Topical Bible: Moabites: Refuse Passage of Jephthah's Army Through Their Territory

◄ Moabites: Refuse Passage of Jephthah's Army Through Their Territory ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Moabites, descendants of Lot through his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37), were a significant people group in the biblical narrative, often interacting with the Israelites. Their territory was located east of the Dead Sea, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Moabites are frequently mentioned in the context of their interactions with Israel, sometimes as adversaries and at other times as relatives with shared ancestry.

One notable incident involving the Moabites is their refusal to allow Jephthah's army passage through their land. Jephthah, a judge of Israel, is best known for his leadership in delivering Israel from the oppression of the Ammonites. Before engaging in battle, Jephthah attempted to negotiate peaceful passage through the territories of the Ammonites and Moabites. This event is recorded in the Book of Judges.

In Judges 11, Jephthah sends messengers to the king of the Ammonites, seeking to resolve the conflict without warfare. He recounts the history of Israel's journey from Egypt, emphasizing that Israel did not take land from Moab or Ammon. Jephthah states, "When Israel came up out of Egypt, they walked through the wilderness to the Red Sea and came to Kadesh. Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, 'Please let us pass through your land,' but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent to the king of Moab, but he refused. So Israel stayed at Kadesh" (Judges 11:16-17).

This refusal by the Moabites to grant passage is significant in the broader narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. It highlights the ongoing tension and lack of cooperation between Israel and its neighboring nations, despite their shared ancestry. The Moabites' refusal is consistent with earlier biblical accounts, such as in Numbers 20:14-21, where Edom also denied Israel passage, forcing them to take a longer route.

The Moabites' decision not to allow Jephthah's army passage can be seen as an act of self-preservation and political strategy. Allowing a foreign army to traverse their land could have posed a threat to their security and sovereignty. Additionally, the Moabites may have been wary of Israel's growing power and influence in the region.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Moabites are depicted as both a kin nation and a frequent adversary of Israel. Their interactions with Israel are marked by a complex relationship of kinship, conflict, and occasional cooperation. The refusal to grant passage to Jephthah's army is one of many instances where the Moabites assert their independence and protect their interests in the face of Israelite expansion.

This incident underscores the broader theme of Israel's reliance on divine guidance and intervention in overcoming obstacles and adversaries. Despite the refusal of passage by the Moabites and others, God continued to lead and deliver Israel, fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs.

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Judges 11:17,18
Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray you, pass through your land: but the king of Edom would not listen thereto. And in like manner they sent to the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel stayed in Kadesh.
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