EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)
49:1-6. Might often prevails against right among men, yet that might shall be controlled by the Almighty, who judges aright; and those will find themselves mistaken, who, like the Ammonites, think every thing their own on which they can lay their hands. The Lord will call men to account for every instance of dishonesty, especially to the destitute.
In 1 Macc. 5:6, 7, the Ammonites appear again as a powerful nation.
6. (Compare Jer 48:47). For the sake of "righteous" Lot their progenitor. Partially fulfilled under Cyrus; in gospel times more fully.
Such a promise we read of
Jeremiah 48:47, concerning Moab, but when this was fulfilled the Scripture saith not. Josephus tells us something; but it is rather thought to refer to the conversion of some of the Ammonites as well as other heathens unto Christ.
And afterwards I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the Lord. Perhaps by Cyrus; for, in the times of Judas Maccabeus, the children of Ammon were again a large and mighty people,
"Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he found a mighty power, and much people, with Timotheus their captain.'' (1 Maccabees 5:6)
Justin Martyr (f) says, that in his time there was a large multitude of Ammonites; but Origen (g), who was later than he, observes, that not only the Idumeans, but the Ammonites and Moabites, were then called by the common name of Arabians; and these are now the present inhabitants of their country; and when these shall be converted in the latter day; seeIsaiah 60:6; who may be called by the name of the ancient inhabitants; then will this be more fully accomplished: for some refer this to the days of the Messiah, and to the conversion of some of these Heathen people, either in the first times of the Gospel, or in the latter day; See Gill onJeremiah 49:2. The Jews (h) understand this as fulfilled in Ammonite proselytes to their religion.
(f) Dialog. cum Tryphone Judaeo, p. 347. (g) Comment. in lib. Job, fol. 2. 1. A. (h) Misn. Yadaim, c. 4. sect. 4. T. B. Beracot, fol. 28. 1.
And{h} afterward I will bring again the captives of the children of Ammon, saith the LORD.(h) In the time of Christ, when the Gentiles will be called.
