Topical Encyclopedia The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a people frequently in conflict with the Israelites throughout biblical history. The relationship between the Israelites and the Ammonites was marked by hostility and enmity, leading to specific divine instructions regarding interactions with them.Biblical Injunctions Against Covenants with the Ammonites The Israelites were expressly forbidden from making covenants with the Ammonites. This prohibition is rooted in the broader commandment given to the Israelites concerning the nations inhabiting the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 23:3-6, the Berean Standard Bible states: "No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even 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. Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, but He turned the curse into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you. You are not to seek peace or prosperity from them as long as you live." This passage highlights the divine mandate that no Ammonite was to be admitted into the assembly of the LORD, reflecting the deep-seated animosity due to their historical actions against Israel. The Ammonites, along with the Moabites, were remembered for their lack of hospitality and their attempt to curse Israel through Balaam, which solidified their exclusion from the covenant community. Historical Context and Implications The Ammonites' refusal to assist the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt and their subsequent hostility were pivotal in shaping the laws concerning them. The Israelites were to remain separate from the Ammonites, ensuring that no alliances or treaties would compromise their distinct identity as God's chosen people. This separation was crucial in maintaining the purity of worship and adherence to the covenantal laws given by God. The prohibition against making covenants with the Ammonites served as a protective measure, safeguarding Israel from potential idolatry and moral corruption. The Ammonites, known for their worship of the god Milcom (also known as Molech), were seen as a spiritual threat to the Israelites, who were called to worship the LORD exclusively. Theological Significance The command not to make covenants with the Ammonites underscores the importance of obedience to God's laws and the necessity of maintaining spiritual purity. It reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from pagan influences and the call to holiness. The Israelites were to be a distinct people, set apart for God's purposes, and this required strict adherence to His commands regarding interactions with surrounding nations. In summary, the biblical injunction against making covenants with the Ammonites is a testament to the enduring enmity between the two peoples and the divine mandate to preserve the sanctity and distinctiveness of the Israelite community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 23:6You shall not seek their peace nor their prosperity all your days for ever. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... The Historical Books. The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Who was Gedaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of shibboleth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the importance of Mizpah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ammonites: Confederate With Moabites and Amalekites Against Israel Ammonites: Conspire Against the Jews Ammonites: Defeated by the Israelites Ammonites: Descendants of Ben-Ammi, One of the Sons of Lot Ammonites: Excluded from the Congregation of Israel Ammonites: Israelites Forbidden to Disturb Ammonites: Jews Intermarry With Ammonites: Prophecies Concerning Ammonites: Solomon Takes Wives From The Ammonites of Rabbah Reduced to Hard Bondage The Ammonites with the Philistines Oppressed Israel for Eighteen Years The Ammonites: Aided the Chaldeans Against Judah The Ammonites: Assisted Eglon Against Israel The Ammonites: Called The: Children of Ammon The Ammonites: Called The: Children of Lot The Ammonites: Character of Cruel and Covetous The Ammonites: Character of Fond of Ornaments The Ammonites: Character of Idolatrous The Ammonites: Character of Proud and Reproachful The Ammonites: Character of Superstitious The Ammonites: Character of Vindictive The Ammonites: Chief Cities of Ai The Ammonites: Chief Cities of Rabbah The Ammonites: Confederated Against Jehoshaphat The Ammonites: Country of: Belonged to the Zamzummims The Ammonites: Country of: Bordered on the Amorites The Ammonites: Country of: Half of, Given to the Gadites The Ammonites: Country of: Was Fertile The Ammonites: Country of: Well Fortified The Ammonites: Defeated by Jotham The Ammonites: Governed by Hereditary Kings The Ammonites: Hired the Syrians Against David The Ammonites: Ill-Treated David's Ambassadors The Ammonites: Jephthah Raised up to Deliver Israel From The Ammonites: Jewish Laws Respecting: No Covenant to Made With The Ammonites: Jewish Laws Respecting: Not to be Distressed The Ammonites: Jewish Laws Respecting: Perpetual Exclusion from the Congregation The Ammonites: Miraculous Defeat of The Ammonites: One of David's Mighty Men Was of The Ammonites: Predictions Respecting: Destructions for Hatred to Israel The Ammonites: Predictions Respecting: Punishment for Oppressive Cruelty The Ammonites: Predictions Respecting: Restoration The Ammonites: Predictions Respecting: Subjection to Babylon The Ammonites: Predictions Respecting: Subjection to the Jews The Ammonites: Proposed a Disgraceful Treaty to Jabesh-Gilead The Ammonites: Saul's Victories Over The Ammonites: Seized Upon the Possessions of Gad The Ammonites: Solomon Intermarried With, and Introduced Idols of Into The Ammonites: Spoil of, Consecrated to God The Ammonites: Submitted to Uzziah The Ammonites: The Jews Reprobated for Intermarrying With The Ammonites: The Royal Treasure of, Taken The Ammonites: Vexed the Jews After Captivity The Ammonites: Victories of Joab Over Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |