Who Were the Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites in the Bible?
Ancient Israel’s neighbors east of the Jordan
Map of Ammon, Moab and Edom. Map by Biblical Archaeology Society.
When the kingdoms of Israel and Judah controlled the land of Canaan, the kingdoms of Ammon, Moab and Edom ruled east of the Jordan. Although the Bible offers information about these three Iron Age kingdoms, recent archaeological discoveries are bringing to light a fuller picture of them. In his article “Ammon, Moab and Edom: Gods and Kingdoms East of the Jordan,” published in the November/December 2016 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review, Joel S. Burnett examines the incredible archaeological discoveries from Ammon, Moab and Edom.
Who were the Ammonites?
Ammonite king. Standing more than 6.5 feet tall and dating to the Iron Age, this statue of an Ammonite king was uncovered in 2010 at Amman, Jordan. Who were the Ammonites? In the Bible and from archaeology, a full picture of the Ammonites is emerging. Photo: Joel S. Burnett
In the Bible, they are described as being descendants of Ben-ammi, who was the son of Lot (Abraham’s nephew) and Lot’s younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). The capital of the Iron Age kingdom of Ammon was Rabbah, which is located at modern-day Amman, Jordan. Burnett describes the boundaries of Ammon: “The Ammonite heartland comprised the north-central Transjordanian Plateau encircled by the upper Jabbok … within a 12.5-mile radius of its capital at the headwaters of the Jabbok.” The Ammonites’ primary deity was the god Milcom. Depictions of Milcom have been uncovered through archaeological excavations—as have representations of Ammonite kings, such as the monumental statue uncovered at Rabbah in 2010.
Who were the Moabites?
We learn about the Moabites in the Bible and in the famous Mesha Stele. Photo: “Stèle de Mésha” by Mbzt 2012 is licensed under CC-by-3.0
In the Bible, the Moabites are said to have descended from Moab, the son of Lot and his oldest daughter (Genesis 19:37). The kingdom of Moab stretched “north and south of the Arnon River” with its capital at Dibon. The Moabites worshiped the god Chemosh, who may be depicted in the Balua‘ Stele (dated to the end of Late Bronze Age). The most famous Moabite king—from the archaeological record at least—is Mesha. The large inscription he left behind is the longest Moabite text. Dating to the ninth century B.C.E., the Mesha Stele describes how King Mesha rescued the Moabites from Israelite rule.
Who were the Edomites?
Wearing a three-horned headdress, this Edomite goddess figurine was discovered at Horvat Qitmit. Photo: “Edomite Goddess, Qitmit” by Chamberi is licensed under CC-by-SA-3.0
In the Bible, the Edomites are the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin and Isaac’s oldest son (Genesis 36). The Edomites controlled an area east of the Arabah, from the Zered to the Gulf of Aqaba. Their capital was Bozrah, which sat in the northern part of their territory. Although no name of an Edomite deity is given in the Bible, archaeologists know from inscriptions that the Edomites’ principal deity was Qaus (or Qos). Several Edomite places of worship and cultic figurines have been uncovered. One of the most notable is the depiction of an Edomite goddess wearing a three-horned headdress from the site of Qitmit, Israel.
The kingdoms of Ammon, Moab and Edom fought with the Israelites and the Judahites over territory. The Bible presents things from the Israelites’ and Judahites’ point of view, and archaeological discoveries help show us the other side. By looking at what these ancient peoples wrote and left behind, we are able to better understand their perspective. We now have a fuller picture of their kings, gods and daily life.
To learn more about the kingdoms of Ammon, Moab and Edom, read Joel S. Burnett’s comprehensive article “Ammon, Moab and Edom: Gods and Kingdoms East of the Jordan,” in the November/December 2016 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review.
Subscribers: Read the full article “Ammon, Moab and Edom: Gods and Kingdoms East of the Jordan,” by Joel S. Burnett in the November/December 2016 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review.
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This Bible History Daily feature was originally published on October 12, 2016.
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Your comments are both biased because of your agenda, and poorly written. Arabic numerals are not acceptable replacements for words. Not does “n” mean “in.” Please educate yourself regarding English grammar and punctuation rules or no one will take you seriously.
Scripturally, there are only two races: Jews and Gentiles. Jesus came to set the captives free from sin, not slavery as we know it (study Onesimus and Philemon). The work of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, came to change the emphasis from races to believers. (See Ephesians 2:14 “For He (Jesus) is our peace (bringing unity) who made both groups (Jew and Gentile) into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.” If you are a believer, you are able to see the spiritual progress of Jesus’ work. If you do not believe, then you walk in blindness and cannot understand the Scriptures. Only when we understand the unity of the corporate “Church” will there be peace among the brethren (not necessarily peace in the world). All this anger we see on the nightly news is the unleashed corruption of minds not yet free. Dear beloved, as long as these angry people breath, there is hope for their souls. The Church defined is “the called out ones”. There are people in the churches around the world who have not responded to the call of Jesus and walk in chaos. The true Church walks in peace and grace and love. These three things should call us to pray for our enemies, the same people who are enemies of Christ. As long as we are on the earth, we are called to share our witness of how Jesus came into our lives in the hope that the hearers will want Him. Many, of all nations, are answering His call. Time is short. God, being the Creator, has done a wonderful job of putting color in our world for our pleasure. How much more to put color in His favorite creation, man, for His pleasure. Mankind has corrupted His intention like they have done of so many other things. The call to all mankind is to accept His grace.
Thank you for your comments and reflections unto the holy true purpose of Grace found only in Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who is the only blessed assurance of hope and light in a desperate lost and wicked world.
Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
If your salvation is based on your bloodline and not your faith, did you not read about the levites? Or king saul? Their ruling line ended due to their lack of faith and sin. God put into place people and remnants after His own heart, not after their bloodline. We are saved through Jesus (Yeshua) alone. Dont be deceived and condemn yourselves. The Messiah calls us to unity in His glory not our personal self-serving ideologies.
Let God be true and every man a liar.
Romans 2:11
“For there is no respect of persons with God.”
Romans 2:29
“But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”