Moab

What is known

• Ruth, the great-grandmother of King David, was a Moabite woman who left her homeland to follow her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:4, 16-17)
• The Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone), discovered in 1868 at Dhiban (ancient Dibon), records King Mesha of Moab's rebellion against Israel and is one of the most important extrabiblical inscriptions confirming events in 2 Kings 3
• Balak, king of Moab, hired the prophet Balaam to curse Israel during the wilderness wanderings, but Balaam could only bless them (Numbers 22-24)
• Repeated conflicts between Israel/Judah and Moab are recorded across Judges, 2 Samuel, 2 Kings, and the prophetic books, with Isaiah 15-16 and Jeremiah 48 devoting extended oracles to Moab's downfall

History

Founded

Traditionally traced to Moab, son of Lot (Genesis 19:37); archaeological surveys show settled kingdom-level society emerging by the Iron Age (c. 1200-1000 BC), with a well-documented monarchy by the 9th century BC

Population

A moderately populated tableland kingdom centered on cities such as Dibon, Kir-hareseth, and Heshbon (contested with Israel/Ammon at various times)

Industry

Sheep and cattle herding on the Moabite plateau, agriculture, and control of trade routes east of the Dead Sea

Coordinates

31.2000° N, 35.7300° E

Rulers and powers

• Eglon, king of Moab (oppressed Israel, killed by Ehud) — Judges 3:12-30
• Balak, king of Moab (hired Balaam) — Numbers 22-24
• Mesha, king of Moab (rebelled against Israel; author of the Mesha Stele) — c. 9th century BC

Scripture references

• Genesis 19:37
• Numbers 22:1-6
• Numbers 25:1-3
• Judges 3:12-30 — Eglon of Moab and Ehud
• Ruth 1:1-4
• 1 Samuel 22:3-4
• 2 Samuel 8:2
• 2 Kings 3:4-27 — Mesha's rebellion
• Isaiah 15:1
• Jeremiah 48:1-47

On a modern map

Moab today

Further reading

• Moab - Wikipedia
• Mesha Stele - Wikipedia