1:13 the Ammonites. The Ammonites descended from Ben-ammi, who was the offspring of the trickery and incest of Lot’s younger daughter (Gen. 19:34–38). They lived between Aram and Moab.

ripped open pregnant women. This particular atrocity was practiced by others, including Hazael of Syria (2 Kin. 8:12), Menahem of Israel (2 Kin. 15:16), and Assyria (Hos. 13:16). The apparent purpose was to eliminate descendants who might try to reclaim the land.

enlarge their border. Ancient Near Eastern kings typically boasted that they extended the borders of their land. By doing so they fancied that they carried out the desire of their gods.