Ammonites

Ammonites (children of Ammon). A people descended from Ben-ammi, the son of Lot, by his younger daughter. Gen 19:38. Compare Psa 1:83-8. The Ammonites are frequently mentioned with the Moabites (descendants of Ben-ammi's half-brother), and sometimes under the same name. Compare Jdg 10:6; 2Ch 20:1; Zep 2:8 etc.

The precise position of the territory of the Ammonites is not ascertainable. In the earliest mention of them, Deu 2:20, they are said to have dwelt in their place, Jabbok being their border, Num 21:24; Num 2:37; Num 3:16,

(That is, 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). 1Sa 11:2; Amo 1:13 and a very high degree of crafty cruelty to their toes. Jer 1:41-7; Jdg 1:17-12.

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, Deu 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, Jdg 11:12 etc.; 1Sa 12:12; 2Sa 10:1; Jer 40:14 and by "princes." 2Sa 10:3; 1Ch 19:3. The divinity of the tribe was Molech, See Molech, and they were gross idolaters.