Proclamation Against Ammon

Ezekiel 25:1–7
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Ezekiel had already pronounced judgment on Ammon (21:28-32). Now Ammon was singled out to head the list of nations that would feel the sting of divine judgment (vv. 1-2). Ammon and Israel had been in conflict since the time of Jephthah during the period of the Judges (Jud. 10:6-11:33). David conquered Ammon (1 Chron. 19:1-20:3). Sometime after the death of Solomon the Ammonites regained their independence and renewed their hostilities with Judah. During Jehoshaphat’s reign the Ammonites joined the Moabites and Edomites in an unsuccessful attack on Judah (2 Chron. 20:1-30). Ammon tried to expand her territory at Israel’s expense (Jer. 49:1), and she even sided initially with Nebuchadnezzar in an attempt to gain territory after Jehoiakim’s revolt (2 King 24:1-2).

In 593 b.c. Ammon joined a secret meeting of other potential conspirators to consider rebelling against Babylon (Jer. 27:1-7). That plan did not materialize, but she did unite with Judah and Tyre against Babylon. When Nebuchadnezzar decided to attack Judah instead of Ammon (Ezek. 21:18-27), Ammon was relieved that she had been spared. Instead of coming to Judah’s aid, she rejoiced over Judah’s misfortune, hoping to profit territorially from Judah’s destruction.

Against this background Ezekiel gave this prophecy (vv. 3-7). Twice he repeated his “because/therefore/you will know” formula to show the destruction of Ammon (vv. 3-5, 6-8). Ammon rejoiced over the destruction of the temple (mockingly saying Aha!) and the decimation and exile of the people of Judah. The Ammonites gloated over Judah’s misfortune (v. 6). They rejoiced over Judah’s downfall so they would fall. Ammon would be destroyed by other nations.

Application

The different tribes above were judged by God because they rejoiced in the different calamities that came to the Jews. Lord, help me to never rejoice in the calamities of others I may not like.