Topical Encyclopedia
The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter, are frequently depicted in the Bible as adversaries of Israel and as a people possessing considerable wealth and resources. Their riches, however, are often associated with wickedness and idolatry, serving as a testament to the moral and spiritual corruption that can accompany material prosperity.
The Ammonites' wealth is first hinted at in their interactions with Israel during the period of the Judges. In
Judges 10:6-9, the Israelites are oppressed by the Ammonites, who, along with the Philistines, are described as having significant power and influence. This oppression is indicative of the Ammonites' resources and military strength, which they used to subjugate the Israelites. The text states, "The Israelites again did evil in the sight of the LORD... So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites" (
Judges 10:6-7). The Ammonites' ability to dominate Israel suggests a level of wealth and organization that enabled them to maintain such control.
The Ammonites' riches are further highlighted during the reign of King David. In
2 Samuel 10, the Ammonites hire Aramean mercenaries to fight against David's forces, indicating their substantial financial resources. The passage notes, "When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, they sent and hired the Arameans of Beth-rehob and the Arameans of Zobah, twenty thousand foot soldiers, as well as the king of Maacah with a thousand men, and twelve thousand men from Tob" (
2 Samuel 10:6). This ability to hire a large army underscores their wealth, yet it is used in opposition to God's anointed king, further illustrating their wickedness.
The prophet Jeremiah also speaks against the Ammonites, condemning their reliance on wealth and false gods. In
Jeremiah 49:1-6, the Lord pronounces judgment on Ammon, highlighting their misplaced trust in material riches and idolatry. The text declares, "Why do you boast of your valleys, your valleys so fruitful, O faithless daughter? You trust in your riches and say, ‘Who can come against me?’" (
Jeremiah 49:4). This passage underscores the Ammonites' arrogance and false security derived from their wealth, which ultimately leads to their downfall.
Throughout the biblical narrative, the Ammonites serve as an example of how riches, when coupled with wickedness and idolatry, lead to moral decay and divine judgment. Their account is a cautionary tale of the dangers of allowing material wealth to overshadow spiritual integrity and obedience to God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Jeremiah 49:4Why glory you in the valleys, your flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come to me?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... abroad but that which tells of its riches, its industry ... of the world was explained
by examples borrowed from the ... and the stumbling-blocks with the wicked; and I ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm
The Iranian Conquest
... to distribute implements of husbandry to pions men, or to ... young woman, the ugliest
and most wicked it had ... These examples reveal a blending of Grecian types and ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about greed? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about managing your finances? | GotQuestions.orgRiches: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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