The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a people who frequently found themselves in conflict with the Israelites. Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, and they often opposed Israel's progress and prosperity. The biblical narrative records several instances where the Ammonites displayed hostility towards Israel, leading to divine pronouncements of judgment against them.

Hostility and Conflict with Israel

The Ammonites' enmity towards Israel is well-documented in the Scriptures. During the period of the Judges, they oppressed the Israelites, leading to the rise of Jephthah as a deliverer (Judges 10:7-9). Their animosity continued into the reigns of Saul and David, with King Nahash of Ammon threatening the Israelites of Jabesh-gilead (1 Samuel 11:1-2) and later, the Ammonites dishonoring David's envoys, which resulted in a military conflict (2 Samuel 10:1-19).

Prophetic Pronouncements of Destruction

The prophets of Israel, under divine inspiration, pronounced judgments against the Ammonites for their persistent hostility and transgressions against God's people. These prophecies highlight the consequences of their actions and the divine justice that would be meted out.

1. Jeremiah's Prophecy: The prophet Jeremiah foretold the destruction of Ammon, specifically targeting their capital, Rabbah. He declared, "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? Therefore behold, the days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will sound the battle cry against Rabbah of the Ammonites; it will become a mound of ruins, and its villages will be burned with fire. Then Israel will dispossess their dispossessors,' says the LORD" (Jeremiah 49:1-2).

2. Ezekiel's Prophecy: Ezekiel also prophesied against the Ammonites, emphasizing their gloating over Israel's misfortunes. He proclaimed, "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. They will set up their camps and pitch their tents among you; they will eat your fruit and drink your milk" (Ezekiel 25:3-4).

3. Amos's Prophecy: The prophet Amos condemned the Ammonites for their brutal expansionist policies, particularly their attacks on Gilead. He declared, "This is what the LORD says: 'For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even for four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their territory. So I will kindle a fire in the walls of Rabbah to consume its citadels amid war cries on the day of battle, amid a storm on the day of tempest'" (Amos 1:13-14).

Fulfillment of Prophecies

The prophetic declarations against the Ammonites were fulfilled as history unfolded. The Ammonites faced invasions and were eventually absorbed by surrounding powers, losing their distinct identity. Their capital, Rabbah, was indeed reduced to ruins, as foretold by the prophets. These events serve as a testament to the accuracy of biblical prophecy and the sovereignty of God in executing judgment against those who oppose His chosen people.Ezekiel 25:2-10
Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zephaniah 2:8,9
I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Who were the Ammonites? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Jephthah? | GotQuestions.org

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