What The Lord Says About Ammon
June 25, 2019
Commentary
This passage deals with the rebellion of Ammon (vv. 1-6). The Ammonites descended from Benjamin, son of Lot and like the Moabites they were a product of incest (Gen. 19:38). They occupied the territory east of the Jordan River and north of Moab, between the Amnon and Jabbok rivers. Ammon had taken possession of the land belonging to the Israelite tribe of Gad and his people were living in these towns. Rabbah was the capital of Ammon. During Jehoshaphat’s reign, the Ammonites invaded Judah (II Chron. 20:1-30).
The people of Israel have plenty of children to inherit the lands (v. 1). Many worshipers of the God Milcom have taken over towns and land belonging to the tribe of Gad. Someday an army will attack Rabbah, the capital city, and it will be left in ruins (v. 2). One day Israel’s land was taken and now theirs will be taken. Heshbon will become a pile of rubble (v. 3,). Jeremiah tells the people of Rabbah to put on sackcloth and morn because their idol worship will be taken to another country, as well as the priests and temple officials. The rebellious Ammonites trust in their wealth and don’t think anyone could attack them, but they are warned about their boasting (v. 4). The Lord will send neighboring nations to strike and scatter them (v. 5). The Lord says that someday He will bring the people back home (v. 6), not because of their merits but because they share in the glories of Israel.
Application
It is easy to have a rebellious heart and not realize it. Lord, help me to do anything the Lord asks.
Jeremiah 49:1– 6 (NET)
1 The Lord spoke about the Ammonites: “Do you think there are not any people of the nation of Israel remaining? Do you think there are not any of them remaining to reinherit their land? Is that why you people who worship the god Milcom have taken possession of the territory of Gad and live in his cities?
2 Because you did that, I, the Lord, affirm that a time is coming when I will make Rabbah, the capital city of Ammon, hear the sound of the battle cry. It will become a mound covered with ruins. Its villages will be burned to the ground. Then Israel will take back its land from those who took their land from them. I, the Lord, affirm it!
3 Wail, you people in Heshbon, because Ai in Ammon is destroyed. Cry out in anguish, you people in the villages surrounding Rabbah. Put on sackcloth and cry out in mourning. Run about covered with gashes. For your god Milcom will go into exile along with his priests and officials.
4 Why do you brag about your great power? Your power is ebbing away, you rebellious people of Ammon, who trust in your riches and say, ‘Who would dare to attack us?’
5 I will bring terror on you from every side,” says the Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “You will be scattered in every direction. No one will gather the fugitives back together.
6 Yet in days to come I will reverse Ammon’s ill fortune.” says the Lord.
Illustration: Stephen Olford quotAnywhere Any Time at Any Cost”
A son of a missionary to Africa Did not want to go through the trials and tribulations of a missionary. Was mistreated by Christians in England and rebelled against God. He got into racing motorcycles. Remembers his mother praying and weeping for him. Injured in a motorcycle accident and was given two weeks to live. Refused to see the pastors who visited him – still rebellious. Received a letter from his dad sent three months earlier with the following message: “Only one life ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Stephen’s response: “Lord, if You will heal my body, I will serve You anywhere, any time, and at any cost!” God healed Stephen Olford! And his life, has been used by God all because of a prayer saying I will serve You anywhere, any time, and at any cost!” (Lou Nicholes – Missionary Author)