The Ammonites, descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot by his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a people often in conflict with the Israelites. Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. Throughout biblical history, the Ammonites are depicted as a proud and reproachful people, frequently opposing Israel and exhibiting hostility towards God's chosen people.

Pride and Arrogance

The Ammonites are often characterized by their pride and arrogance. In the prophetic literature, their haughty spirit is condemned. The prophet Jeremiah speaks against the Ammonites, highlighting their pride: "Concerning the Ammonites, this is what the LORD says: 'Has Israel no sons? Has he no heir? Why then has Molech taken possession of Gad, and his people settled in their cities?'" (Jeremiah 49:1). This rhetorical question underscores the Ammonites' audacity in seizing land that belonged to the tribe of Gad, reflecting their disregard for Israel's inheritance.

Reproach and Hostility

The Ammonites' reproachful nature is evident in their interactions with Israel. They are frequently depicted as adversaries who sought to undermine and attack the Israelites. In the time of the judges, the Ammonites oppressed Israel, leading to the rise of Jephthah as a deliverer (Judges 10:7-9). Their reproach is further illustrated in their refusal to assist Israel during their journey to the Promised Land, as recorded in Deuteronomy 23:3-4: "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" .

Divine Judgment

The Ammonites' pride and reproachful behavior ultimately led to divine judgment. The prophet Ezekiel prophesied against them, declaring God's impending wrath: "Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against My sanctuary when it was profaned, against the land of Israel when it was desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into exile, therefore I will deliver you to the people of the East as a possession" (Ezekiel 25:3-4). This judgment reflects the biblical principle that pride and reproach against God's people invite divine retribution.

Cultural and Religious Practices

The Ammonites were also known for their idolatrous practices, particularly the worship of Molech, a god to whom they offered child sacrifices. This abominable practice is condemned in the Scriptures and is indicative of their moral and spiritual corruption. The worship of Molech is mentioned in 1 Kings 11:7, where Solomon is criticized for building high places for the gods of his foreign wives, including Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites.

Historical Conflicts

Throughout Israel's history, the Ammonites were involved in various conflicts with the Israelites. During the reign of King Saul, they besieged Jabesh-gilead, leading to Saul's first military victory as king (1 Samuel 11:1-11). Later, during King David's reign, the Ammonites insulted David's envoys, resulting in a war that saw the Ammonites defeated and subjugated (2 Samuel 10:1-19).

The Ammonites' character as a proud and reproachful people is consistently portrayed in the biblical narrative, serving as a reminder of the consequences of pride and hostility against God's covenant people. Their history is a testament to the enduring conflict between the descendants of Lot and the descendants of Abraham, highlighting the broader spiritual and moral themes present in the biblical text.Zephaniah 2:10
This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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