Topical Bible: Scorning and Mocking: Ammonites

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a people often in conflict with the Israelites throughout the Old Testament. Their interactions with Israel are frequently characterized by hostility, scorn, and mockery, reflecting a deep-seated enmity that persisted over generations.

Historical Context and Hostility

The Ammonites occupied a region east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. Their capital was Rabbah, known today as Amman. The Ammonites, along with the Moabites, were related to the Israelites through Lot, Abraham's nephew. Despite this kinship, the Ammonites were often adversaries of Israel, engaging in warfare and political intrigue against them.

Biblical Instances of Scorn and Mockery

One of the most notable instances of Ammonite scorn is found in the account of Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, who besieged Jabesh-gilead. When the men of Jabesh sought a treaty, Nahash responded with derision, demanding the gouging out of their right eyes as a condition for peace, intending to bring disgrace upon all Israel (1 Samuel 11:1-2).

Another significant episode occurs during the reign of King David. After the death of Nahash, David sought to show kindness to Hanun, Nahash's son. However, the Ammonite princes convinced Hanun that David's intentions were deceitful. In response, Hanun humiliated David's envoys by shaving off half their beards and cutting their garments at the hips, sending them away in disgrace (2 Samuel 10:1-5). This act of mockery led to a military conflict between Israel and the Ammonites.

Prophetic Denunciations

The prophets frequently denounced the Ammonites for their scornful behavior and hostility towards Israel. The prophet Amos condemned the Ammonites for their violent expansionism, specifically their brutal treatment of the pregnant women of Gilead, which was intended to enlarge their territory (Amos 1:13). This act of cruelty was not only a demonstration of their aggression but also a profound disrespect for the sanctity of life.

Jeremiah also prophesied against the Ammonites, declaring that their god, Milcom, would go into exile along with his priests and officials. The prophet foretold the destruction of their capital, Rabbah, and the desolation of their land as a consequence of their arrogance and mockery of Israel (Jeremiah 49:1-6).

Theological Implications

The scorn and mockery exhibited by the Ammonites towards Israel are emblematic of the broader spiritual conflict between the people of God and the surrounding nations. The Ammonites' actions serve as a reminder of the enmity that exists between those who oppose God's covenant people and the divine justice that ultimately prevails. The biblical narrative underscores the principle that those who mock and scorn God's people will face His judgment, as seen in the eventual downfall of the Ammonites.

Conclusion

The Ammonites' history of scorning and mocking Israel is a testament to the enduring conflict between the people of God and their adversaries. Through various biblical accounts, the Ammonites are portrayed as a people who, despite their kinship with Israel, chose hostility and derision, ultimately leading to their judgment and downfall as foretold by the prophets.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 25:3
And say to the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus said the Lord GOD; Because you said, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm