The Moabites, descendants of Lot through his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37), were a people often in conflict with the Israelites throughout biblical history. The land of Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a region of significant interaction and tension between the Moabites and the Israelites. The Moabites are frequently mentioned in the context of divine judgment and possession, as seen in various biblical passages.

Divine Judgment and Possession

The Moabites, due to their idolatry and opposition to Israel, were subject to divine judgment. In the prophetic literature, the Moabites are often depicted as being given over to other nations as a possession. This theme is particularly evident in the writings of the prophets, where God's sovereignty over the nations is emphasized.

In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet declares God's judgment against Moab: "Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will send to him those who tip vessels, and they will tip him over; they will empty his vessels and shatter his jars" (Jeremiah 48:12). This imagery of being tipped over and shattered signifies the complete subjugation and possession of Moab by foreign powers as a result of divine decree.

Historical Context

Historically, the Moabites were often subjugated by surrounding nations, including Israel. During the reign of King David, the Moabites were defeated and became subject to Israelite control. "He also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to David and brought him tribute" (2 Samuel 8:2). This subjugation is a fulfillment of the divine judgment pronounced upon them, illustrating the theme of being given as a possession.

Prophetic Fulfillment

The prophetic literature further elaborates on the fate of Moab. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet speaks of Moab's downfall and the transfer of their land to others: "The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus; the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites, declares the LORD of Hosts" (Isaiah 17:3). Although this passage primarily addresses Aram and Ephraim, it reflects the broader theme of divine retribution and the redistribution of lands, including Moab.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the giving of the Moabites as a possession underscores the biblical theme of God's justice and sovereignty. The Moabites' fate serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and opposition to God's chosen people. It also highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding the possession of lands and the subjugation of their enemies.

Conclusion

The Moabites' history as a people given to others as a possession is a testament to the biblical narrative of divine judgment and sovereignty. Through prophetic declarations and historical events, the Moabites' fate is intricately woven into the larger account of God's dealings with the nations surrounding Israel.Deuteronomy 2:9
And the LORD said to me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give you of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar to the children of Lot for a possession.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Concerning Jehoshaphat Again; How He Constituted Judges And,
... 2. About the same time the Moabites and Ammonites made an expedition against ... are
come to take from us that land which thou hast given us for a possession. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 concerning jehoshaphat again.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... Hebrews, he transferred the war to the Moabites; and when he ... which his grandfather
Saul was in possession of, and ... on account of his words and gifts given to him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was.
... 2. When Balak, the king of the Moabites, who had ... but were to be contented with the
possession of the ... against the Israelites; and when he had given them that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning balaam the.htm

The History of Solomon
... confirmed, obeyed and peaceable in his possession, and according ... hear his wisdom
that God had given to him. ... Moloch, idols of Zidonia, of Moabites, and Ammonites ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... O people of Chemosh: [Chemosh] hath given his sons ... to the settlement of the Ammonites
and Moabites in the ... Once in possession of the fastnesses of Seir, the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Give us Today Our Needful Bread
... ranked with immaterial things which are in possession of permanent ... as it were tomorrow
would be given us today ... passages: He is father of the Moabites until today ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter xvii give us today.htm

Joshua's Conquest.
... the east and southeast, the Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites ... permanent home, they
have been given a place ... this storm the Canaanites still held possession of the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death ...
... beholding the glory and attendance given to Solomon ... his people over the Ammonites,
Moabites, and inhabitants of ... kingdom.] Behold our birth-right and possession. ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/3 meditations of the blessed.htm

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
... be a possession, and Seir shall be a possession"his enemies ... still existed as a nation,
not as Moabites, but as ... means by which those who were given to idolatry ...
/.../christology of the old testament/balaams prophecy numb xxiv 17-19.htm

The Foundations of Good Citizenship.
... their heathen neighbors, such as the Egyptians and the Moabites. ... and the consequent
care and attention given by the ... the sale or even the possession of poisons ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study x the foundations of.htm

What is significance of Mount Seir? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Lot in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of high places in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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