The Ammonites were a Semitic people, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). They inhabited the region east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. Throughout biblical history, the Ammonites were frequently in conflict with the Israelites, often posing a significant threat to their security and sovereignty.

Saul's Early Reign and the Ammonite Threat

The first king of Israel, Saul, faced the Ammonites early in his reign. The Ammonite king, Nahash, besieged Jabesh-gilead, a city in the territory of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. The inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead sought a treaty with Nahash, but he cruelly demanded that he gouge out the right eye of every man as a condition for peace, intending to disgrace all Israel (1 Samuel 11:1-2).

Saul's Response and Victory

When the news of Jabesh-gilead's plight reached Saul, he was filled with the Spirit of God and burned with anger. He took decisive action by cutting a pair of oxen into pieces and sending them throughout Israel with a message that anyone who did not follow him and the prophet Samuel would have their oxen treated likewise. This act rallied the Israelites, and they gathered as one to confront the Ammonite threat (1 Samuel 11:6-7).

Saul mustered an army of 330,000 men from Israel and Judah. He sent word to the besieged city that help would arrive by the next day. In a strategic night attack, Saul divided his forces into three companies and launched a surprise assault on the Ammonite camp during the morning watch. The Israelites struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day, and those who survived were so scattered that no two of them were left together (1 Samuel 11:8-11).

Aftermath and Saul's Kingship

The victory over the Ammonites solidified Saul's position as king in the eyes of the people. Following the triumph, the people of Israel gathered at Gilgal to renew the kingdom and confirm Saul's kingship. There, they offered sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly (1 Samuel 11:14-15).

This victory was significant not only for its immediate military success but also for uniting the tribes of Israel under Saul's leadership. It demonstrated Saul's ability to lead and deliver Israel from its enemies, fulfilling the role of a king who would protect and guide the nation according to God's will.

Continued Hostility

Despite this victory, the Ammonites continued to be a thorn in Israel's side throughout the biblical narrative. Their hostility persisted into the reigns of subsequent kings, including David, who also engaged in military campaigns against them (2 Samuel 10:1-14). The Ammonites' persistent enmity towards Israel underscores the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and their neighboring nations, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.1 Samuel 11:11
And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the middle of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 14:47
So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and wherever he turned himself, he vexed them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Reign of Saul.
... The victories of the Philistines would be interpreted to mean ... In his contest with
them Saul had a very ... the following campaigns: (I) Against the Ammonites (I Sam ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter x the reign of.htm

The Reign of David.
... the Syrians, the Edomites and the Ammonites. ... and in his kindness to the house of
Saul (2 Sam. ... several nations conquered by David and how the victories were won ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

The Historical Books.
... in delivering the people of Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. ... war between the house
of Saul and the ... describes not only David's many victories over the enemies ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of the Midianites, Moabites, and Ammonites"all these ... of Samuel anterior to his relations
with Saul. ... dominion, and interspersed it with Israelitish victories. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Who were the Ammonites? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Jephthah? | GotQuestions.org

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

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus