The Plain of Moab is a significant geographical and historical location mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. It is situated east of the Jordan River, opposite the city of Jericho, and is part of the ancient territory of Moab. This area holds considerable importance in biblical narratives, particularly in the context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land.

Geographical Context

The Plain of Moab is located in the modern-day country of Jordan, encompassing the region north of the Arnon River and extending to the vicinity of the Dead Sea. The terrain is characterized by its flat expanses, which provided a suitable encampment area for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings.

Biblical Significance

1. Encampment of the Israelites: The Plain of Moab is most notably recognized as the final encampment site of the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. In Numbers 22:1 , it is recorded, "Then the Israelites traveled on and camped in the plains of Moab across from the Jordan, opposite Jericho." This location served as a staging ground for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the land promised to them by God.

2. The Prophecies of Balaam: The narrative of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, unfolds in the Plain of Moab. Balak, the king of Moab, summoned Balaam to curse the Israelites. However, God intervened, and Balaam ended up blessing Israel instead. This account is detailed in Numbers 22-24, highlighting God's sovereignty and protection over His people.

3. Moses' Final Acts and Death: The Plain of Moab is also the setting for Moses' final acts as the leader of Israel. In Deuteronomy, Moses delivers his farewell speeches, reiterating the Law and covenant to the Israelites. It is here that Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, as recorded in Deuteronomy 34:1 : "Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land." Moses' death and burial occur in this region, marking the end of an era for the Israelites.

4. The Covenant Renewal: The Plain of Moab is the site where the covenant is renewed with the new generation of Israelites. In Deuteronomy 29:1 , it states, "These are the words of the covenant that the LORD commanded Moses to make with the Israelites in the land of Moab, in addition to the covenant He had made with them at Horeb." This renewal underscores the continuity of God's promises and the importance of obedience to His commandments.

Cultural and Theological Insights

The events that transpired in the Plain of Moab are pivotal in understanding the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua and the preparation of the Israelites to inherit the land of Canaan. The narratives emphasize themes of faithfulness, divine providence, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The Plain of Moab serves as a backdrop for God's continued guidance and the unfolding of His redemptive plan for His chosen people.Plain of Moab

PLAIN OF MOAB

In Deuteronomy 1:1; Deuteronomy 2:8, "plain" is translated in the Revised Version (British and American) "Arabah," and explained, "the deep valley running North and South of the Dead Sea." It was here that Moses delivered his last addresses. Ususally the word is plural (`arebhoth), the "plains" or steppes of Moab (Numbers 22:1, etc.; Deuteronomy 34:1, 8). An interesting description is given in an article on "The Steppes of Moab" by Professor G. B. Gray in The Expositor, January, 1905.

See MOAB.

The Last Words of Moses
... The Israelites wept for Moses on the plain of Moab thirty days, and then
the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the last words of moses.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... When the Israelites encamped in "the plain of Moab," Balak, the Moabite king, sent
in terror to Balaam, the seer of Pethor. He had indeed cause for alarm. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

How Vespasian Upon Hearing of Some Commotions in Gall, Made Haste ...
... Mountain, that runs in length as far as Moab. Now the region that lies in the middle
between these ridges of mountains is called the Great Plain; it reaches ...
/.../chapter 8 how vespasian upon.htm

The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
... mountain, reaching out as far as the land of Moab. But the country which lies between
these two mountainous places, is called the Great Plain, extended from ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 46 the country of.htm

"On Conscience"
... An octavo volume of several hundred pages, upon so plain a subject, was likely ... The
persons speaking are Balak the King of Moab; and Balaam, then under divine ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 105 on conscience.htm

Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ...
... he was restrained, first from going to the king of Moab, and after ... Yet you see his
behaviour: he seeks indulgences for plain wickedness, which not being able ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon vii upon the character.htm

A Description Op Galilee, Samaria, and Judea.
... have already said, as well as its Western with Jordan; the land of Moab is its ... Judea
and Galilee; it begins at a village that is in the great plain called Ginea ...
/.../chapter 3 a description op.htm

A Death in the Desert
... in emeralds, and on some spur of the lower hill bounding the plain, the little ... to
die, as my text puts it, with such pathetic emphasis, 'there in Moab,' and to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a death in the desert.htm

Letter ccxxxvi. To the Same Amphilochius.
... throne of David and ruling in Judah," [2991] the matter is plain and clear ... the term
"throne." You remember the history, how all Jud??a, Idum??a, Moab, both the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxxxvi to the same.htm

Ahaz
... "O My people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and ... thousands of rams,
or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?" The answer is plain and positive ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 27 ahaz.htm

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