The Ammonites, descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot and his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a people who settled east of the Jordan River. Throughout biblical history, they are frequently mentioned in relation to the Israelites, often as adversaries. The Ammonites are noted for their distinct cultural practices, one of which includes a particular fondness for ornaments and luxurious adornments.

The biblical narrative provides insight into the Ammonites' penchant for opulence and decorative items. In the prophetic literature, the Ammonites are often depicted as a people who take pride in their wealth and material possessions. This is evident in passages that describe their cities and lifestyle. For instance, in Ezekiel 25:3-7, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a message of judgment against the Ammonites, highlighting their arrogance and self-indulgence. Although the specific mention of ornaments is not detailed in this passage, the context of their pride and reliance on material wealth can be inferred.

The Ammonites' affinity for ornaments is further illustrated in the broader cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where personal adornment was a common practice among various peoples. Jewelry, fine clothing, and other decorative items were not only symbols of wealth but also of social status and identity. The Ammonites, like their neighbors, would have participated in these cultural expressions, using ornaments to display their prosperity and distinguish themselves from others.

In the biblical account of King David's interactions with the Ammonites, we see an indirect reference to their wealth and the spoils of war. When David defeated the Ammonites, he took the crown from the head of their king, which was described as being of great weight and adorned with precious stones (2 Samuel 12:30). This crown serves as a tangible representation of the Ammonites' fondness for ornate and valuable items.

The Ammonites' love for ornaments can also be understood in light of their religious practices. Like many ancient cultures, they likely used jewelry and other adornments in their worship and rituals. The Bible records that the Ammonites worshiped the god Milcom (also known as Molech), and it is plausible that ornaments played a role in their religious ceremonies, either as offerings or as part of the attire worn during worship.

In summary, the Ammonites are characterized in the biblical narrative as a people who valued and took pride in their ornaments and material wealth. This aspect of their culture is reflective of the broader ancient Near Eastern context, where personal adornment was a significant expression of identity, status, and religious devotion.2 Chronicles 20:25
And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the ties which bound them together at this period were of the most slender character. ...
an easy prey to the first comer; the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Moabites ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... G. Rawlinson takes a somewhat different view of Cyaxares' character; he admits that
Cyaxares knew how to win victories, but refuses to credit him with the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Who were the Ammonites? | GotQuestions.org

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What does the Bible say about child sacrifice? | GotQuestions.org

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