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Ammon

Historical Location
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An ancient Semitic kingdom east of the Jordan River, often in conflict with Israel

Detailed Definition
Ammon was an Iron Age kingdom located in present-day Jordan, frequently mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as both rival and neighbor to ancient Israel. Its capital was Rabbah (modern Amman). In biblical poetry and later literary allusions, Ammon symbolizes foreign opposition, pride, and divine judgment. Poets use it to explore themes of enmity, exile, and the moral complexities of ancient tribal conflicts.
Example
Example in poetry:
In the Book of Lamentations (poetic in form), Ammon is cursed for its arrogance against Judah; The 17th-century poet John Milton references Ammon in "Samson Agonistes" as a symbol of idolatrous nations; In modern biblical poetry, Ammon appears as a foil to Israel’s covenantal identity; Poet Robert Lowth, in his lectures on Hebrew poetry, cites Ammon as an example of prophetic oracles against foreign powers; Contemporary poets use Ammon to explore themes of rivalry and divine judgment. Thomas Moore in "Fly Not Yet" references it in the line: "Fly not yet, the fount that played / In times of old through Ammon's shade,"
Additional Notes
Ammon was an ancient Semitic kingdom east of the Jordan River, often in conflict with Israel. In biblical poetry (e.g., Jeremiah 49, Ezekiel 25), Ammon symbolizes arrogance, idolatry, and divine judgment. Its capital, Rabbah (modern Amman), is occasionally referenced in prophetic oracles. For poetry students, Ammon serves as a foil to Israelite identity and a reminder of the geopolitical tensions embedded in scriptural verse. Modern usage is rare but may appear in Middle Eastern poetry exploring historical rivalries or reclaiming pre-Islamic heritage.
Also Known As
Ammonites’ Land Rabbah of Ammon Kingdom of the Ammonites Children of Lot
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