The Moabites, descendants of Moab, the son of Lot and his eldest daughter (Genesis 19:37), were a people often in conflict with the Israelites. Despite their frequent hostilities, there is a notable instance in the biblical narrative where the Moabites provided refuge to the family of David, the future king of Israel.

During the turbulent period when David was fleeing from King Saul, he sought a safe haven for his family. The biblical account in 1 Samuel 22:3-4 records this event: "From there David went to Mizpeh of Moab and said to the king of Moab, 'Please let my father and mother stay with you until I know what God will do for me.' So he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him as long as David was in the stronghold."

This act of asylum is significant, considering the historical enmity between Israel and Moab. The Moabites had previously been a source of temptation and conflict for the Israelites, as seen in the incident at Baal Peor (Numbers 25:1-3) and the hiring of Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22-24). Despite these tensions, the Moabite king's willingness to protect David's family highlights a moment of diplomacy and mutual respect.

The relationship between David and the Moabites may have been influenced by David's own lineage. David's great-grandmother, Ruth, was a Moabitess who had shown great loyalty to her Israelite family (Ruth 1:16-17). This familial connection could have played a role in the Moabite king's decision to offer refuge.

The Moabites' provision of asylum to David's family is a reminder of the complex and multifaceted relationships between the nations surrounding Israel. It underscores the potential for peace and cooperation even amidst longstanding hostilities. This episode also illustrates God's providential care for David, ensuring the safety of his family during a critical period in his life.

While the Moabites would later return to their adversarial stance against Israel, this moment of sanctuary remains a unique and noteworthy episode in the biblical narrative, reflecting the intricate tapestry of human relationships and divine intervention in the history of Israel.1 Samuel 22:4
And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelled with him all the while that David was in the hold.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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