Topical Encyclopedia The Mo'abites were an ancient people who inhabited the region of Moab, located east of the Dead Sea in present-day Jordan. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament and are known for their complex and often adversarial relationship with the Israelites.Origin and Ancestry The Mo'abites trace their lineage to Moab, the son of Lot, Abraham's nephew, through an incestuous relationship with his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37). This origin account is significant as it sets the stage for the Mo'abites' complicated relationship with the Israelites, who are descendants of Abraham. Geography Moab was a fertile region, known for its rich pastures and agricultural productivity. The territory of Moab was bounded by the Arnon River to the north and the Zered River to the south. The land was characterized by its high plateau and was strategically located along the King's Highway, a major trade route. Relations with Israel The Mo'abites had a tumultuous relationship with the Israelites. During the Exodus, the Israelites sought passage through Moab but were denied by King Balak, who instead hired Balaam to curse them (Numbers 22-24). However, God intervened, and Balaam ended up blessing Israel instead. The Mo'abites were also involved in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor, which resulted in a severe plague among the Israelites (Numbers 25:1-9). This incident further strained relations between the two peoples. Military Conflicts Throughout the biblical narrative, the Mo'abites frequently clashed with Israel. During the period of the Judges, Eglon, the king of Moab, oppressed Israel for eighteen years until he was assassinated by Ehud, a judge of Israel (Judges 3:12-30). Later, during the reign of King Saul, the Mo'abites were among the nations that fought against Israel (1 Samuel 14:47). King David, however, had a more complex relationship with Moab. Initially, he found refuge for his parents in Moab while fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 22:3-4). Yet, later in his reign, David defeated the Mo'abites and made them his subjects (2 Samuel 8:2). Cultural and Religious Practices The Mo'abites worshiped Chemosh as their chief deity, and their religious practices often included child sacrifice and other rites detestable to the Israelites (2 Kings 3:27). The Mo'abite Stone, an ancient inscription, provides additional insight into their language and religious practices. Notable Mo'abites One of the most notable Mo'abites in the biblical narrative is Ruth, a Mo'abite woman who became the great-grandmother of King David. Her account is a testament to faith and loyalty, as she left her homeland to follow her mother-in-law Naomi to Bethlehem, declaring, "Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16). Prophetic Pronouncements The prophets frequently pronounced judgment against Moab for their pride and hostility towards Israel. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all prophesied the downfall of Moab (Isaiah 15-16; Jeremiah 48; Ezekiel 25:8-11). These prophecies highlight the moral and spiritual failings of Moab and serve as a warning to other nations. Legacy The Mo'abites eventually faded from the historical record, but their interactions with Israel left a lasting impact on biblical history. Their account is a reminder of the complex relationships between neighboring nations in the ancient Near East and the overarching sovereignty of God in the affairs of men. Concordance Mo'abite (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 11:46 Thesaurus Mo'abite (1 Occurrence)Mo'abite. Moabite, Mo'abite. Moabites . Multi-Version Concordance Mo'abite (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:46 Eliel the Mahavite ... /m/mo'abite.htm - 6k Moabites (26 Occurrences) Moabite (13 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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