The Ammonites, descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a people often characterized by their hostility and vindictiveness towards the Israelites. Throughout the biblical narrative, the Ammonites are frequently depicted as adversaries of Israel, engaging in conflicts and exhibiting a spirit of enmity that underscores their vindictive nature.

The Ammonites' antagonism is first notably recorded during the period of the Judges. In Judges 10:7-9, the Israelites, having turned away from God, were delivered into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites. The Ammonites oppressed the Israelites, particularly those living east of the Jordan, for eighteen years. This oppression was marked by cruelty and a desire to subjugate the Israelites, reflecting their vindictive disposition.

Their hostility continued into the reign of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 11, Nahash the Ammonite besieged Jabesh Gilead, offering the inhabitants a humiliating treaty that involved gouging out the right eye of every man. This act of aggression and the terms of surrender proposed by Nahash highlight the Ammonites' ruthless and vindictive character. Saul's subsequent victory over the Ammonites temporarily subdued their threat, but their enmity persisted.

The Ammonites' vindictiveness is further illustrated during the reign of King David. In 2 Samuel 10, the Ammonite king Hanun humiliated David's envoys, suspecting them of espionage. This act of disrespect led to a war in which the Ammonites allied with the Arameans against Israel. The conflict, initiated by the Ammonites' unfounded suspicions and dishonor, underscores their antagonistic and vengeful nature.

Prophetic literature also addresses the Ammonites' vindictiveness. The prophet Amos condemns the Ammonites for their brutal expansionist policies, specifically mentioning their violent actions against the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their territory (Amos 1:13). This indictment reveals the extent of their cruelty and their willingness to commit atrocities for the sake of vengeance and territorial gain.

The prophet Ezekiel also prophesies against the Ammonites, highlighting their rejoicing over the downfall of Jerusalem and their malicious delight in Israel's suffering (Ezekiel 25:1-7). This schadenfreude, or taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others, is a testament to their vindictive spirit.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the Ammonites are consistently portrayed as a people driven by vengeance and hostility towards Israel. Their actions, from military aggression to acts of humiliation and cruelty, reflect a character marked by vindictiveness, as they repeatedly sought to harm and subdue the people of God.Ezekiel 25:3,6
And say to the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus said the Lord GOD; Because you said, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Iranian Conquest
... modified the essential concept of Ahura-mazda, affected also that of the inferior
deities, and tended to tone down in them the grosser traits of their character ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

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