Topical Bible: Moabites: Excluded from the Congregation of Israel Forever

◄ Moabites: Excluded from the Congregation of Israel Forever ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Moabites, descendants of Moab, the son of Lot and his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37), were a people who lived in the region east of the Dead Sea. Throughout biblical history, the Moabites had a complex and often adversarial relationship with the Israelites. This entry explores the biblical basis for the exclusion of the Moabites from the congregation of Israel, as well as the historical and theological implications of this exclusion.

Biblical Basis for Exclusion

The exclusion of the Moabites from the assembly of the Lord is explicitly stated in the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 23:3-4 declares, "No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, not even in the tenth generation. For they did not meet you with bread and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram Naharaim to curse you." This passage highlights two primary reasons for their exclusion: their inhospitable treatment of the Israelites during the Exodus and their attempt to curse Israel through the prophet Balaam.

Historical Context

The Moabites' inhospitable actions are recorded in Numbers 22-24, where Balak, the king of Moab, sought to curse the Israelites by hiring Balaam. Despite Balak's intentions, God intervened, and Balaam ended up blessing Israel instead. This incident exemplifies the Moabites' opposition to God's chosen people and their failure to recognize the divine protection over Israel.

The Moabites' exclusion is further emphasized in Nehemiah 13:1-2 , which recounts the reading of the Law to the people of Israel: "On that day the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and there it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, because they had not met the Israelites with food and water but had hired Balaam to call a curse down on them. Yet our God turned the curse into a blessing."

Theological Implications

The exclusion of the Moabites from the congregation of Israel serves as a reminder of the holiness and separateness required of God's people. The Moabites' actions represented a direct challenge to God's covenant with Israel, and their exclusion underscores the seriousness of opposing God's purposes. This exclusion also highlights the importance of hospitality and support for God's people, as the Moabites' failure in this regard led to their lasting exclusion.

Despite this exclusion, the Bible also presents instances of God's grace and redemption. The account of Ruth, a Moabitess who became the great-grandmother of King David, illustrates that individual faith and loyalty to the God of Israel can transcend national and ethnic boundaries. Ruth's inclusion in the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5) demonstrates God's ability to incorporate those who seek Him earnestly, regardless of their background.

Conclusion

The Moabites' exclusion from the congregation of Israel is a significant aspect of biblical history, reflecting the consequences of opposing God's people and purposes. While the Moabites as a nation were excluded, individual Moabites like Ruth show that God's grace and redemption are available to all who turn to Him in faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 23:3,4
An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 13:1,2
On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;
Torrey's Topical Textbook