The Ammonites: The Jews Reprobated for Intermarrying With
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The Ammonites, descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot by his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a people frequently in conflict with the Israelites throughout biblical history. The Ammonites inhabited the region east of the Jordan River and north of Moab, an area known for its rugged terrain and fortified cities. Their relationship with the Israelites was marked by hostility and warfare, as well as periods of subjugation and tribute.

Biblical Prohibition Against Intermarriage

The Israelites were expressly forbidden from intermarrying with the Ammonites, as well as other neighboring nations, due to the potential for leading the Israelites away from their covenant with Yahweh. This prohibition is rooted in the broader commandment given to the Israelites to remain separate from the pagan practices and idolatry of surrounding nations. In Deuteronomy 23:3-4 , it is stated: "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."

Historical Context and Violations

Despite these clear prohibitions, there were instances where Israelites intermarried with Ammonites, leading to significant religious and social consequences. One notable period of violation occurred during the time of Nehemiah. Upon his return to Jerusalem, Nehemiah discovered that the Israelites had taken foreign wives, including Ammonites, which led to a renewal of the covenant and a public confession of sin. Nehemiah 13:23-25 records: "In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or the language of one of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah. I rebuked them, cursed them, beat some of their men, and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God, saying, 'You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.'"

Theological Implications

The intermarriage with Ammonites and other foreign nations was seen as a direct threat to the spiritual purity and identity of the Israelite community. It was believed that such unions would lead to the adoption of foreign gods and practices, thereby corrupting the worship of Yahweh. The reprobation of the Jews for intermarrying with the Ammonites underscores the importance of maintaining a distinct and holy community, set apart for the purposes of God.

Legacy and Lessons

The narrative of the Ammonites and the Israelites serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith and identity through alliances with those who do not share the same covenantal commitments. The biblical injunctions against intermarriage with the Ammonites highlight the need for vigilance in preserving the sanctity of the community and the worship of the one true God.
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Ezra 9:1-3
Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.
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Nehemiah 13:23-28
In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:
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Resources
What is an abomination? | GotQuestions.org

What is significance of Mount Seir? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Lot in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Ammonites

Ammonites: Character of

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: Idols of Milcom

Ammonites: Israelites Forbidden to Disturb

Ammonites: Jews Intermarry With

Ammonites: Kings of Baalis

Ammonites: Kings of Hanun

Ammonites: Kings of Nahash

Ammonites: Prophecies Concerning

Ammonites: Solomon Takes Wives From

Ammonites: Territory of

Ammonno

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: Descent of

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

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The Ammonites: Submitted to Uzziah
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