The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a frequent source of conflict for the Israelites throughout the Old Testament. Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Ammonites are often depicted as adversaries of Israel, engaging in various conflicts and wars.

Early Hostilities

The initial hostilities between Israel and the Ammonites are recorded during the period of the Judges. In Judges 10:7-9, the Israelites, having turned away from God, were oppressed by the Ammonites and the Philistines. The Ammonites crossed the Jordan to fight against Judah, Benjamin, and the house of Ephraim, causing great distress. The Israelites cried out to the Lord, who raised up Jephthah to deliver them. Jephthah's negotiations with the Ammonite king failed, leading to a battle in which the Lord gave Israel victory (Judges 11:32-33).

The Reign of Saul

During the reign of King Saul, the Ammonites, led by Nahash, besieged Jabesh-gilead. The men of Jabesh sought a treaty, but Nahash demanded the gouging out of their right eyes as a disgrace upon Israel (1 Samuel 11:1-2). Saul, filled with the Spirit of God, rallied the Israelites and defeated the Ammonites, securing his position as king (1 Samuel 11:11).

David's Campaigns

King David also faced conflict with the Ammonites. The initial cause was a diplomatic incident when Hanun, the new king of the Ammonites, humiliated David's envoys (2 Samuel 10:1-5). In response, David sent Joab and the army to confront the Ammonites, who had allied with the Arameans. The Israelites defeated the coalition, and later, David himself led a campaign that resulted in the capture of the Ammonite capital, Rabbah (2 Samuel 12:26-31).

Solomon and the Ammonites

During Solomon's reign, the Ammonites are mentioned in the context of Solomon's foreign wives, which led him astray from the Lord (1 Kings 11:1-8). Solomon's marriage to an Ammonite woman, among others, contributed to his idolatry, as he built high places for their gods.

Later Conflicts

The Ammonites continued to be a thorn in Israel's side during the divided monarchy. In the time of Jehoshaphat, they joined a coalition against Judah, but the Lord delivered Judah without a battle (2 Chronicles 20:1-30). During the reign of King Jehoiakim, the Ammonites are mentioned as one of the nations that plotted against Judah (Jeremiah 27:3).

Prophetic Oracles

The prophets frequently pronounced judgment against the Ammonites. Amos condemned them for their cruelty (Amos 1:13-15), while Jeremiah prophesied their destruction (Jeremiah 49:1-6). Ezekiel also foretold their downfall, linking it to their rejoicing over the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 25:1-7).

Post-Exilic Period

In the post-exilic period, the Ammonites continued to oppose the Israelites. Nehemiah faced opposition from Tobiah the Ammonite during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 4:3, 7-8). Despite this, the Israelites persevered in their efforts to restore their city and worship.

The conflicts with the Ammonites throughout biblical history highlight the ongoing struggle between Israel and its neighbors, serving as a backdrop for Israel's reliance on God for deliverance and justice.