Bible Dictionary

Ammon

People & Groups • Old Testament

Ammon was another name for the descendants of Ben-ammi, the son of Lot. The Ammonites lived east of the Jordan, were often hostile to Israel, and worshiped Molech or Milcom.

Definition

Ammon was another form of Ben-ammi, the son of Lot, and the name was extended to his descendants. The Ammonites lived east of the Jordan and were associated with Moab. Their capital was Rabbath, or Rabbath-ammon, and their chief deity was Molech or Milcom.

Biblical Usage

Ammon and the Ammonites are frequently mentioned as enemies or neighbors of Israel. They were governed by kings and princes, made incursions into Israelite territory, and were condemned for hostility and idolatry. Their national worship centered on Molech or Milcom.

Historical Background

The Ammonite territory bordered the Jabbok, though its precise extent is not always ascertainable. The people are portrayed as the more predatory and nomadic branch of Lot’s descendants, in contrast with the more settled Moabites.

Scripture References

Genesis 19:38 Psalms 83:7 Psalms 83:8 Judges 10:6 2 Chronicles 20:1 Zephaniah 2:8 Numbers 21:24 Numbers 2:37 Numbers 3:16 1 Samuel 11:2 Amos 1:13 Jeremiah 41:6 Jeremiah 41:7 Judges 17:11 Judges 17:12 Judges 11:12 1 Samuel 12:12 2 Samuel 10:1 Jeremiah 40:14 2 Samuel 10:3 1 Chronicles 19:3

Related Figures

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Another form of the name Ben-ammi, the son of Lot (Gen. 19:38). This name is also used for his posterity (Ps. 83:7).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(sons of renown, mountaineers), Am’monites, Children of Ammon, A people descended from Ben-ammi, the son of Lot by his younger daughter. (Genesis 19:38) comp Psal 83:7,8 The Ammonites are frequently mentioned with the Moabites (descendants of Ben-ammi’s half-brother), and sometimes under the same name. Comp. (Judges 10:6; 2 Chronicles 20:1; Zephaniah 2:8) etc. The precise position of the territory of the Ammonites is not ascertainable. In the earliest mention of them, (2:20) they are said to have dwelt in their place, Jabbok being their border. (Numbers 21:24; 2:37; 3:16) (i.e. Land or country is, however, but rarely ascribed to them. Their capital city was Rabbath, called also Rabbath Ammon on the Jabbok. We find everywhere traces of the fierce habits of maranders in their incursions.) (1 Samuel 11:2; Amos 1:13) and a very high degree of crafty cruelty to their toes. (Jeremiah 41:6,7; Judges 17:11,12) Moab was the settled and civilized half of the nation of Lot, and Ammon formed its predatory and Bedouin section. On the west of Jordan they never obtained a footing. The hatred in which the Ammonites were held by Israel is stated to have arisen partly from their denial of assistance, (23:4) to the Israelites on their approach to Canaan. But whatever its origin the animosity continued in force to the latest date. The tribe was governed by a king, (Judges 11:12) etc.; (1 Samuel 12:12; 2 Samuel 10:1; Jeremiah 40:14) and by “princes.” (2 Samuel 10:3; 1 Chronicles 19:3) The divinity of the tribe was Molech [Molech], and they were gross idolaters.

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