The Ammonites were a Semitic people closely related to the Israelites, descending from Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot and his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). They occupied the territory east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan, with their capital at Rabbah (modern Amman). The Ammonites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as adversaries of Israel.

The relationship between the Israelites and the Ammonites was complex, marked by both conflict and periods of peace. The Ammonites were excluded from the assembly of the Lord due to their hostility towards Israel during the Exodus, as they did not meet the Israelites with bread and water (Deuteronomy 23:3-4). Despite this, there were instances of interaction and intermarriage, as seen in the account of King Solomon, who had Ammonite wives (1 Kings 11:1).

Throughout the period of the Judges, the Ammonites oppressed Israel, leading to conflicts such as the one involving Jephthah, who delivered Israel from their oppression (Judges 11). During the reign of King Saul, the Ammonites, led by Nahash, besieged Jabesh-gilead, but Saul successfully defeated them (1 Samuel 11). King David also fought against the Ammonites, capturing their capital city and subjugating them (2 Samuel 12:26-31).

Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel pronounced judgments against the Ammonites for their idolatry and hostility towards Israel (Jeremiah 49:1-6; Ezekiel 25:1-7). Despite their enmity, the Ammonites were not entirely destroyed and continued to exist as a people group into the post-exilic period.

Philistines

The Philistines were a non-Semitic people who settled in the coastal region of Canaan, known as Philistia, which included the five city-states of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. They are believed to have originated from the Aegean region, possibly as part of the Sea Peoples who invaded the eastern Mediterranean around the 12th century BC.

The Philistines are frequently depicted in the Old Testament as one of Israel's primary adversaries. They were known for their advanced military technology, including the use of iron weapons, which gave them a significant advantage over the Israelites during the early periods of conflict (1 Samuel 13:19-22).

One of the most famous encounters between the Israelites and the Philistines is the account of David and Goliath, where the young David defeats the giant Philistine warrior Goliath with a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17). This victory marked a turning point in the struggle between the two peoples.

The Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant during a battle at Ebenezer, but after experiencing plagues and misfortune, they returned it to Israel (1 Samuel 4-6). Throughout the reigns of Saul and David, the Philistines were a constant threat, but David eventually subdued them, extending Israel's territory and influence (2 Samuel 5:17-25).

The prophets also spoke against the Philistines, predicting their downfall due to their hostility towards Israel and their pagan practices (Amos 1:6-8; Zephaniah 2:4-7). By the time of the Babylonian conquest, the Philistines had lost much of their power and influence, and they eventually disappeared as a distinct people group.

The Philistines' interactions with Israel highlight the ongoing struggle between the people of God and those who opposed them, serving as a backdrop for many of the narratives in the Old Testament.