SPECIAL TOPIC: AMMON

These people (like Moab) were descendants of Lot by his own daughter (cf. Gen. 19:36-38). Therefore, they were relatives of Abraham's family (Israel not to take their land, Deut. 2:19,37). Their territory was northeast of Moab on the eastern side of Jordan (cf. Josh. 12:2). A group known as "Amorites" lived next to the Jordan River and the Ammonites to the east, closer to the desert. Their capital was Rabbath (cf. 2 Sam. 11:1). They were a potent rival to King Saul, but a vassal to Kings David and Solomon.

There are many battles between Israel and Ammon.

1 Sam. 11:1-11, Saul helps Jabesh-gilead against Nahash, King of Ammon
cursed by God in Deut. 23:3-6
2 Sam. 10:1-11:1; 1 Chr. 19:1-20:3; problems with new Ammonite king
conflict in Jehoshaphat's day, 2 Chr. 20:1-34
conflict in Jehoiakim's day, 2 Chr. 24:2
conflict related to the fall of Jerusalem in Jer. 49:1-6 and Ezek. 21:28-32; 25:1-7,10
but also a divine promise of restoration in Jer. 49:6
Ammon paid tribute to Uzziah, 2 Chr. 26:8; 27:5
Ammon, Moab, and Edom are considered "traditional enemies" of God's covenant people (cf. Isa. 11:24; Jer. 9:25; 25:21; 49:16; Ezek. 25:1-5; Dan. 11:41; Amos 1:13-15; Zeph. 2:8-9)

ABD, p. 195, givs a list of the kings of Ammon and the Scripture texts that relate to them.

Nahash ‒ 1 Sam. 11:1-12; 12:11; 2 Sam. 10:2
Hanun ‒ 2 Sam. 10:1-4; 1 Chr. 19:2-6
Shobi ‒ 2 Sam. 17:27
Shanib ‒ no text (Tiglath-pileser III)
Zakur ‒ no text (Ammonite statue)
Yarih-Ezer ‒ no text (Ammonite statue)
Pudu-Hu ‒no text (Sennacherib and Esarhaddon)
Amminadab I ‒ no text (Assurbanipal)
Hissal-El ‒ no text (Tel Siran bottle)
Amminadab II ‒ no text (Tel Siran bottle)
Ba'alis ‒Jer. 40:14