The Ammonites were an ancient Semitic people who lived east of the Jordan River in the region known as Ammon, corresponding roughly to modern-day Amman, Jordan (which takes its name from them). They were close relatives of the Israelites, with a long and complicated relationship marked by both kinship and conflict.
Origin
According to the Bible, the Ammonites descended from Ben-ammi, the son of Lot (Abraham’s nephew) by his younger daughter (Genesis 19:36–38).
“Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father… and the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Ben-ammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.” (Genesis 19:36, 38)
This means the Ammonites and Israelites were distant relatives — both coming from the line of Terah, through Abraham and Lot.
Location
The Ammonites settled in a region called Rabbah of the Ammonites (modern-day Amman). Their territory was east of the Jordan River, bounded roughly by:
- The Arnon River to the south (bordering Moab),
- The Jabbok River to the north (bordering Gilead), and
- The Arabian Desert to the east.
This land was rich for grazing and farming, but also strategically located along trade routes, giving Ammon considerable economic strength.
Relationship with Israel
Although related by blood, the Ammonites were often enemies of Israel.
- During the Exodus, the Ammonites refused to help the Israelites and denied them passage (Deuteronomy 23:3–4).
- In the time of the Judges, they oppressed Israel for 18 years until Jephthah defeated them (Judges 10–11).
- During King Saul’s reign, Nahash the Ammonite attacked Jabesh-gilead but was defeated by Saul (1 Samuel 11).
- King David fought them when they humiliated his ambassadors (2 Samuel 10). David’s army besieged and conquered Rabbah, and the Ammonites became tributaries.
Religion
The Ammonites worshiped the god Milcom or Molech, often associated with child sacrifice (1 Kings 11:5, 7). This idolatry was a major reason they were condemned by the prophets.
“For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.” (1 Kings 11:5)
Prophetic Judgment
The prophets frequently spoke against Ammon for its cruelty toward Israel:
- Jeremiah 49:1–6 condemns Ammon for seizing Israelite territory.
- Amos 1:13–15 rebukes them for brutal violence.
- Ezekiel 25:1–7 foretells their destruction and mockery by surrounding nations.
These prophecies were fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and later the Nabataeans conquered the region.
Later History
After the Babylonian period, the Ammonites faded from prominence. By the time of the Roman Empire, their distinct identity had largely disappeared, and the territory became part of the Decapolis cities.
In Summary
- Ancestor: Ben-ammi, son of Lot
- Region: East of the Jordan (modern-day Amman, Jordan)
- Relation to Israel: Blood relatives, frequent enemies
- Religion: Worshiped Milcom/Molech
- Fate: Destroyed and absorbed into surrounding cultures