A Message about Ammon (49:1–6)

Concerning the Ammonites (49:1). The Ammonites were a tribal group that lived just to the north of Moab in the Transjordan region. The capital city was Rabbah (see below). The kingdom of Ammon came under the control of the Babylonians during the sixth century B.C. This situation was perhaps precipitated because of Ammonite complicity in the murder of Gedaliah, who was the Babylonian-appointed governor of Judah (see comments on 40:14). The Babylonians conquered Ammon, but retained the Ammonite king.391 Though some have argued that after the Babylonian destruction the Ammonites continued to inhabit the area, more recent studies indicate that only a few remained after this defeat.392

Statue of Ammonite king Yerah Azar

Todd Bolen/www.BiblePlaces.com

Molech (49:1). The translation of this Hebrew term is a matter of debate. The Hebrew term can also be translated “their king.” In addition, the Hebrew text can be vocalized differently so that the term reads Milcom, who was the patron deity of the Ammonites.393 There is some debate as to whether Milcom should be identified with Molech, but for this context at least, they are likely one and the same. Molech is the deity most associated with child sacrifice (see comments on 7:31). In this context, however, Molech is charged with having dispossessed the Israelite tribe of Gad, which had primarily occupied the areas known as Gilead and Bashan.

Rabbah (49:2). Rabbah is the capital city of the Ammonite tribal group. It is also known as Rabbah of the children of Ammon. Rabbah has been identified as Jebel Qalʿah (modern Citadel Hill), which sits in the middle of the modern city of Amman, twenty-five miles east of the Jordan River. This city was also strategically located on commercial crossroads that went north-south and east-west. The city had an abundant source of water from the Jabbok (modern Zerqa River) that empties into the Jordan. This source of water greatly enhanced the agricultural development of Amman. Excavations at the Citadel have brought to light a number of artifacts that suggest that there was a major urban center there during Iron II period (900–586 B.C.).394

Heshbon (49:3). Jeremiah obviously considers Heshbon as being important for both Moab and Ammon. Since both countries will suffer destruction, Heshbon is mentioned in both messages (see comments on 48:2).

Ai (49:3). This Ai must be distinguished from the more well-known Ai located east of Bethel, across the Jordan from Ammon. Its location is still uncertain. The name in Hebrew means “heap of ruins.” There is a modern town named Ai in the Kerak region that is about one and one quarter miles southeast of Kathrabba. It is possible that Jeremiah has this town in mind, or he may have used the name to conjure up the image of a heap or ruins.

Put on sackcloth (49:3). See comments on 4:8; 6:26; 7:29; 16:6; 41:5; 47:5.