The Moabites were a people descended from Moab, the son of Lot and his elder daughter, as recorded in Genesis 19:37. Throughout biblical history, the Moabites had a complex and often adversarial relationship with the Israelites. The land of Moab was located east of the Dead Sea, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Moabites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of their interactions with Israel.

During the reign of King David, the Moabites came under the dominion of Israel. This conquest is detailed in 2 Samuel 8:2, which states, "David also defeated the Moabites and made them lie down on the ground. Then he measured them off with a length of cord. Every two lengths of them were put to death, and the third length was allowed to live. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute" . This passage highlights David's military prowess and the subjugation of the Moabites, who were compelled to pay tribute to Israel, signifying their submission and the expansion of David's kingdom.

The relationship between David and the Moabites is further complicated by earlier interactions. In 1 Samuel 22:3-4, David entrusted his parents to the king of Moab for protection while he was fleeing from King Saul. This indicates a temporary alliance or at least a neutral relationship at that time. However, the subsequent conquest suggests a shift in political dynamics, possibly due to changing alliances or Moabite aggression.

The subjugation of the Moabites under David's rule is part of a broader narrative of David's military campaigns, which established Israel as a dominant regional power. The Moabites, like other neighboring nations, were incorporated into David's expanding empire, which was characterized by a series of successful military campaigns against surrounding nations, including the Philistines, Edomites, and Ammonites.

The Moabites' defeat and subjugation under David's rule are significant in the biblical narrative as they demonstrate God's favor upon David and the fulfillment of His promises to establish David's kingdom. The tribute brought by the Moabites is indicative of their acknowledgment of David's authority and the sovereignty of Israel during this period.

The Moabites continued to appear in biblical history after David's reign, often in the context of conflict with Israel. Their relationship with Israel remained complex, marked by periods of both hostility and cooperation. The Moabites' eventual decline is noted in later prophetic writings, which foretell their judgment and downfall, as seen in Isaiah 15-16 and Jeremiah 48.

In summary, the conquest of the Moabites by David is a pivotal event in the biblical account of Israel's history, reflecting the expansion of David's kingdom and the fulfillment of divine promises. The Moabites' subjugation under David's rule is emblematic of the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the establishment of Israel as a powerful nation under David's leadership.2 Samuel 8:2
And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 23:20
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lion like men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the middle of a pit in time of snow:
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 11:22
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lion like men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 18:2-11
And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.
Nave's Topical Index

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... a spiritual bath, [296]358; disunion in, [297]368; a bride, [298]385; conquers by
suffering ... David, his love for his people, [437]146; to his rebel son, [438]198 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

What was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Chemosh? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Ammonites? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus