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Moab’s residents were descended from Lot, and the Torah commands the Israelites to neither attack nor absorb the Moabites. Notably, King David is descended from a Moabite, the convert Ruth. Moab was located in modern-day Jordan.
Notable Sources
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The Exclusion of Moabites
TANAKH
The Torah imposes a strict and perpetual exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites from the congregation of God, extending this prohibition to their descendants even up to the tenth generation. Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Torah, includes Moses’ final speeches and laws for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
The Desperation of the King of Moab
TANAKH
The king of Moab's extreme actions, including the sacrifice of his first-born son, led to great anger against Israel and their subsequent withdrawal. The biblical book of Kings II recounts the desperate measures taken by the king of Moab during a losing battle, highlighting the dramatic and tragic events that unfolded.
The Curse of Moab
COMMENTARY
The curse pronounced by Balaam and Beor upon the Moabites was intended to deliver them into the hands of Sihon. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, provides historical and interpretative context to the biblical text in Numbers 21:29:1.
David's Conquest of Moab
TANAKH
King David's military subjugation of the Moabites, including his harsh method of determining their fate, is a striking example of ancient warfare and political strategy. The biblical account in Samuel II details David's victory over the Moabites, his use of a cord to measure who would live or die, and the subsequent subjugation of the Moabites as tributary vassals.
Moral Failings at Shittim
JEWISH THOUGHT
The Israelites' moral and spiritual failings with the Moabites highlight the irony of Balaam's blessing juxtaposed with their subsequent immoral behavior. The Book of Numbers recounts the Israelites' transgressions at Shittim, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and moral integrity.
An Unusual Alliance
COMMENTARY
The fear of Israel's military prowess led to an unusual alliance between the traditionally hostile nations of Moab and Midian. Rabbi Chaim Ibn Attar's commentary, Or HaChaim, delves into the historical and political dynamics that led to the appointment of a Midianite prince, Balak, as the king of Moab.
The Rise of Balak
KABBALAH
Balak, who was not originally a king, was made king of Moab due to his deviation from his father's path and his association with idolatry. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, provides mystical insights into the biblical narrative of Balak and his interactions with Israel.
Moab and Midian's Collaboration
SECOND TEMPLE
The collaboration between Moab and Midian against Israel reveals the depth of their enmity and the lengths they went to in order to thwart the Israelites. Philo of Alexandria, a first-century Jewish philosopher, provides a detailed account of this collaboration, emphasizing the role of the Midianites in persuading Balaam to curse Israel.
No Peace with Ammon and Moab
HALAKHAH
The Torah commands that peace should not be made with the nations of Ammon and Moab, unlike other nations. In his Sefer HaMitzvot, Maimonides (Rambam) explains this unique prohibition and its historical context.
The Just Conquest of Ḥeshbon
MIDRASH
The Israelites' conquest of Ḥeshbon was not an act of unjust robbery but a legitimate reclaiming of territory. The medieval midrash Bamidbar Rabbah explains the historical and divine justice behind Israel's capture of Ḥeshbon from Siḥon.
The Moabites' True Fear
COMMENTARY
The Moabites feared ecological damage and economic dependency on the Israelites, rather than a military confrontation. Jacob ben Asher’s commentary on the Torah portion Balak in the Tur HaArokh provides context about the Moabites' fears during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land.
The Downfall of Moab
COMMENTARY
The Moabites' complacency and self-satisfaction will lead to their divine retribution and mockery. The Book of Jeremiah, a prophetic text from the Hebrew Bible, addresses the arrogance and eventual downfall of the Moabites.
The Moabite Influence
TARGUM
The Moabite women played a pivotal role in leading the Israelites into idolatry and immoral behavior. The Targum Onkelos, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Torah, provides a detailed account of this event from the Book of Numbers.
Evening light on Moab Mts. from Neby Mousa [i.e., Nebi Musa], 1934. American Colony (Jerusalem). Photo Dept., photographer
Evening light on Moab Mts. from Neby Mousa [i.e., Nebi Musa], 1934. American Colony (Jerusalem). Photo Dept., photographer
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