Topical Bible: Reviling and Reproaching: Moabites and Ammonites

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Moabites and Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his daughters (Genesis 19:30-38), are frequently mentioned in the Bible as adversaries of Israel. Their interactions with the Israelites are often characterized by hostility and contempt, which is reflected in the biblical narrative through instances of reviling and reproaching.

Historical Context

The Moabites and Ammonites occupied territories east of the Jordan River. The Moabites settled in the region of Moab, while the Ammonites inhabited the area of Ammon. Both groups are depicted in the Scriptures as being in frequent conflict with Israel, often due to territorial disputes and religious differences.

Reviling and Reproaching in Scripture

The Bible records several instances where the Moabites and Ammonites reviled and reproached the Israelites. One notable example is found in the book of Judges, where the Ammonites oppressed Israel for eighteen years. The Israelites cried out to the LORD, acknowledging their sin of idolatry and seeking deliverance from their oppressors (Judges 10:6-16).

In the prophetic literature, the Moabites and Ammonites are often condemned for their pride and mockery of Israel. Zephaniah 2:8-10 states, "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 inherit them. This they will have in return for their pride, for taunting and mocking the people of the LORD of Hosts."

Divine Judgment

The reviling and reproaching by the Moabites and Ammonites did not go unnoticed by God. The prophets frequently pronounced divine judgment upon these nations for their arrogance and hostility towards Israel. Isaiah 16:6 declares, "We have heard of Moab’s pride, his exceeding pride and conceit, his overflowing arrogance. But his boasting is empty."

Similarly, the book of Jeremiah contains a prophecy against Moab, highlighting the nation's downfall due to its pride and derision of Israel (Jeremiah 48:26-27): "Make him drunk, because he has magnified himself against the LORD. Moab will wallow in his vomit, and he will become a laughingstock. Was not Israel a laughingstock to you? Was he ever found among thieves, that whenever you speak of him you shake your head?"

Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of the Moabites and Ammonites serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the consequences of reviling God's chosen people. The Scriptures emphasize that God is attentive to the actions and attitudes of nations and individuals, and He will execute justice in His time.

The Moabites and Ammonites, through their actions, exemplify the broader biblical theme of the enmity between the people of God and those who oppose them. Their account underscores the importance of humility, respect for God's covenant people, and the ultimate sovereignty of God in dealing with nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zephaniah 2:8
I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.
Torrey's Topical Textbook