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Descended from Lot, Ammon was a nation that dwelled east of Israel in present-day Jordan. As with Moab — and although they were frequently in conflict — the Israelites were specifically instructed by the Torah to neither attack nor absorb the Ammonites.
Notable Sources
All Sources
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The Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites
TANAKH
The Torah imposes a strict and perpetual exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites from the congregation of Hashem, even extending this prohibition to their descendants up to the tenth generation. Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Torah, includes Moses’ final speeches and laws for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
The Final Eradication of Ammon
COMMENTARY
The prophetic vision of Bileam foretells the ultimate destruction of the Ammonites, linking their fate to their shameful origins. Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar, in his 18th-century commentary Or HaChaim, delves into the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers, highlighting its eschatological significance.
King Saul's Leadership Against Ammon
COMMENTARY
King Saul's proactive and dramatic leadership united the tribes of Israel to defend against the Ammonite threat. This text references the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel and the unity of the twelve tribes in responding to external threats.
Yiftah's Rise and Victory
TANAKH
Yiftah the Giladite's journey from outcast to leader and his decisive victory over the Ammonites is a compelling story of redemption and leadership. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's modern translation and commentary on the Hebrew Bible provides a clear and engaging account of Yiftah's rise to power and his military success.
The Unforgivable Enmity
HALAKHAH
God explicitly prohibited the Israelites from ever making peace with the Ammonites and Moabites, unlike other nations. Maimonides, in his Sefer HaMitzvot, outlines this unique prohibition based on Deuteronomy 23:7 and reinforced by the Sifrei.
The Seven-Day Respite
COMMENTARY
The seven-day respite granted by Nachash the Ammonite to the people of Gilead proved critical to that town's deliverance and may have lastingly been commemorated through fasting. Radak, a renowned 12th-century biblical commentator, provides insight into this event and its significance in Jewish history.
The Demand for a Human King
TANAKH
The Israelites' demand for a human king was driven by the imminent threat from Nahash, king of the Ammonites, despite having God as their divine King. The biblical narrative in Samuel I recounts the Israelites' request for a human king and the subsequent anointing of Saul, highlighting the tension between divine and human leadership.
Tithing Obligations in Ammon and Moab
MISHNAH
The specific tithing obligations in the lands of Ammon and Moab during the Sabbatical year highlight the complexities and nuances of rabbinic decision-making. The Mishnah, a foundational Jewish legal text from around 200 CE, records this debate and the final resolution based on tradition and halachah.
David's Conquest of Ammon
TANAKH
David's conquest of the Ammonites showcases his military prowess and the harsh measures he took to subjugate his enemies. The biblical narrative in Samuel II details David's capture of the Ammonite capital, Rabbah, and the severe treatment of its inhabitants.
Divine Command Regarding the Ammonites
TALMUD
God explicitly commanded Moses not to harass or contend with the Ammonites, highlighting a specific divine instruction regarding their treatment. The Torah recounts the descendants of Lot’s younger daughter, emphasizing the prohibition against any form of harassment towards them.
The Strategic Barrier of the Yabok River
COMMENTARY
The Ammonite border, fortified by the natural barrier of the Yabok River, posed significant strategic challenges to enemies like Sichon. Chizkuni, a 13th-century Torah commentary, delves into the historical and geographical difficulties faced by the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land.
The Origins of Two Ancient Nations
SECOND TEMPLE
The origins of two significant ancient nations are rooted in a dramatic and controversial biblical narrative involving Lot and his daughters. Josephus, the 1st-century Jewish historian, provides a detailed account of these origins and their implications for the continued existence of these nations.
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