The Hebrew word ʻAmmôwnîyth, represented by H5985, is the feminine term for an Ammonitess. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. This word specifically identifies a woman of Ammonite descent, noting her national and ethnic origin.
In the biblical narrative, H5985 is used to identify two specific women. Three of its occurrences refer to Naamah, an Ammonitess who was the mother of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon who reigned in Judah (1 Kings 14:21, 1 Kings 14:31, 2 Chronicles 12:13). The only other use of the term identifies Shimeath, an Ammonitess who was the mother of Zabad, one of the men who conspired against the king 2 Chronicles 24:26.
One key related word helps place H5985 in its biblical context:
- H4125 Môwʼâbîy (a Moabite or Moabitess, i.e. a descendant from Moab): This term appears in direct parallel with H5985 when describing the conspirators. Zabad is the son of an Ammonitess, while his co-conspirator Jehozabad is the son of a Moabitess 2 Chronicles 24:26. In other passages, Ammonites and Moabites are frequently listed together as foreign peoples with whom Israel intermarried 1 Kings 11:1 and who were forbidden from entering the congregation of God Nehemiah 13:1.
The significance of H5985 lies in its specific application to women connected to Israel's leadership.
- Foreign Influence in Royal Lineage: The most prominent use of the term is to identify Naamah, the mother of King Rehoboam 1 Kings 14:21. This notes the presence of a non-Israelite mother for a king in the Davidic line.
- Identity in Opposition: The term is also used to mark the heritage of Shimeath, whose son Zabad conspired against the king of Judah 2 Chronicles 24:26. In this instance, the foreign identity is associated with rebellion.
- A Marked Distinction: By explicitly labeling these women by their foreign origin, the text underscores their non-Israelite status within the nation's history, whether in the royal court or in sedition.
In summary, H5985 is a precise ethnic label used sparingly but significantly. It identifies the Ammonitess mothers of two notable figures in Israel's history: a king and a conspirator. The word serves to highlight foreign lineage at critical points in the narrative, illustrating the integration of and conflict with surrounding peoples like the Ammonites and Moabites.
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