1. Moab

2. Introduction In our auditorium class, we have recently considered the examples of Abraham and Lot, Balaam and Balak, Ruth and Naomi, etc. What do these individuals have in common? They share some connection with Moab.

3. Background NIBD says “MOAB [MOE abb] (of my father) — the name of a man and a nation in the Old Testament: A son of Lot by an incestuous union with his older daughter (Gen. 19:37). Moab became an ancestor of the MOABITES. A neighboring nation whose history was closely linked to the fortunes of the Hebrew people.

8. Sad Origins The nations of Moab and Ammon resulted from the incestuous union between the daughters of Lot and their inebriated father (Gen. 19:30-38).

9. Sad Reactions Centuries later, after the descendants of Abraham grew into a mighty nation, and were delivered from Egyptian captivity, instead of rejoicing at their kinsmen’s good fortune, fear gripped the leaders of Moab (Exod. 15:1-18, esp. vs. 15).

10. Sad Decisions In deference to the bond of kinship, the Israelites skirted the borders of Moab as they approached the Promised Land following the wilderness wanderings (Num. 21:10-20; Deut. 2:1-9; Judg. 11:16-18). Yet, Balak, the King of Moab, sought a prophet- for-hire who would curse Israel (Num. 22:1-6; Psa. 83:1-8).

11. Sad Religion The earliest reference to Moabite idolatry is where the sons of Israel play the harlot with the daughters of Moab. Joining themselves to Baal of Peor, they provoked the fierce anger of the Lord, which resulted in a plague that killed 24,000 men (Num. 25:1- 9).

12. Sad Religion Chemosh was a detestable idol (1 Kings 11:7), an abomination, (2 Kings 23:13), worshipped by those who have forsaken the Lord God (1 Kings 11:33). He was impotent and powerless (Judg. 11:24). His followers would face ruin (Num. 21:29), go into exile (Jer. 48:7), be ashamed (Jer. 48:13), and perish (Jer. 48:46).

13. Sad Cycle During the days of the judges, Israel repeatedly departed from God, turning aside to idolatry, and suffering the consequences of rebellion; yet, when they cried out to the Lord, He delivered them from their oppressors, including the king of Moab (Judg. 3:12-30).

14. Sad Cycle King Solomon pursued a similar path, building high places for Chemosh, the detestable idol of Moab, etc. (1 Kings 11:7- 8). As a result, his kingdom would be divided and 10 tribes given to another (1 Kings 11:26-40).

15. Sad Prophecies The Old Testament contains many prophetic denunciations of Moab, her detestable idolatry, her haughty pride and great wickedness (Psa. 60:6-8; 108:7-9; Isa. 15:1- 9; 16:1-14; Jer. 48:1-47; Ezek. 25:8-11; Amos 2:1-3; Zeph. 2:8-11).

16. Conclusion Despite Moab’s sad origins (resulting from an incestuous union), sad reactions (manifesting fear instead of faith), sad decisions (hiring Balaam to curse Israel), sad religion (worshipping the detestable abomination Chemosh), sad cycles of apostasy and punishment, sad prophecies of denunciation and doom, we also read of glorious faithfulness and a glorious future.

17. Glorious Faithfulness In the humble example of Ruth, the Moabitess, we see a glorious example of faithfulness (Ruth 1:1-22).

18. Glorious Future Messianic prophecies foreshadowed a glorious future for Israel, and also for the nations, including Moab (Isa. 11:12-14).

19. Glorious Future Portraying the coming of Christ as a lavish banquet, divine blessings are outpoured on the righteous, while the wicked are punished and brought low (Isa. 25:6-12). However, even in judgment there is hope: Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days,” declares the Lord (Jer. 48:47).

20. Challenge Heeding the example of Jehovah’s dealing with Moab, children of God should remember His righteous judgments and repent: doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with their God (Micah 6:1- 8).