Here, we learn about the not-so-neighborly behavior of the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, and Arabs toward the Israelites.

While the Bariites—known for their compassion—didn't have many followers, the surrounding nations of Ammon, Moab, Edom and the Arabs unfortunately demonstrated the very opposite of compassion. Despite their close kinship with Israel, their actions were often marked by cruelty. It's a stark reminder that blood ties don't always guarantee amicable relations.

Let’s zoom in on the Ammonites and Moabites. When they heard a prophet foretell the destruction of Jerusalem, did they offer comfort? Did they try to help? Nope. They rushed, without a moment's hesitation, to tell Nebuchadnezzar! They urged him to attack Jerusalem!

Can you imagine?

Now, Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, apparently had some scruples. Ginzberg tells us he feared God and had reasons to avoid conflict with Israel. But the Ammonites and Moabites? They weren't having it. They argued against his reservations, refuted his reasons, and ultimately, persuaded him to invade.

And what did they do when Jerusalem fell? While other nations were busy grabbing loot, the Ammonites and Moabites made a beeline for the Temple. Their target? The scroll of the Law. You see, it contained a rather inconvenient clause for them: they were forbidden from entering "the assembly of the Lord even to the tenth generation."

Talk about holding a grudge!

But the story doesn’t end there. In a truly shocking display of malice, they desecrated the Temple. They tore the Cherubim from the Kodesh Hakodashim, the Holy of Holies—the most sacred space in the Temple. They dragged these sacred images through the streets of Jerusalem, shouting, "Behold these sacred things that belong to the Israelites, who say ever they have no idols."

It was a calculated act, designed to humiliate the Israelites and undermine their faith. An act of cultural and spiritual vandalism that speaks volumes about the depth of their animosity.

What does this story tell us? Perhaps it’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked resentment and the lasting damage it can inflict. It highlights how fear and prejudice can drive people to commit unspeakable acts, even against their own kin.

As we reflect on this ancient narrative, let’s consider the ways in which we can break cycles of animosity in our own lives and communities. Maybe, just maybe, by learning from the mistakes of the past, we can build a more compassionate future.