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Moab

Moab Region

RegionOld Testament
31.4500°N, 35.8000°E View on Map

About Moab

Moab was a region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the descendants of Lot's son Moab. Ruth was a Moabite who famously left her homeland to follow Naomi to Bethlehem. Israel often had conflict with Moab, though King David entrusted his parents to the king of Moab for protection.

RuthLinked to this placeRuthMoabite woman who became ancestor of David and Jesus

History of Moab

  1. Patriarchal~1900 BC

    Moab founded by Lot's son

    GEN 19:37

  2. Exodus~1400 BC

    Israel camps in plains of Moab before entering Canaan

    NUM 22:1

  3. Exodus~1400 BC

    Balak king of Moab hires Balaam to curse Israel

    NUM 22:2-6

  4. Judges~1100 BC

    Ruth leaves Moab to follow Naomi to Bethlehem

    RUT 1:1-22

  5. United Kingdom~1000 BC

    David defeats Moab and makes them tributary

    2SA 8:2

Notable Characters in Moab

Ruth
Ruth

Moabite woman who became ancestor of David and Jesus

Lot
Lot

Abraham's nephew whose son fathered the Moabites

Locations Related to Moab

Bethlehem
Bethlehem

Ruth traveled from Moab to Bethlehem

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Plains of Moab
Plains of Moab

Area where Israel camped before crossing into Canaan

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Biblical Significance of Moab

Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was founded by Lot's son after Sodom's destruction. Though related to Israel, Moab often opposed God's people. Moabite women led Israel into idolatry at Baal-Peor. Yet from this hostile nation came Ruth, whose loyalty to Naomi and faith in Israel's God made her an ancestor of David and Jesus. Moab demonstrates that God's grace extends to all who turn to Him, regardless of their origin.

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