous and abominable.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Ammonites are depicted as persistent enemies of Israel. They joined forces with other nations against Israel, as seen in Judges 3:13, where they allied with the Moabites and Amalekites against Israel. Despite these hostilities, there were also periods of peace and intermarriage, as seen in the account of Ruth, a Moabite woman who became the great-grandmother of King David.

Baalis' Role in Biblical Events

The involvement of Baalis in the assassination plot against Gedaliah underscores the Ammonites' continued opposition to Judah, even after the Babylonian conquest. This act of political maneuvering suggests that Baalis sought to destabilize the region further, possibly to expand Ammonite influence or to resist Babylonian control indirectly.

The assassination of Gedaliah, as warned by Johanan and other leaders, led to further chaos and fear among the remaining inhabitants of Judah. This event is a critical moment in the post-exilic narrative, illustrating the fragile nature of leadership and the constant threat of external and internal enemies.

Legacy and Archaeological Evidence

The Ammonites, including the reign of Baalis, left a significant mark on the history of the region. Archaeological findings, such as inscriptions and artifacts, have provided additional context to the biblical accounts, confirming the existence of the Ammonite kingdom and its interactions with neighboring states.

In summary, Baalis, as king of the Ammonites, played a notable role in the biblical narrative during a period of great upheaval. His actions, as recorded in the Book of Jeremiah, reflect the broader geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East and the persistent enmity between the Ammonites and the Israelites.Jeremiah 40:14
And said to him, Do you certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay you? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 41:10
Then Ishmael carried away captive all the residue of the people that were in Mizpah, even the king's daughters, and all the people that remained in Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had committed to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam: and Ishmael the son of Nethaniah carried them away captive, and departed to go over to the Ammonites.
Nave's Topical Index

The Nations of the South-East
... West it was already again governed by its own kings. ... spared Ammon; after the destruction
of Jerusalem Baalis was still king of the Ammonites, and ready ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Who was Gedaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of shibboleth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the importance of Mizpah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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