The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a frequent adversary of the Israelites throughout biblical history. Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Ammonites are often depicted in the Bible as hostile towards Israel, and their interactions with the Israelites are marked by conflict and enmity.

One of the most notable incidents involving the Ammonites is their proposed disgraceful treaty to the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead, as recorded in 1 Samuel 11. Nahash the Ammonite besieged Jabesh-Gilead, a city in the territory of Gilead, which was part of the tribe of Manasseh. The men of Jabesh, recognizing their inability to withstand the siege, sought to make a treaty with Nahash to become his subjects.

Nahash's response was both cruel and humiliating. He agreed to make a treaty with them on the condition that he would gouge out the right eye of every man in Jabesh-Gilead, thereby bringing disgrace upon all Israel. This demand was not only a physical threat but also a symbolic act of subjugation and humiliation, as it would render the men of Jabesh-Gilead ineffective in battle and serve as a lasting mark of their defeat and subservience.

The elders of Jabesh requested a seven-day respite to seek help from the rest of Israel. If no one came to their aid, they would surrender to Nahash's terms. This plea for help reached Saul, who had recently been anointed as the first king of Israel. The Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul when he heard the news, and he was filled with righteous anger (1 Samuel 11:6). Saul mustered an army by sending out a call to arms throughout Israel, and the fear of the LORD fell upon the people, uniting them in response to the threat.

Saul's leadership and the unity of Israel led to a decisive victory over the Ammonites. The Israelites attacked the Ammonite camp at dawn and slaughtered them until the heat of the day, resulting in a complete rout of Nahash's forces (1 Samuel 11:11). This victory not only saved Jabesh-Gilead from disgrace but also solidified Saul's position as king and demonstrated the LORD's deliverance of His people.

The incident with Nahash and the Ammonites serves as a reminder of the persistent threats faced by Israel from surrounding nations and the need for divine intervention and strong leadership. It also highlights the Ammonites' role as antagonists in the biblical narrative, often opposing God's chosen people and His purposes for them.1 Samuel 11:1-3
Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you.
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