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

The relationship between the Israelites and the Ammonites was complex, marked by both kinship and conflict. The Ammonites were excluded from the assembly of the Lord due to their refusal to meet the Israelites with bread and water during the Exodus and their hiring of Balaam to curse Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3-4). Despite this, God commanded the Israelites not to harass or provoke the Ammonites during their journey to the Promised Land, as He had given the land of the Ammonites to the descendants of Lot (Deuteronomy 2:19).

Throughout the period of the Judges and the monarchy, the Ammonites were often in conflict with Israel. In Judges 10-11, the Ammonites oppressed the Israelites, leading to the rise of Jephthah, who delivered Israel from their hands. During the reign of King Saul, the Ammonite king Nahash besieged Jabesh-gilead, but Saul defeated him, solidifying his kingship (1 Samuel 11). King David also fought against the Ammonites, capturing their capital city and subjecting them to forced labor (2 Samuel 12:26-31).

The prophets frequently condemned the Ammonites for their idolatry and hostility towards Israel. Jeremiah prophesied their destruction (Jeremiah 49:1-6), and Ezekiel pronounced judgment against them for mocking the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 25:1-7). Despite these judgments, the Ammonites continued to exist as a people, and their land was later absorbed into various empires.

Gibeonites

The Gibeonites were a group of Hivites who inhabited the city of Gibeon, located in the central hill country of Canaan. They are best known for their cunning treaty with the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua. Fearing the advancing Israelites, the Gibeonites resorted to deception, pretending to be from a distant land and seeking a peace treaty with Israel (Joshua 9:3-15). Unaware of the ruse, Joshua and the leaders of Israel made a covenant with them, swearing by the Lord to let them live.

When the deception was discovered, the Israelites honored the treaty due to their oath before God, but the Gibeonites were made servants, tasked with being woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the Lord (Joshua 9:16-27). This arrangement allowed the Gibeonites to live among the Israelites, and they became part of the broader community.

The Gibeonites' treaty with Israel had significant repercussions. When five Amorite kings attacked Gibeon for allying with Israel, Joshua led a miraculous victory, during which the sun stood still (Joshua 10:1-14). This event further solidified the Israelites' presence in Canaan.

Centuries later, during the reign of King Saul, the Gibeonites suffered a massacre at his hands, violating the ancient treaty. This act brought a famine upon Israel during the reign of David. To atone for Saul's sin, David sought the Gibeonites' counsel, leading to the execution of seven of Saul's descendants (2 Samuel 21:1-9).

The Gibeonites' account illustrates themes of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of breaking oaths made before God. Despite their initial deception, the Gibeonites were integrated into Israelite society and played a role in the religious life of the nation.