Topical Bible: The Ammonites: Assisted Eglon Against Israel

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a significant group in the ancient Near East, often interacting with the Israelites in both hostile and neutral terms. Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. Throughout biblical history, the Ammonites frequently opposed Israel, and one notable instance of this hostility is their alliance with Eglon, the king of Moab, against Israel.

Historical Context

The period of the Judges was marked by a cycle of Israelite apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and subsequent deliverance by judges raised by God. During this time, the Israelites repeatedly turned away from the LORD, leading to their subjugation by neighboring nations. The Ammonites, along with the Moabites and Amalekites, took advantage of Israel's spiritual and political weakness to assert dominance over them.

Alliance with Eglon

The narrative of the Ammonites assisting Eglon is found in Judges 3:12-30. The Israelites, having done evil in the sight of the LORD, were given into the hands of Eglon, king of Moab. Judges 3:13 states, "Eglon gathered to himself the Ammonites and Amalekites, went and defeated Israel, and took possession of the City of Palms." This coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Amalekites was a formidable force against the Israelites, leading to eighteen years of oppression.

The Ammonites' participation in this alliance underscores their enmity towards Israel and their willingness to collaborate with other nations to subdue the Israelites. Their involvement in this coalition highlights the broader regional dynamics and the constant threat posed by surrounding nations to the nascent Israelite confederation.

Role in Israel's Oppression

The oppression under Eglon was severe, as the Israelites were forced to serve him for nearly two decades. The City of Palms, identified as Jericho, became a symbol of their subjugation. The Ammonites, as part of this oppressive coalition, contributed to the hardship and suffering experienced by the Israelites during this period.

Deliverance through Ehud

The LORD raised up Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, to deliver Israel from Eglon's oppression. Ehud's cunning assassination of Eglon and subsequent rallying of the Israelites led to a decisive victory over the Moabites, as recorded in Judges 3:29-30 : "At that time they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all robust and valiant men. Not one of them escaped. So Moab was subdued under the hand of Israel that day, and the land had rest for eighty years."

While the text does not explicitly mention the fate of the Ammonites in this battle, their alliance with Moab suggests they were also affected by Israel's resurgence. The deliverance through Ehud marked a period of peace and stability for Israel, demonstrating God's faithfulness in responding to the cries of His people.

Theological Implications

The Ammonites' role in assisting Eglon against Israel serves as a reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the LORD's sovereignty in using even hostile nations to discipline His people. It also highlights the LORD's mercy and deliverance when His people repent and turn back to Him. The narrative underscores the cyclical nature of Israel's relationship with God during the time of the Judges, characterized by rebellion, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the Ammonites remain a symbol of the external threats faced by Israel and the spiritual battles that accompany physical conflicts. Their interactions with Israel serve as a backdrop for understanding the complexities of Israel's history and the faithfulness of God in the midst of adversity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 3:12,13
And 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook