The Moabites were a people descended from Moab, the son of Lot and his elder daughter, as recorded in Genesis 19:37. They inhabited the region east of the Dead Sea, in what is modern-day Jordan. The Moabites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often in conflict with the Israelites.

The relationship between Israel and Moab was complex, marked by both hostility and kinship. In Numbers 22-24, Balak, the king of Moab, famously hired Balaam to curse the Israelites, but God intervened, turning the intended curses into blessings. Despite this, the Moabites led Israel into sin at Peor, resulting in a divine plague (Numbers 25:1-9).

The Moabites were also known for their worship of Chemosh, a god to whom they offered human sacrifices (2 Kings 3:27). This idolatry was a continual snare to Israel, as seen in Solomon's later years when he built high places for Chemosh (1 Kings 11:7).

Despite their enmity, there were moments of peace and integration. Ruth, a Moabitess, is a notable figure who became the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 4:13-22). This inclusion in the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus Christ highlights God's redemptive plan for all nations.

Prophecies against Moab are found in Isaiah 15-16, Jeremiah 48, and Ezekiel 25:8-11, foretelling their downfall due to pride and idolatry. The Moabites eventually faded from history, absorbed by surrounding cultures.

Ammonites

The Ammonites were descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot and his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). They settled in the region east of the Jordan River, north of Moab. Like the Moabites, the Ammonites had a tumultuous relationship with Israel.

The Ammonites opposed Israel during their wilderness journey, refusing passage through their land (Judges 11:12-28). They were frequent adversaries during the period of the Judges and the monarchy. In 1 Samuel 11, Nahash the Ammonite besieged Jabesh-gilead, prompting Saul's first military victory as king.

The Ammonites worshiped the god Milcom (also known as Molech), infamous for child sacrifice (1 Kings 11:5, 7). This idolatry was condemned by the prophets and led to divine judgment.

Despite their hostility, there were instances of interaction and integration. David showed kindness to Hanun, the king of Ammon, after the death of his father Nahash (2 Samuel 10:1-2). However, this gesture was misinterpreted, leading to war.

Prophecies against Ammon are found in Jeremiah 49:1-6, Ezekiel 25:1-7, and Amos 1:13-15, predicting their destruction due to their cruelty and idolatry. The Ammonites eventually disappeared from history, assimilated by other cultures.

Meunites

The Meunites, also referred to as Maonites, were a lesser-known group mentioned in the Old Testament. They are believed to have been a nomadic or semi-nomadic people inhabiting the region south of Judah, possibly linked to the Edomites.

In 2 Chronicles 20:1, the Meunites joined forces with the Moabites and Ammonites to wage war against King Jehoshaphat of Judah. This coalition was miraculously defeated when God caused confusion among the enemy ranks, leading them to destroy one another (2 Chronicles 20:22-23).

The Meunites are also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:41, where they were defeated by the Simeonites during the reign of Hezekiah. This victory allowed the Simeonites to settle in their territory.

The Meunites are not as prominently featured in biblical narratives as the Moabites and Ammonites, and their historical identity remains somewhat obscure. They are occasionally associated with the Edomites, as seen in the mention of the "sons of Seir" in 2 Chronicles 20:10. Their eventual fate is not detailed in Scripture, but like many ancient peoples, they likely became assimilated into larger neighboring cultures.