The Ammonites were a people descended from Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot and his younger daughter, as recorded in Genesis 19:38. Throughout biblical history, the Ammonites frequently appear as adversaries of the Israelites. Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan, with their capital at Rabbah (modern Amman).

Historical Context

The Ammonites, along with the Moabites, were often in conflict with Israel. Their enmity is rooted in both territorial disputes and religious differences, as the Ammonites worshiped the god Milcom (also known as Molech), which was detestable to the Israelites. The Ammonites' hostility towards Israel is evident in several biblical accounts, including their opposition during the period of the Judges.

Jephthah's Leadership

The narrative of Jephthah, a judge of Israel, is found in Judges 11. During this period, the Israelites again did evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to their oppression by the Ammonites. Judges 10:7-8 states, "So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, who that year shattered and crushed the Israelites for eighteen years."

In response to their cries for deliverance, God raised up Jephthah, a Gileadite and a mighty warrior, to lead Israel against the Ammonites. Despite being the son of a prostitute and initially rejected by his own people, Jephthah was called back by the elders of Gilead to lead them in battle due to his reputation as a valiant fighter.

Diplomatic Efforts and Conflict

Before engaging in battle, Jephthah attempted to resolve the conflict through diplomacy. He sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, questioning their reasons for attacking Israel. Jephthah recounted Israel's history, emphasizing that they had not taken land from the Ammonites but had instead conquered territory from the Amorites, which God had given them (Judges 11:15-23).

Despite Jephthah's efforts, the king of the Ammonites ignored his message, leading to inevitable conflict. Judges 11:29 records, "Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there he advanced against the Ammonites."

Victory and Vow

Empowered by the Spirit of the LORD, Jephthah led the Israelites to a decisive victory over the Ammonites. Judges 11:32-33 narrates, "So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the LORD delivered them into his hand. He struck them down from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith—twenty cities in all—and as far as Abel-keramim. So the Ammonites were subdued before the Israelites."

However, Jephthah's account is also marked by a tragic vow. Before the battle, he vowed to the LORD that if he were granted victory, he would offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of the door of his house to meet him upon his return (Judges 11:30-31). This vow led to a heartbreaking outcome when his only daughter came out to greet him.

Legacy

Jephthah's leadership and victory over the Ammonites are significant in the history of Israel's judges. His account highlights themes of faith, the consequences of rash vows, and God's deliverance of His people despite their repeated disobedience. The Ammonites continued to be a thorn in Israel's side in subsequent generations, but Jephthah's victory was a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle between these two nations.Judges 10:15-18
And the children of Israel said to the LORD, We have sinned: do you to us whatever seems good to you; deliver us only, we pray you, this day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 11:4-33
And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Judges.
... oppressed Israel until Othniel, Caleb's nephew, was raised up to deliver ... (5) The
invasion of the Ammonites and Israel's deliverance through Jephthah. ...
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Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... in the days of Ehud; [1113] the Ammonites in the ... Jephthah vowed a vow and offered
up his firstborn daughter as ... the wood to sink; and Jesus raised up that which ...
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
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and Ammonites"all these ... nature of the sacrifice of Jephthah's daughter ...
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An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... inclosed is my sister, my spouse"; a garden inclosed, "a spring shut up, a fountain ...
and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel" (Amos 7:15). ...
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Who were the Ammonites? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Jephthah? | GotQuestions.org

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

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