The Moabites, descendants of Moab, the son of Lot and his eldest daughter (Genesis 19:37), were a significant people group in the ancient Near East. Their territory was located east of the Dead Sea, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Moabites are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of their interactions and conflicts with the Israelites.

Geographical and Historical Context

The land of Moab was characterized by its fertile plains and strategic location, which contributed to the prosperity and strength of the Moabite cities. The region was bounded by the Arnon River to the north and the Zered River to the south. The Moabites were known for their agricultural productivity, which was supported by the region's favorable climate and terrain.

Cities of Moab

The Moabites possessed many significant cities, which are mentioned throughout the biblical narrative. These cities were centers of political power, commerce, and religious activity. Some of the notable cities include:

1. Ar: Often referred to as the capital of Moab, Ar is mentioned in Numbers 21:28 and Deuteronomy 2:9. It was a central hub for the Moabites and played a crucial role in their defense and administration.

2. Dibon: This city is frequently mentioned in the Bible, including in Numbers 21:30 and Isaiah 15:2. Dibon was an important city for the Moabites, known for its strategic location and as a center for worship.

3. Kir-hareseth (Kir of Moab): Mentioned in Isaiah 16:7 and 2 Kings 3:25, Kir-hareseth was a fortified city that served as a stronghold for the Moabites. It was renowned for its defensive capabilities and was a key city during times of conflict.

4. Medeba: Located on the plateau east of the Jordan River, Medeba is mentioned in Numbers 21:30 and Joshua 13:9. It was a significant city in the Moabite kingdom, known for its strategic importance and as a site of various battles.

5. Heshbon: Although originally an Amorite city, Heshbon became a Moabite city and is mentioned in Isaiah 15:4 and Jeremiah 48:2. It was a major city in the region, known for its influence and as a center of trade and military activity.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Moabites were known for their distinct culture and religious practices, which often brought them into conflict with the Israelites. They worshiped Chemosh, their chief deity, and engaged in practices that were considered abominable by the Israelites (1 Kings 11:7). The Moabites' religious practices and their influence on neighboring peoples are evident in the biblical narrative, particularly in the accounts of intermarriage and idolatry (Numbers 25:1-3).

Interactions with Israel

The relationship between the Moabites and the Israelites was complex, marked by periods of both conflict and cooperation. The Moabites are first mentioned in the context of Israel's journey to the Promised Land, where they refused passage to the Israelites (Judges 11:17). Despite this, there were times of peace and intermarriage, as seen in the account of Ruth, a Moabite woman who became an ancestor of King David (Ruth 1:4, 4:13-17).

The Moabites' possession of many and great cities contributed to their strength and influence in the region. Their interactions with Israel, both hostile and peaceful, are a testament to their significant role in the biblical narrative and the history of the ancient Near East.Numbers 21:28,30
For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it has consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 15:1-4
The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 48:21-24
And judgment is come on the plain country; on Holon, and on Jahazah, and on Mephaath,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Jehoshaphat Made An Expedition Against The Moabites; As Also ... To Deliver Up The
Fortresses Whereof He Was Possessed. ... And After They Had Fought Many Battles, At ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Saul's Expedition against the Nation of the Ammonites and victory ...
... that their posterity multiplied there to many ten thousands ... overcome the Ammonites
and the Moabites, and last ... What madness therefore possessed you to fly from ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 sauls expedition against.htm

2 Cor. xi. 21
... since both the Ammonites and Moabites were Hebrews ... And indeed he possessed clear
proofs of his superiority ... great concerns, and with so many spitefully entreating ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxv 2 cor xi.htm

The Israelites
... a home in Arabia, Edom had possessed itself of ... as it were, in the desert for many
long years ... Moabites and Midianites, Ammonites and Bedawin, even the king of ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... of the Amorites, whom they defeated, and possessed his land ... idolatrous and impure
festivals of the Moabites (Num.25 ... There were far too many of the Israelites to ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... is every probability that they possessed the plain east ... him: he immediately convoked
his great vassals, Amraphel ... Tradition has invested many of the tribes then ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

V. ...
... and had come into the land of the Moabites, king Balak ... of the devil, by which he
draws so many souls to ... now ye have become fools, and are possessed by avarice ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v 2.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... that he said, Sodom and her daughters shall be possessed as of ... 1112] The Moabites
ruled over ... The Churches were overthrown and uprooted, and many confessors and ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... and Chemosh, the abomination of the Moabites, and Milcom ... False religion has ever
been possessed of a persecuting ... Many passages in this books show us that the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Corinthians, [592]386; were Jews, [593]271; possessed power of ... a godly mind,
[634]283; how great an evil ... Forgiveness, possible to all, many ways of attaining ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

What was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Chemosh? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Ammonites? | GotQuestions.org

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