Topical Encyclopedia The Moabites were a people descended from Moab, the son of Lot and his elder daughter, as recorded in Genesis 19:37. Throughout biblical history, the Moabites had a complex and often adversarial relationship with the Israelites. One significant episode involving the Moabites is the alliance between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah against them.Historical Context The Moabites occupied a region east of the Dead Sea, in what is now modern-day Jordan. Their land was fertile and strategically located, making them both a valuable ally and a formidable enemy. The Moabites are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often in the context of conflict with Israel. The Alliance Against Moab The alliance between Israel and Judah against Moab is notably recorded in 2 Kings 3. During the reign of King Jehoram of Israel, the Moabites, under King Mesha, rebelled against Israelite control. This rebellion followed the death of Ahab, Jehoram's father, who had maintained Moab as a vassal state. Jehoram sought the assistance of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, to quell the Moabite uprising. Jehoshaphat agreed to join forces with Jehoram, and they also enlisted the support of the king of Edom. The three kings marched their armies through the wilderness of Edom to confront Moab. Divine Intervention and Victory The campaign against Moab is marked by divine intervention. As the allied forces found themselves without water in the desert, Jehoshaphat sought the counsel of the prophet Elisha. Elisha, despite his initial reluctance due to Jehoram's idolatry, agreed to seek the Lord's guidance because of Jehoshaphat's presence. Elisha prophesied that the valley would be filled with water without rain or wind, and that the Lord would deliver Moab into their hands. As recorded in 2 Kings 3:17-18 , Elisha declared, "For the LORD says, 'You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you and your cattle and your animals will drink.' This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; He will also deliver Moab into your hands." The next morning, water miraculously filled the valley, providing for the needs of the allied armies. When the Moabites saw the water, which appeared red like blood, they mistakenly assumed that the allied kings had turned against each other. They rushed to the Israelite camp, expecting an easy victory, but were instead met with a prepared and united force. The Israelites, along with their allies, defeated the Moabites, destroying their cities and lands as they advanced. The campaign culminated in the siege of Kir-hareseth, where King Mesha, in a desperate act, sacrificed his firstborn son on the city wall. This act of desperation led to a great wrath against Israel, and the allied forces withdrew. Theological Significance The alliance against Moab highlights several theological themes. It underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of crisis, as exemplified by Jehoshaphat's reliance on Elisha. The episode also illustrates God's sovereignty and power to deliver His people, even when circumstances seem dire. The miraculous provision of water and the subsequent victory serve as a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Furthermore, the narrative reflects the complex interplay of political alliances and divine will in the history of Israel and Judah. Despite Jehoram's idolatry, God's intervention on behalf of the allied forces demonstrates His commitment to His people and His purposes. Conclusion The alliance between Israel and Judah against the Moabites is a significant event in biblical history, showcasing the dynamics of inter-kingdom relations and the overarching providence of God. The account in 2 Kings 3 serves as a reminder of the power of faith, the necessity of seeking God's guidance, and the ultimate triumph of His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 3:6,7And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Reformation Concerning Jehoshaphat Again; How He Constituted Judges And, CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. ) And ii. The Antiquities of the Jews The Prophet Joel. Book 9 Footnotes The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Moab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ehud? | 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 |
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