The Plains of Moab hold significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. These plains are located east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho, and serve as a pivotal setting in the final stages of the Israelites' 40-year wilderness journey.

Geographical Context

The Plains of Moab are situated in the region historically known as Moab, which is present-day Jordan. This area is characterized by its plateau-like terrain, providing a strategic vantage point over the Jordan Valley and the city of Jericho. The plains are bordered by the Arnon River to the south and the Jordan River to the west.

Biblical Significance

The Plains of Moab are prominently mentioned in the Book of Numbers and Deuteronomy. It is here that the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, encamp before crossing the Jordan River into Canaan. This location marks the transition from their nomadic existence in the wilderness to the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.

Key Events

1. The Balaam Oracles: One of the most notable events on the Plains of Moab is the account of Balaam, a prophet summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Instead, God compels Balaam to bless them. Numbers 22-24 details this account, highlighting God's sovereignty and protection over Israel. Balaam declares, "How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!" (Numbers 24:5).

2. The Covenant Renewal: In Deuteronomy, Moses delivers a series of speeches on the Plains of Moab, reiterating the Law and renewing the covenant between God and Israel. This includes the recitation of the Ten Commandments and the Shema, a central declaration of faith: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4).

3. Moses' Final Acts: The Plains of Moab are also the setting for Moses' final acts as the leader of Israel. He views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, located within the plains, and appoints Joshua as his successor. Moses' death and burial occur here, as recorded in Deuteronomy 34:5-6: "So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said. And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but to this day no one knows the location of his grave" .

4. Preparation for Conquest: The encampment on the Plains of Moab serves as a preparation ground for the Israelites' imminent crossing of the Jordan River and the conquest of Jericho. Joshua 1:2-3 records God's command to Joshua: "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will tread, just as I promised to Moses" .

Theological Themes

The events on the Plains of Moab underscore themes of covenant faithfulness, divine providence, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The Israelites' experiences here reflect God's unwavering commitment to His people and His plan for their future in the Promised Land. The plains serve as a reminder of the transition from the old generation, marked by disobedience and wandering, to a new generation poised to inherit God's promises.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Moabites, descendants of Lot, are often depicted as adversaries of Israel. Despite this, the interactions on the Plains of Moab reveal moments of divine intervention and blessing, even amidst opposition. The narrative also highlights the importance of leadership transition, as seen in the passing of the mantle from Moses to Joshua, ensuring continuity in the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises.Deuteronomy 2:17,18
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Nave's Topical Index

The Last Words of Moses
... When Moses was old, he said to all the Israelites, "I am a hundred and twenty years
old this day. ... Then Moses went up on the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the last words of moses.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... cities Israel was enabled to pass on and come to the plains of Moab ... The Last Scene
on Moab. There were far too many of the Israelites to hear his voice and he ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

The Pentateuch.
... with which the book opens, and which is repeated on the plains of Moab. ... This book
records the journeyings of the Israelites from Sinai to the borders of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

Chapter l
... necessitated a route as far south as that taken later by the Israelites of the ... southern
end of the Dead Sea up to a place like the Plains of Moab (Numbers 22 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

The Early Training of a Race.
... as well as the logic of the situation indicate that the great body of the Israelites,
whose ancestors ... On the rolling plains of northern Moab and southern ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xi the early training.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... was a land of lofty mountains and fertile river-plains. ... When the Israelites encamped
in "the plain of Moab ... the fairest portion of his dominions; Moab north of ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
... extended to the descendants of the patriarch, not merely as the progenitor of the
Israelites, but as ... The Covenant made on the plains of Moab was confirmed ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xii covenanting performed in.htm

Canaan
... the Amorite king Sihon had robbed Moab of its ... chariots of iron" which prevented the
Israelites from capturing and sacking the cities of the plains. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Authorship of the Pentateuch.
... the Egyptians, who had already written "the book of the covenant," and afterwards
wrote the journeyings of the Israelites, Numb ... Not so on the plains of Moab. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter ix authorship of the.htm

The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
... reaching out as far as the land of Moab. ... things that are related of "the plains of
Jericho ... elsewhere, in these words: "But the Israelites, travelling forward ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 46 the country of.htm

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