The Ammonites were a people descended from Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot by his younger daughter, as recorded in Genesis 19:38: "The younger daughter also gave birth to a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today." The Ammonites settled east of the Jordan River and north of Moab, in a region that is part of modern-day Jordan. Throughout biblical history, they frequently came into conflict with the Israelites.

Historical Context and Relations with Israel

The Ammonites are first mentioned in the context of their kinship with the Israelites, being descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. Despite this familial connection, the Ammonites often acted as adversaries to Israel. During the period of the Judges, they oppressed the Israelites, as seen in Judges 10:7-9, where they joined forces with the Philistines to harass the tribes of Israel.

King Saul initially fought against the Ammonites, achieving victory over them in 1 Samuel 11. Later, King David subdued them, as recorded in 2 Samuel 12:26-31. However, the Ammonites regained independence after the division of the Israelite kingdom and continued to be a thorn in Israel's side.

Religious Practices and Idolatry

The Ammonites were known for their idolatrous practices, which included the worship of the god Milcom (also known as Molech). This deity was associated with child sacrifice, a practice that was strictly condemned by the God of Israel. In 1 Kings 11:7, it is noted that King Solomon, influenced by his foreign wives, built a high place for Molech, leading Israel into sin.

Prophetic Denunciations and False Visions

The prophets of Israel frequently denounced the Ammonites for their idolatry and hostility towards God's people. In Jeremiah 49:1-6, the prophet delivers a message of judgment against Ammon, highlighting their false sense of security and pride. The Ammonites are accused of boasting against Israel and seizing their land, actions that would lead to their downfall.

Ezekiel also prophesies against the Ammonites, particularly in Ezekiel 21:28-32, where he speaks of their false visions and deceptive divinations. The Ammonites, like many other nations surrounding Israel, relied on divination and false prophecies to guide their actions. These practices were condemned by God, who declared through Ezekiel that such visions would lead to their destruction: "While they see false visions for you and divine lies for you, they will bring you down to the necks of the slain, to the wicked whose day has come, the time of their final punishment" (Ezekiel 21:29).

Judgment and Legacy

The Ammonites' persistent enmity towards Israel and their reliance on false visions and idolatry ultimately led to their judgment. The prophetic books of the Old Testament consistently portray the Ammonites as a people who, despite their close kinship with Israel, chose a path of opposition and rebellion against the God of Israel.

In the post-exilic period, the Ammonites continued to exist as a distinct group, but their power and influence waned significantly. By the time of the New Testament, they are no longer mentioned, having been absorbed into the broader cultural and political milieu of the region. Their legacy, as recorded in the Bible, serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of idolatry and false prophecy.