The Prophecy concerning the Ammonites

491 Concerning the Ammonites: This is what the Lord says: "Has Israel no sons? Has Israel no heir? Why then has Molek[1] taken possession of Gad? Why do his people live in its towns?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 49:1

Commentary on Jeremiah 49:1-6

(Read Jeremiah 49:1-6)

Might often prevails against right among men, yet that might shall be controlled by the Almighty, who judges aright; and those will find themselves mistaken, who, like the Ammonites, think every thing their own on which they can lay their hands. The Lord will call men to account for every instance of dishonesty, especially to the destitute.

13 This is what the Lord says: "For three sins of Ammon, even for four, I will not relent. Because he ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to extend his borders, 14 I will set fire to the walls of Rabbah that will consume her fortresses amid war cries on the day of battle, amid violent winds on a stormy day. 15 Her king[2] will go into exile, he and his officials together," says the Lord.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 1:13-15

Chapter Contents

Judgments against the Syrians, Philistines, Tyrians, Edomites, and Ammonites.

GOD employed a shepherd, a herdsman, to reprove and warn the people. Those to whom God gives abilities for his services, ought not to be despised for their origin, or their employment. Judgments are denounced against the neighbouring nations, the oppressors of God's people. The number of transgressions does not here mean that exact number, but many: they had filled the measure of their sins, and were ripe for vengeance. The method in dealing with these nations is, in part, the same, yet in each there is something peculiar. In all ages this bitterness has been shown against the Lord's people. When the Lord reckons with his enemies, how tremendous are his judgments!