Topical Encyclopedia The Moabites, descendants of Lot through his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37), were a significant people group east of the Dead Sea. Throughout biblical history, they often found themselves in conflict with the Israelites. The relationship between Israel and Moab was complex, marked by both kinship and enmity.Historical Context The Moabites occupied a region known for its rich pasturelands and strategic location. Their capital was Dibon, and they worshiped the god Chemosh. The Moabites frequently clashed with Israel, particularly during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Their interactions with Israel were characterized by both hostility and periods of subjugation. Conflict with Saul The first king of Israel, Saul, played a pivotal role in subduing the Moabites. Saul's reign was marked by numerous military campaigns aimed at securing Israel's borders and establishing dominance over neighboring nations. The Moabites, along with other groups such as the Ammonites and Edomites, were targets of Saul's military efforts. 1 Samuel 14:47 states, "After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side: against Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them." This passage highlights Saul's aggressive military strategy and his success in subduing the Moabites, among others. Significance of Saul's Campaigns Saul's campaigns against the Moabites were significant for several reasons. Firstly, they demonstrated his commitment to securing Israel's borders and protecting the fledgling nation from external threats. Secondly, these campaigns were part of a broader divine mandate to establish Israel as a dominant force in the region, fulfilling God's promises to the patriarchs. The subjugation of the Moabites under Saul's leadership also set the stage for future interactions between Israel and Moab. While Saul's victories brought temporary peace, the Moabites would later reemerge as adversaries during the reigns of subsequent kings, including David and Solomon. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, Saul's victories over the Moabites can be seen as part of God's providential plan for Israel. The subjugation of hostile nations was often viewed as a fulfillment of God's promises to protect and prosper His chosen people. Saul's success against the Moabites underscored the importance of obedience to God's commands and reliance on His guidance in military endeavors. The Moabites' continued presence and periodic resurgence in biblical narratives serve as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by Israel in maintaining faithfulness to God amidst external pressures. Saul's campaigns against Moab were a testament to the ongoing struggle between the forces of God's covenant people and the surrounding nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 14:47So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and wherever he turned himself, he vexed them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Chemosh? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Ammonites? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Moabites are a Snare to the Israelites Moabites are Given To, As a Possession Moabites with Midian Send for Balaam to Curse Israel Moabites: Alarmed at the Number of Israel Moabites: Always Hostile to Israel Moabites: Benaiah Slew Two Champions of Moabites: Called the People of Chemosh Moabites: Called: Children of Lot Moabites: Called: People of Chemosh Moabites: Calls for Balaam to Curse Israel Moabites: Conquered by Israel and Judah Moabites: David Takes Refuge Among, from Saul Moabites: Deprived of a Large Part of Their Territories by the Amorites Moabites: Descendants of Lot Through his Son Moab Moabites: Excluded from the Congregation of Israel Forever Moabites: Expelled the Ancient Emims Moabites: Gave an Asylum to David's Family Moabites: Harassed and Subdued by Saul Moabites: Israel and Judah Joined Against Moabites: Israelites had War With Moabites: Israelites: Enticed to Idolatry By Moabites: Israelites: Forbidden to Make Leagues With Moabites: Israelites: Forbidden to Spoil Moabites: Israelites: Sometimes Intermarried With Moabites: Joined Babylon Against Judah Moabites: King of, Sacrificed his Son to Excite Animosity Against Moabites: Land of, not Given to the Israelites As a Possession Moabites: Made Tributary to David Moabites: Miraculously Deceived by the Colour of the Water Moabites: Paid Tribute of Sheep and Wool to the King of Israel Moabites: Possessed Many and Great Cities Moabites: Prophecies Concerning Judgments Upon Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: Desolation and Grief Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: Inability to Avert Destruction Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: Restoration from Captivity Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: Subjugation to Israel Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: Subjugation to Messiah Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: Terror on Account of Israel Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: Their Desolation As a Punishment for Their Hatred of Israel Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: To be Captives in Babylon Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: To Destroyed in Three Years Moabites: Prosperous and at Ease Moabites: Refuse Passage of Jephthah's Army Through Their Territory Moabites: Refused to Let Israel Pass Moabites: Revolted from Israel After the Death of Ahab Moabites: Separated from the Amorites by the River Arnon Moabites: The People of Israel Commanded not to Distress the Moabites Moabites: The Territory East of the Jordan River, Bounded on the North by the Arnon River Related Terms |
    |