Moab

Lore & Background

Moab first appears as the son of Lot's elder daughter, who named him Moab, and he became the father of the Moabite people (Genesis 19:37). The land of Moab is defined by the Arnon River as its border with the Amorites (Numbers 21:13, Numbers 21:15). The Amorite king Sihon conquered much of Moab, taking Heshbon and territory up to Arnon (Numbers 21:26), and a prophecy declared woe to Moab and its god Chemosh for being defeated by Sihon (Numbers 21:28-29). When Israel approached, Moab's king Balak, son of Zippor, feared the multitude of Israelites and allied with Midian to hire the prophet Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22:3-4, Numbers 22:7). Balaam, however, only blessed Israel, and prophesied that a star and scepter from Jacob would smite Moab (Numbers 24:17). Later, Israel camped in the plains of Moab (Numbers 22:1, Numbers 26:3) and fell into sin with Moabite women at Shittim (Numbers 25:1).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Moab as a nation with a clear origin (Genesis 19:37) and defined geography, bordered by the Arnon River and wilderness (Numbers 21:11, Numbers 21:13). Moab is shown as militarily vulnerable, having lost territory to the Amorite king Sihon (Numbers 21:26) and later fearing Israel's advance (Numbers 22:3). The Moabite king Balak actively sought to oppose Israel through divination and the prophet Balaam (Numbers 22:4-7, Numbers 22:10), but divine intervention turned intended curses into blessings (Numbers 23:7, Numbers 24:17). Moab is also associated with the god Chemosh (Numbers 21:29) and with moral corruption, as Israelite men engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite women (Numbers 25:1). The land served as a staging area for Israel before entering Canaan (Numbers 22:1, Numbers 26:3). Overall, Moab is depicted as a neighboring people often in conflict with Israel, subject to divine judgment and prophecy.

Did You Know?

• Moab's founder was named by his mother, Lot's firstborn daughter (Genesis 19:37).
• The Arnon River served as the border between Moab and the Amorites (Numbers 21:13).
• Balak, king of Moab, hired Balaam to curse Israel but received only blessings (Numbers 22:4-10, Numbers 23:7).
• A prophecy declared that a star and scepter from Jacob would smite Moab (Numbers 24:17).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Moab was an ancient Levantine kingdom whose territory is today located in southern Jordan. The land is mountainous and lies alongside much of the eastern shore of the Dead Sea." — Moab "Like the heart of a woman in birth pangs." — Moab "Because he exalted himself against the Lord." — Moab "And he who gets out of the pit shall be caught in the snare." — Moab