Topical Encyclopedia
The Ammonites and Moabites were two ancient Semitic peoples frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. Both groups are traditionally considered descendants of Lot, the nephew of Abraham, through his daughters. This familial connection is detailed in
Genesis 19:36-38 : "Thus both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab. He is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites of today."
AmmonitesThe Ammonites settled in the region east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. Their capital was Rabbah, known today as Amman. The Ammonites are often depicted in the Bible as adversaries of Israel. They were known for their idolatrous practices, including the worship of the god Milcom or Molech, which involved child sacrifice, a practice condemned by the Israelites (
Leviticus 18:21).
Throughout the biblical narrative, the Ammonites frequently clashed with the Israelites. During the period of the Judges, they oppressed Israel until Jephthah, a judge of Israel, defeated them (Judges 11). King Saul and King David also engaged in military conflicts with the Ammonites. In
2 Samuel 10:6-14 , David's forces, led by Joab, defeated the Ammonites and their allies.
Despite their enmity, the Israelites were commanded not to harass the Ammonites or seize their land, as it was given to the descendants of Lot (
Deuteronomy 2:19). However, the Ammonites' hostility and idolatry led to their eventual downfall, as prophesied by the prophets.
Jeremiah 49:1-6 and
Ezekiel 25:1-7 both pronounce judgment against Ammon for their actions against Israel.
MoabitesThe Moabites, like the Ammonites, were descendants of Lot and settled in the region east of the Dead Sea. The Moabites are often remembered for their complex relationship with Israel, which included both hostility and kinship. The Moabite king Balak famously attempted to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam, but God intervened, turning the curse into a blessing (Numbers 22-24).
Despite their opposition, the Moabites also have a notable connection to Israel through Ruth, a Moabite woman who became the great-grandmother of King David. The Book of Ruth highlights her loyalty and faith, demonstrating that God's grace extends beyond ethnic boundaries.
The Moabites were also known for their worship of the god Chemosh, which involved practices similar to those of the Ammonites. This idolatry led to their condemnation by the prophets.
Isaiah 15-16 and
Jeremiah 48 contain oracles against Moab, predicting their destruction due to their pride and idolatry.
The Moabites and Ammonites were excluded from the assembly of the Lord due to their treatment of Israel during the Exodus.
Deuteronomy 23:3-4 states, "No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even to the tenth generation. For they did not meet you with bread and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you."
In summary, the Ammonites and Moabites are significant in biblical history for their interactions with Israel, their idolatrous practices, and their eventual judgment by God. Their accounts serve as reminders of the consequences of enmity against God's people and the potential for redemption through faith, as exemplified by Ruth.
