יחזקאל, פרק כ״ה, פסוק ג׳

A harsh rebuke is directed at the Ammonite nation for their malicious delight in the downfall of the Israelites. Even though the Ammonites were somewhat partners in the rebellion against Babylon, their deep-seated, traditional hostility toward the Israelites ultimately caused them to celebrate the destruction rather than mourn a shared defeat [שטיינזלץ]. The prophecy addresses the Ammonites as a single collective entity, speaking to the entire congregation of the nation as one [רד״ק].

Their loud exclamations of joy and gladness were not merely a general celebration, but a specific response to three distinct tragic events [מלבי״ם]. First, they rejoiced over the fate of the Temple. The primary approach among commentators is that their happiness stemmed from seeing the holy site defiled and handed over to idol-worshipping nations. However, another perspective suggests they were celebrating the fact that the site of the Temple had been taken over and had become the permanent possession of a foreign nation [רש״י].

Second, the Ammonites celebrated the utter ruin and desolation of the land. This cruel joy was directed at the territory of the Ten Tribes, which had already been lying empty and desolate for many years prior [רד״ק]. Finally, their malicious celebration was made complete by the exile of Judah. They watched as the very last remnant of the people was forced into captivity, and they rejoiced at the sight of this total national collapse [רד״ק].