Bible Study: The Ammonites - Descendants of Lot

Introduction:

The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), play a recurring role in the Old Testament narrative. They were neighbors and often adversaries of Israel, their history marked by conflict, idolatry, and occasional subjugation. This study will explore key passages to understand their origins, interactions with Israel, and theological implications.

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1. Origins and Early Settlement (Genesis 19:38, Deuteronomy 2:19):

• Genesis 19:38: "And the younger also bore a son, and called his name Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites to this day." This passage establishes their lineage, highlighting their connection to Lot and, consequently, to Abraham. It also hints at the circumstances of their birth, a consequence of Lot’s daughters’ actions, which could have contributed to their often-contentious relationship with Israel.

• Deuteronomy 2:19: "And when you come opposite the people of Ammon, do not harass them or contend with them, for I will not give you any of the land of the people of Ammon as a possession, because I have given it to the descendants of Lot as a possession." This verse reveals God’s specific instructions to Israel concerning the Ammonites. God acknowledged their right to their land, stemming from their lineage, and commanded Israel to respect it. This indicates a complex relationship, acknowledging kinship while anticipating potential conflict.

2. Conflict and Oppression (Judges 10:7, 1 Samuel 14:47, 2 Kings 24:2):

• Judges 10:7: "So the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of the Philistines and into the hand of the people of Ammon." This passage illustrates a recurring theme: Israel’s disobedience leading to God’s judgment, often through neighboring nations like the Ammonites. The Ammonites served as instruments of God’s discipline, highlighting the consequences of Israel’s idolatry.

• 1 Samuel 14:47: "When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he did valiantly." This verse demonstrates the military conflicts between Israel and the Ammonites. Saul’s reign was marked by battles against these neighboring nations, signifying the constant threat they posed.

• 2 Kings 24:2: "And the Lord sent against him bands of the Chaldeans, bands of the Syrians, bands of the Moabites, and bands of the Ammonites; he sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the Lord which he spoke by his servants the prophets." This shows that the Ammonites participated in the destruction of Judah, acting as tools of God's judgement.

3. Interactions and Subjugation (2 Samuel 8:12, 2 Chronicles 20:23, 2 Chronicles 26:8):

• 2 Samuel 8:12: "from Syria, from Moab, and from the Ammonites, from the Philistines, from Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah." David’s victories over the Ammonites are recorded, indicating periods of Israelite dominance. This highlights the fluctuating power dynamics between the two nations.

• 2 Chronicles 20:23: "For the Ammonites and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, utterly destroying and wiping them out. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another." This passage illustrates the internal conflicts among Israel’s enemies, where God used their own animosity to bring about their downfall.

• 2 Chronicles 26:8: "And the Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread even to the border of Egypt, for he became very strong." This shows that at times, the Ammonites were subjected to Israel's rule and forced to pay tribute.

4. Opposition during Nehemiah’s Time (Nehemiah 4:3):

• Nehemiah 4:3: "Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!”" This passage portrays the Ammonites’ continued hostility towards Israel, even during the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Tobiah’s mockery reveals their ongoing opposition to God’s work.

Theological Implications:

• God's Sovereignty: God used the Ammonites, both in judgment and in periods of peace, to fulfill His purposes. Their history demonstrates that God is sovereign over all nations.

• Consequences of Sin: The Ammonites’ repeated conflicts with Israel illustrate the consequences of disobedience and idolatry. Israel’s failure to remain faithful to God led to oppression by neighboring nations.

• God's Mercy and Judgment: God’s command to Israel to respect the Ammonites’ land demonstrates His mercy, while their role in punishing Israel reflects His justice.

• The Persistence of Opposition: The Ammonites’ continued hostility, even during Nehemiah’s time, highlights the persistent opposition to God’s people and His work.

Application:

• We must learn from Israel’s mistakes and remain faithful to God, avoiding the idolatry that led to their oppression.

• We should recognize that God uses all nations to fulfill His purposes, even those who oppose Him.

• We should be aware that opposition to God's work, like the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, is a constant issue.

• We should remember that God is sovereign over all nations.

Bible Study: The Ammonites - Descendants of Lot

Conclusion:

The Ammonites’ history serves as a reminder of the complexities of God’s dealings with nations. Their interactions with Israel highlight themes of judgment, mercy, and sovereignty. By studying their story, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s character and His purposes in the world.

Bible Study: The Ammonites - Descendants of Lot