The Ammonites, descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a people who inhabited the region east of the Jordan River. Throughout biblical history, they are frequently depicted as adversaries of Israel, often characterized by their cruelty and covetousness.

Cruelty

The Ammonites are notably remembered for their acts of brutality, particularly in their treatment of Israel and other neighboring nations. One of the most striking examples of their cruelty is found in the book of Amos, where the prophet condemns the Ammonites for their violent actions: "This is what the LORD says: 'For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead to enlarge their territory'" (Amos 1:13). This horrific act underscores their ruthless nature and willingness to commit atrocities to achieve their expansionist goals.

Their cruelty is further exemplified in their interactions with King David. When David sought to show kindness to Hanun, the new king of the Ammonites, by sending a delegation to express sympathy over the death of Hanun's father, the Ammonites humiliated David's men, shaving off half their beards and cutting their garments (2 Samuel 10:4). This act of disrespect and hostility led to a prolonged conflict between the two nations.

Covetousness

The Ammonites' covetous nature is evident in their persistent desire to expand their territory at the expense of their neighbors. Their greed is highlighted in their attempts to seize land that belonged to Israel. In Judges 11, Jephthah, the judge of Israel, confronts the Ammonite king, who claims the land of Gilead as his own. Jephthah responds by recounting Israel's history and God's provision of the land, ultimately defeating the Ammonites in battle (Judges 11:12-33).

The Ammonites' covetousness is also seen in their alliances with other nations against Israel. In 2 Chronicles 20, they join forces with the Moabites and others to wage war against Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. This coalition, driven by a desire to plunder and conquer, is thwarted by divine intervention, as God delivers Judah from their hands (2 Chronicles 20:1-30).

Religious Practices

The Ammonites' religious practices further illustrate their moral depravity. They worshiped the god Milcom (also known as Molech), to whom they offered child sacrifices, a practice condemned by God and abhorrent to the Israelites (Leviticus 18:21; 1 Kings 11:7). This idolatrous worship not only reflects their spiritual corruption but also their disregard for human life, aligning with their cruel and covetous character.

Legacy

The Ammonites' legacy in biblical history is one of enmity and opposition to God's people. Their actions and attitudes serve as a cautionary tale of the consequences of cruelty and covetousness, as they ultimately faced divine judgment and decline. Despite their persistent hostility, the biblical narrative also holds out hope for redemption, as seen in the prophetic visions of a future where all nations, including the Ammonites, will acknowledge the sovereignty of the Lord (Jeremiah 49:6).Amos 1:13
Thus said the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... unrighteous, [543]173; his carnal and cruel disposition, [544 ... Paul, [822]272; included
Ammonites, [823]394. ... no plea for the sacriligious and covetous, [972]297 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

What is an abomination? | GotQuestions.org

What is significance of Mount Seir? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Lot in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus