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 land of Moab was characterized by its rugged terrain and fertile plains, making it suitable for agriculture and livestock.

Historical Context

The Moabites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often in conflict with the Israelites. Their relationship with Israel was complex, marked by both hostility and kinship due to their shared ancestry through Lot, Abraham's nephew. The Moabites worshiped the god Chemosh, and their religious practices were often at odds with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites.

Balak, King of Moab

Balak, son of Zippor, was a notable king of Moab during the time of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. His reign is most prominently featured in the Book of Numbers. As the Israelites approached the Promised Land, they camped in the plains of Moab, causing great fear among the Moabites. Balak, recognizing the threat posed by the Israelites, sought to weaken them through supernatural means.

The Balaam Narrative

In Numbers 22-24, Balak's account unfolds as he attempts to hire Balaam, a renowned prophet, to curse the Israelites. Balak sent messengers to Balaam with promises of reward, hoping that a curse would ensure Moab's victory over Israel. However, God intervened, instructing Balaam not to curse the Israelites, for they were blessed. Despite Balak's persistent efforts and increased offers of wealth, Balaam ultimately delivered blessings upon Israel instead of curses, as directed by God.

Numbers 22:12 states, "But God said to Balaam, 'Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.'" This divine intervention highlights the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and His protection of His chosen people.

Moabite-Israelite Relations

The Moabites' interactions with Israel were not limited to Balak's time. Throughout biblical history, Moab was both an adversary and, at times, an ally. The Book of Judges recounts periods of Moabite oppression over Israel, while the Book of Ruth presents a more harmonious relationship, as Ruth, a Moabitess, becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Practices

The Moabites were known for their worship of Chemosh, which often involved practices detestable to the Israelites, including child sacrifice. This idolatry was a significant point of contention between the two peoples. The Moabites' religious practices are condemned in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the Israelites' call to remain separate and devoted to Yahweh.

Legacy

The Moabites, like many ancient Near Eastern peoples, eventually faded from prominence. However, their interactions with Israel left a lasting impact on biblical history and theology. The account of Balak and Balaam serves as a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to turn intended curses into blessings for His people.Numbers 22:4
And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
Nave's Topical Index

904. Balak -- Balak, a king of the Moabites
... Balak, a king of the Moabites. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable
Transliteration: Balak Phonetic Spelling: (bal-ak') Short Definition: Balak Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/904.htm - 6k

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... The Moabites were greatly distressed about the settlement of the victorious Hebrews
in the region just north of them and feared lest ... Balak, the King of Moab ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was.
... 2. When Balak, the king of the Moabites, who had from his ancestors a friendship
and league with the Midianites, saw how great the Israelites were grown, he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning balaam the.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... Canaan" must have been adopted by the Ammonites and Moabites just as ... When the Israelites
encamped in "the plain of Moab," Balak, the Moabite king, sent in ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Wilderness.
... The Moabites took alarm, though these, as descended from Abraham's nephew Lot, were
to be left unharmed; and their king, Balak, sent, as it appears, even to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iv the wilderness.htm

V. ...
... When the children of Israel had journeyed out of Egypt and had come into the land
of the Moabites, king Balak sent to a prophet in Syria, by the name of Balaam ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v 2.htm

From the Second Chapter.
... For Balaam, [2263] with his doctrine, taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before
the eyes ... For he gave this advice to the king of the Moabites, and they ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the second chapter.htm

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
... only beyond the idea of a single king of the ... Balaam's discourse formed the answer
to Balak's message""Come ... at the time of Christ, the Moabites had disappeared ...
/.../christology of the old testament/balaams prophecy numb xxiv 17-19.htm

The Infallibility of God's Purpose
... But on the mountain range there were two men"Balak, the son of Zippor,
king of the Moabites, and Balaam the prophet of Pethor. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the infallibility of gods purpose.htm

Who were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Moab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Ehud? | GotQuestions.org

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