The term "Arabs" in the Bible refers to the nomadic tribes inhabiting the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions. These groups are often mentioned in the context of trade, warfare, and interactions with the Israelites. The Arabs are first mentioned in the context of trade in the time of Solomon, where they are noted for bringing gold and spices (1 Kings 10:15). The Queen of Sheba, who visited Solomon, is traditionally associated with the Arabian region (1 Kings 10:1-13).

In the post-exilic period, the Arabs are mentioned as adversaries of the Jews during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah. Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab opposed Nehemiah's efforts (Nehemiah 2:19). This opposition highlights the political and social tensions between the returning exiles and the surrounding peoples.

The prophetic literature also references the Arabs. Isaiah speaks of the burden against Arabia, predicting a time of judgment and desolation (Isaiah 21:13-17). Jeremiah similarly prophesies against the Arab tribes, indicating their eventual downfall (Jeremiah 25:24).

Ammonites

The Ammonites were a people descended from Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). They inhabited the region east of the Jordan River, in what is modern-day Jordan. The Ammonites are frequently mentioned as adversaries of Israel, often engaging in conflict with them.

During the period of the Judges, the Ammonites oppressed Israel, leading to the rise of Jephthah as a deliverer (Judges 11:4-33). The Ammonites' hostility continued into the monarchy period, with King Saul and King David both engaging in military campaigns against them (1 Samuel 11:1-11, 2 Samuel 10:1-14).

The Ammonites are also noted for their idolatry, particularly the worship of the god Milcom or Molech, which was condemned by the prophets (1 Kings 11:5). Solomon's marriages to Ammonite women led him to build high places for their gods, contributing to his spiritual downfall (1 Kings 11:7).

Prophetic literature includes pronouncements of judgment against the Ammonites. Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Amos all prophesy their destruction due to their sins and enmity against Israel (Jeremiah 49:1-6, Ezekiel 25:1-7, Amos 1:13-15).

Ashdodites

The Ashdodites were inhabitants of Ashdod, one of the five principal cities of the Philistines. Located on the coastal plain of Canaan, Ashdod was a significant Philistine city known for its strategic and economic importance.

In the biblical narrative, Ashdod is most famously associated with the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines. The Ark was brought to the temple of Dagon in Ashdod, where the idol of Dagon fell before it, leading to a series of calamities for the Ashdodites (1 Samuel 5:1-7).

During the time of the prophets, Ashdod is mentioned in the context of judgment against the Philistines. Amos prophesies against the Philistine cities, including Ashdod, for their transgressions (Amos 1:8). Zephaniah also includes Ashdod in his pronouncements of judgment, predicting its desolation (Zephaniah 2:4).

In the post-exilic period, the Ashdodites are noted for their opposition to the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. Nehemiah records that some of the Jews had intermarried with the people of Ashdod, leading to cultural and religious tensions (Nehemiah 13:23-24). This intermarriage was seen as a threat to the purity of the Jewish community and their covenantal obligations.