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 now modern-day Jordan. Throughout biblical history, the Moabites had a complex and often adversarial relationship with the Israelites.

Historical Context and Relations with Israel

The Moabites are first mentioned in the context of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. In Numbers 22-24, Balak, the king of Moab, sought to curse the Israelites through the prophet Balaam, fearing their numbers and strength. However, God intervened, and Balaam ended up blessing Israel instead.

Despite this initial hostility, the Moabites and Israelites had periods of interaction, including intermarriage, which was often discouraged due to the Moabites' idolatrous practices. The Book of Ruth provides a notable exception, where Ruth, a Moabitess, becomes an ancestor of King David, highlighting God's grace and the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant people.

Conquest and Subjugation

The Moabites were subject to Israelite control during the reign of King David. In 2 Samuel 8:2, David defeated the Moabites and made them his subjects, imposing tribute upon them. The text states, "He also defeated the Moabites and measured them with a line, making them lie down on the ground. He measured two lengths of line to put to death, and a full length to keep alive. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute."

The subjugation of Moab continued under subsequent Israelite and Judean kings. However, the Moabites regained independence during periods of Israelite weakness. In 2 Kings 1:1, we read, "After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel."

The Moabite Stone and Further Conflicts

The Moabite Stone, also known as the Mesha Stele, provides an extrabiblical account of Moab's rebellion against Israel. King Mesha of Moab claims to have thrown off the yoke of Israelite domination, an event also mentioned in 2 Kings 3. In this chapter, the Moabites are again at war with Israel, Judah, and Edom. The coalition initially succeeds, but the campaign ends inconclusively after Mesha offers his son as a sacrifice, causing great indignation among the Israelites.

Later History and Prophetic Oracles

The prophets frequently spoke against Moab, foretelling its downfall due to its pride and idolatry. Isaiah 15-16 and Jeremiah 48 contain oracles against Moab, predicting devastation and exile. These prophecies underscore the Moabites' continued enmity with Israel and their eventual judgment by God.

Despite their frequent opposition to Israel, the Moabites serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use even Israel's enemies to fulfill His purposes. The complex history between Israel and Moab illustrates the broader biblical themes of judgment, redemption, and the unfolding of God's plan for His people.2 Kings 3:24-26
And when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them: but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in their country.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... of the other kings whom Shishak conquered and dragged ... King of Israel, against the
Moabites, with Jehoshaphat's ... to relieve the thirsty hosts of Israel and Judah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... The names of the conquered cities are inscribed on ... The allied kings of Israel, Judah,
and Edom marched with their armies against the Moabites, who fled ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

The Reign of David.
... He not only defended Israel but subdued other nations. ... the subduing of the Philistines
and capture of Jebus, already mentioned, he conquered the Moabites. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... Jordan were those that had first been conquered; it was ... It had been better for the
Moabites, however, had ... Israelitish hands, and the King of Israel, in spite ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Israelites
... Moabites and Midianites, Ammonites and Bedawin, even the king ... them out of Judah and
Israel, but in ... The Philistine cities were conquered, and soldiers from Gath ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... same passage, is supposed to be conquered; concerning the ... 3. viz., the vengeance
which the Moabites took for ... sinful kingdom, whether its name be Israel or Judah ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

And ii.
... Moab, far and near." It may be that Bozrah was conquered by the Edomites and Moabites
in common ... and 1 Kings 5:5 (iv.25): "And Judah and Israel dwelt safely ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Made An Expedition Against The Moabites; As Also ... Against The Edomites And Amalekites
And Conquered Them; But ... Concerning Jeroboam King Of Israel And Jonah The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... [1112] The Moabites ruled over ... take up the child, and go into the land of Israel,
for they ... Moses conquered Amalek by the spreading out of his hands; and Jesus ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the East, sheikhs of the Midianites, Moabites, and Ammonites ... them all the territory
they had conquered.* One passage ... throughout all the land of Israel: for the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.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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