Topical Bible: The Ammonites of Rabbah Reduced to Hard Bondage

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a significant group in the ancient Near East, often in conflict with the Israelites. Their capital city, Rabbah, was a fortified city located in the region of modern-day Amman, Jordan. The Ammonites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of their interactions and conflicts with Israel.

Historical Context

The Ammonites were a Semitic people, closely related to the Israelites, yet often found themselves in opposition to them. Their territory was east of the Jordan River, and they were known for their worship of the god Milcom or Molech, which included practices detestable to the Israelites, such as child sacrifice (Leviticus 18:21; 1 Kings 11:7).

Conflict with Israel

The Ammonites frequently clashed with Israel during the period of the Judges and the monarchy. One notable conflict occurred during the reign of King David. The Ammonites, under King Hanun, humiliated David's envoys, leading to a military campaign against them (2 Samuel 10:1-5). This conflict escalated, resulting in a significant battle where Joab, David's commander, led Israel to victory over the Ammonites and their allies (2 Samuel 10:6-19).

Rabbah Captured

The capture of Rabbah is a pivotal event in the history of the Ammonites. After the initial conflict, David sent Joab to besiege Rabbah. The siege lasted for some time, and eventually, Joab captured the city's water supply, a strategic move that led to the city's downfall. Joab then called for David to come and claim the victory, ensuring that the city would be named after David rather than Joab (2 Samuel 12:26-28).

Upon David's arrival, Rabbah was captured, and the Ammonites were subjected to harsh treatment. The Berean Standard Bible records, "He brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes, and he made them labor at the brick kilns. This he did to all the Ammonite cities. Then David and all the troops returned to Jerusalem" (2 Samuel 12:31). This passage indicates that the Ammonites were reduced to hard bondage, forced into labor as a consequence of their opposition to Israel.

Theological Implications

The subjugation of the Ammonites serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding their enemies. Throughout the Old Testament, God assured Israel of victory over their adversaries if they remained faithful to Him (Deuteronomy 28:7). The reduction of the Ammonites to hard bondage is seen as a divine retribution for their idolatry and hostility towards God's chosen people.

Moreover, the harsh treatment of the Ammonites reflects the severity of divine justice in the Old Testament context. It underscores the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of opposing His will. The narrative of the Ammonites serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to use Israel as an instrument of His judgment.

Legacy

The Ammonites continued to exist as a people group after their subjugation, but their power and influence were significantly diminished. They are mentioned in later biblical texts, including the prophetic books, where they are often cited as examples of nations judged by God for their sins (Jeremiah 49:1-6; Ezekiel 25:1-7).

In summary, the reduction of the Ammonites of Rabbah to hard bondage is a significant event in biblical history, illustrating the themes of divine justice, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the consequences of idolatry and enmity against God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 12:31
And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brick-kiln: and thus did he to all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook