Topical Encyclopedia The Ammonites were a significant ancient people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. They are described as descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, through an incestuous relationship with his younger daughter. This origin is recorded in Genesis 19:36-38 : "Thus both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab. He is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites of today."Geographical Location and Territory The Ammonites settled in the region east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. Their territory was primarily located in the area known as the "land of the Ammonites," with their capital city being Rabbah, later known as Philadelphia, and today as Amman. The land was characterized by its rugged terrain and was bordered by the territories of the Moabites to the south and the Israelites to the west. Relations with Israel The Ammonites had a complex and often hostile relationship with the Israelites. Despite their kinship through Lot, the Ammonites frequently opposed Israel. In Deuteronomy 23:3-4 , the Israelites are instructed: "No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to 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." The Ammonites were involved in various conflicts with Israel throughout the biblical narrative. During the period of the Judges, they oppressed the Israelites, leading to the rise of Jephthah as a deliverer (Judges 11). The Ammonites also played a role in the broader regional conflicts during the reigns of Saul and David. In 1 Samuel 11, Saul's leadership is solidified through his victory over Nahash the Ammonite, who had besieged Jabesh-gilead. King David later subdued the Ammonites, as recorded in 2 Samuel 12:26-31 , where Joab captured Rabbah, and David took the crown of their king. However, the Ammonites continued to be a thorn in Israel's side, often allying with other enemies of Israel. Religious Practices The Ammonites were known for their idolatrous practices, which included the worship of their chief deity, Molech (or Milcom). This worship often involved detestable practices, including child sacrifice, which was strictly condemned by the God of Israel. In 1 Kings 11:7 , it is noted that Solomon, influenced by his foreign wives, built a high place for Molech: "At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites." Prophetic Denunciations The prophets of Israel frequently denounced the Ammonites for their sins and hostility towards Israel. The prophet Amos, for instance, condemned them for their brutal treatment of the people of Gilead (Amos 1:13-15). Similarly, Jeremiah prophesied against the Ammonites, foretelling their destruction and eventual restoration (Jeremiah 49:1-6). Legacy and Historical Impact The Ammonites, like many ancient Near Eastern peoples, eventually faded from prominence. Their territory was absorbed by successive empires, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians. Despite their disappearance as a distinct people, the biblical narrative preserves their memory, serving as a testament to the complex relationships and conflicts that shaped the history of Israel and its neighbors. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 2:19And when you come near over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give you of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it to the children of Lot for a possession. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals. The Nations of the South-East CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). How God Overthrew the Nation of the Sodomites, Out of his Wrath ... The Historical Books. How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ... The First Kings. Reformation Temporal Advantages. The Sixt Part. Resources Who was Gedaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of shibboleth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the importance of Mizpah 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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