Topical Encyclopedia Pride is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative concerning the nation of Moab. Moab, a nation descended from Lot through his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37), is frequently depicted in the Scriptures as a people characterized by arrogance and self-exaltation. This pride ultimately leads to their downfall, as prophesied by various prophets in the Old Testament.Historical Context Moab was located east of the Dead Sea and was often in conflict with Israel. Despite their shared ancestry, the Moabites and Israelites had a tumultuous relationship, marked by periods of hostility and subjugation. The Moabites were known for their worship of Chemosh, a deity to whom they offered sacrifices, including human sacrifices (2 Kings 3:27). Biblical References 1. Isaiah's Prophecy Against Moab: The prophet Isaiah speaks extensively about Moab's pride. In Isaiah 16:6, it is written, "We have heard of Moab’s pride, his exceeding pride and conceit, his overflowing arrogance. But his boasting is empty." This passage highlights the excessive pride of Moab, which is not only recognized by their neighbors but also condemned by God. 2. Jeremiah's Lamentation: Jeremiah also addresses Moab's pride, foretelling their destruction due to their arrogance. In Jeremiah 48:29-30, the prophet declares, "We have heard of Moab’s pride, his exceeding pride and conceit, his haughtiness and arrogance. I know his insolence, declares the LORD, but it is futile. His boasting is as empty as his deeds." Here, the futility of Moab's pride is emphasized, as it leads to no lasting achievement or security. 3. Ezekiel's Judgment: The prophet Ezekiel also pronounces judgment on Moab, linking their pride to their downfall. In Ezekiel 25:8-11, Moab is condemned for mocking the house of Judah, and God promises to execute judgments upon them, demonstrating that their pride will not protect them from divine retribution. 4. Zephaniah's Warning: Zephaniah 2:8-10 further illustrates the consequences of Moab's pride. The prophet writes, "I have heard the reproach of Moab and the insults of the Ammonites, who have taunted My people and threatened their borders. Therefore, as surely as I live, declares the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, Moab will become like Sodom, and the Ammonites like Gomorrah—a place of weeds and salt pits, a perpetual wasteland. The remnant of My people will plunder them; the remainder of My nation will possess them. This they shall have in return for their pride, for taunting and mocking the people of the LORD of Hosts." Theological Implications The pride of Moab serves as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative. It illustrates the dangers of self-reliance and arrogance, particularly when set against the sovereignty of God. The Moabites' pride is not merely a personal failing but a national characteristic that leads to their judgment and destruction. The biblical portrayal of Moab underscores the principle that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). Conclusion The account of Moab's pride is a powerful reminder of the biblical theme that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Moab's downfall, as prophesied by Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Zephaniah, serves as a testament to the inevitable consequences of pride and the importance of humility before God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 16:6We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Moab is My Washpot Pride of Prosperity Whether Boasting is Opposed to the virtue of Truth? The Eternal Name Antichrist in Isaiah Isaiah The Doom of the Antichrist A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ... The Ark among the Flags Psalm LXXXIII. Resources What does the Bible say about hubris? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is pride a sin? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to humble yourself? | GotQuestions.org Pride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pride is Followed by Debasement Pride is Followed by Destruction Pride: A Characteristic: False Teachers Pride: A Characteristic: The Devil Pride: A Characteristic: The Wicked Pride: A Characteristic: The World Pride: A Hindrance to Improvement Pride: A Hindrance to Seeking God Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: Hezekiah, in Displaying his Resources Pride: Leads Men to a Persecuting Spirit Pride: Leads Men to Contempt and Rejection of God's Word and Ministers Pride: Leads Men to Contention Pride: Leads Men to Self-Deception Pride: Naaman, Refusing to Wash in the Jordan River Pride: Often Originates in Inexperience Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Power Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Wealth Pride: Often Originates in Religious Privileges Pride: Often Originates in Self-Righteousness Pride: Often Originates in Unsanctified Knowledge Pride: Saints: Hate, in Others Pride: Saints: Mourn Over, in Others Pride: Saints: Respect Not, in Others Pride: Shall Abound in the Last Days Pride: The Wicked Encompassed With Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Abased Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Into Contempt Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Low Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Marred Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Punished Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Recompensed Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Resisted Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Scattered Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Subdued Related Terms |
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