Moab
“From father”
Summary
Moab was both the son of Lot by his elder daughter and the nation descended from him, which occupied the high tableland east of the Dead Sea and maintained a complex relationship with Israel throughout biblical history.
☩Origin and Territory
Moab was born to Lot's elder daughter near Zoar after the destruction of Sodom, the name meaning 'from father,' acknowledging the incestuous origin. The Moabites first inhabited the rich highlands east of the Dead Sea, extending north to Gilead, from which they expelled the original giant inhabitants called Emim. Their territory was approximately fifty miles long and thirty miles wide, averaging 3,000 feet above the Mediterranean and 4,300 feet above the Dead Sea. The Arnon River, with its deep gorge, became their northern boundary after the Amorites under Sihon conquered their northern territory.
☩Encounter with Israel
When Israel approached Canaan, God commanded them not to distress Moab because He had given Ar to Lot's descendants. Though Israel passed around Moab's territory, King Balak hired Balaam to curse them, resulting instead in prophecies of blessing on Israel and future judgment on Moab. The Moabite women later seduced Israel into idolatry and immorality at Baal-peor, leading to divine judgment and the permanent exclusion of Moabites from the assembly to the tenth generation.
☩Relations During the Monarchy
Despite the general enmity, periods of peaceful interaction occurred, as illustrated by Ruth's story. David, who had Moabite ancestry through Ruth, initially found refuge in Moab and entrusted his parents to the Moabite king. Later, David completely subjugated Moab, executing two-thirds of the population and making the rest tributaries. After Solomon's death, Moab fell under Israel's dominion, paying enormous annual tribute of 100,000 lambs and 100,000 rams with wool until Mesha's revolt after Ahab's death.
☩Religion and Culture
The chief deity of Moab was Chemosh, to whom King Mesha offered his own son as a burnt sacrifice during Israel's siege of Kir-hareseth. Their worship was corrupt and licentious, associated with Baal worship at various high places. The Moabites were more settled and civilized than their Ammonite kinsmen, excelling in agriculture, vineyards, and pastoral wealth. The famous Moabite Stone, discovered in 1868, provides invaluable historical confirmation of biblical accounts and demonstrates that Moabite language was virtually identical to Hebrew.
☩Prophetic Judgment
Multiple prophets pronounced judgment on Moab for its pride, contempt of Israel, and idolatry. Isaiah's burden against Moab predicted devastation within three years. Jeremiah devoted an entire chapter to Moab's coming destruction, cataloging the cities that would fall. These prophecies have been remarkably fulfilled in the desolation that characterizes the region today, with its ancient cities lying in ruins.
Related Verses159 mentions
References
- 1.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Moab," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Moab," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Moab; Moabites," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).