The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a significant group in the biblical narrative, often in conflict with the Israelites. Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Ammonites frequently opposed Israel, leading to various military confrontations.

One notable instance of conflict is recorded during the reign of King David. The Ammonites, under King Hanun, humiliated David's envoys, leading to a war between Israel and Ammon (2 Samuel 10:1-19). David's forces, led by Joab, achieved victory over the Ammonites, and the spoil of this conquest was significant.

The spoil taken from the Ammonites was consecrated to God, as was customary with the spoils of war. In 2 Samuel 8:11, it is noted that "King David dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued." This dedication was an act of acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision in granting victory over Israel's enemies.

The consecration of spoil to God was a practice rooted in the understanding that all victories and their resultant gains were ultimately due to divine intervention and favor. By dedicating the spoil, the Israelites were expressing gratitude and ensuring that the wealth did not lead to idolatry or moral corruption, but rather served the purposes of God.

The Ammonites continued to be a thorn in Israel's side, as seen in the time of Jephthah, a judge of Israel. The Ammonites oppressed Israel, leading to Jephthah's vow and subsequent victory over them (Judges 11:1-33). Again, the victory over the Ammonites was seen as a divine deliverance, reinforcing the theme of God's involvement in the affairs of Israel.

In the prophetic literature, the Ammonites are often mentioned in oracles of judgment. For instance, in Jeremiah 49:1-6, the prophet speaks against Ammon, highlighting their transgressions and the impending judgment from God. Despite their frequent opposition to Israel, the Ammonites were not beyond the reach of God's justice and mercy.

The consecration of spoil from the Ammonites serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that all material wealth and victory are ultimately under God's dominion. It underscores the importance of dedicating the fruits of success to God, acknowledging His role in the triumphs of His people.2 Samuel 8:11,12
Which also king David did dedicate to the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Chapter xlix
... roving marauders from the desert"Midianites and Ammonites and Arabians ... Now that word
may mean "one consecrated, devoted," but ... In the evening he divides spoil. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... claimed the eastern half of Elam as his share of the spoil, and on ... he attributed
the impending downfall of the oppressor: "Jahveh is a jealous God and avengeth ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... to the first comer; the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Moabites ... he recognised as the
national Deity the God to whom ... Out of the spoil taken from the Midianites he ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... These deities received a tenth of the spoil after any ... to be cast in honour of the
god; he also ... to Papsukal, raised the ziggurat of Nana, and consecrated to the ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... according to the Shah- Namak at Samarcand in the temple of the Fire-god. ... Families
consecrated to the service of the altar had ended, as among the Hebrews, by ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

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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