Moab was a nation located east of the Dead Sea, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Moabites were descendants of Moab, the son of Lot by his elder daughter, as recorded in Genesis 19:37. The relationship between Israel and Moab was complex, marked by both conflict and cooperation. The Moabites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often as adversaries of Israel.

One notable interaction is found in the Book of Numbers, where Balak, the king of Moab, hires Balaam to curse the Israelites (Numbers 22-24). Despite Balak's intentions, God intervenes, and Balaam ends up blessing Israel instead. The Moabites also seduced the Israelites into idolatry and immorality at Peor, leading to a divine plague (Numbers 25:1-9).

Ruth, a Moabite woman, is a significant figure in the Bible, as she becomes the great-grandmother of King David, highlighting God's grace and the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant people (Ruth 1-4). The Moabites were eventually subdued by King David (2 Samuel 8:2), and their land was later incorporated into the territories of Israel and Judah.

Ammon

The Ammonites were descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot by his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, north of Moab. Like the Moabites, the Ammonites had a tumultuous relationship with Israel, often characterized by hostility.

In Judges 11, the Ammonites oppressed Israel, leading to the rise of Jephthah as a judge who delivered Israel from their hands. The Ammonites also played a role in the conflict during King Saul's reign, as Nahash the Ammonite besieged Jabesh Gilead, prompting Saul to rally Israel to victory (1 Samuel 11).

King David had a complex relationship with the Ammonites, initially showing kindness to Hanun, the king of Ammon, but later waging war against them after Hanun humiliated David's envoys (2 Samuel 10). The Ammonites were eventually subjugated by David, and their capital, Rabbah, was captured (2 Samuel 12:26-31).

Edom

Edom was a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob (Genesis 36:1). The Edomites settled in the region south of the Dead Sea, in what is now southern Jordan. The relationship between Israel and Edom was marked by enmity, stemming from the ancestral conflict between Esau and Jacob.

In the Exodus narrative, Edom refused passage to the Israelites, forcing them to take a longer route to the Promised Land (Numbers 20:14-21). Despite this, God commanded Israel not to despise Edom, as they were related (Deuteronomy 23:7).

Edom was frequently at odds with Israel and Judah, participating in conflicts and sometimes allying with other nations against them. King David subdued Edom, establishing garrisons in the land (2 Samuel 8:13-14). However, Edom regained independence during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah (2 Kings 8:20-22).

The prophets often pronounced judgment against Edom for their pride and hostility towards Israel, as seen in the Book of Obadiah and other prophetic writings (Obadiah 1:1-21; Isaiah 34:5-15).

Sidon

Sidon was an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, in present-day Lebanon. It was one of the principal cities of the Phoenicians, known for its maritime trade and craftsmanship, particularly in purple dye and glass.

The Sidonians are mentioned in the Bible as skilled artisans and traders. King Solomon employed Sidonian craftsmen for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5:6). Despite their contributions, the Sidonians were also associated with idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal and Ashtoreth, which influenced Israel negatively.

Jezebel, the infamous queen of Israel and wife of King Ahab, was a Sidonian princess, and her introduction of Baal worship into Israel led to significant religious and moral decline (1 Kings 16:31-33). The prophets often condemned Sidon for its idolatry and pride, as seen in the oracles against the city in Isaiah and Ezekiel (Isaiah 23:1-18; Ezekiel 28:20-24).

Hittites

The Hittites were an ancient people who established a significant empire in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and had interactions with the biblical patriarchs and the nation of Israel. They are first mentioned in Genesis as descendants of Heth, a son of Canaan (Genesis 10:15).

Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site for his wife Sarah, marking one of the earliest interactions between the Hittites and the patriarchs (Genesis 23:3-20). The Hittites are also listed among the nations inhabiting Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest (Exodus 3:8).

During the reign of King David, Uriah the Hittite, one of David's mighty men, is a notable figure. His loyalty and tragic death orchestrated by David highlight the complexities of David's reign (2 Samuel 11:3-17).

The Hittites are frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's conquest and settlement of Canaan, as well as in the lists of nations that Israel was to drive out or avoid intermarrying with, due to their idolatrous practices (Deuteronomy 7:1-5).