Moab:

The Moabites were descendants of Moab, the son of Lot by his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37). The land of Moab was situated east of the Dead Sea and was known for its rugged terrain and fertile plains. Throughout biblical history, the relationship between the Israelites and the Moabites was complex, marked by both conflict and cooperation.

During the Exodus, the Israelites encountered the Moabites as they journeyed to the Promised Land. Balak, the king of Moab, sought to curse the Israelites through the prophet Balaam, but God intervened, turning the intended curse into a blessing (Numbers 22-24). Despite this, the Moabites later led Israel into sin through idolatry and immorality at Peor, resulting in a divine plague (Numbers 25:1-9).

The Book of Ruth provides a more positive interaction, as Ruth, a Moabitess, becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. Her account highlights themes of loyalty, redemption, and God's providence (Ruth 1-4).

Ammonites:

The Ammonites were descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot by his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). Their territory lay to the northeast of Moab, in what is now modern-day Jordan. Like the Moabites, the Ammonites had a tumultuous relationship with Israel.

During the period of the Judges, the Ammonites oppressed Israel, leading to the rise of Jephthah, who delivered Israel from their hand (Judges 11). The Ammonites were also involved in conflicts with King Saul and King David. David's victory over the Ammonites is recorded in 2 Samuel 10, where he defeated them after they humiliated his envoys.

The Ammonites were known for their idolatry, particularly the worship of Molech, which involved child sacrifice. This practice was condemned by God and the prophets (Leviticus 18:21; Jeremiah 32:35).

Edom:

The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (Genesis 36:1). Their land, Edom, was located south of the Dead Sea, extending to the Gulf of Aqaba. The Edomites were often in conflict with Israel, stemming from the ancient rivalry between Esau and Jacob.

During the Exodus, the Edomites refused passage to the Israelites, forcing them to take a longer route to the Promised Land (Numbers 20:14-21). Despite this, God commanded Israel not to despise Edom, as they were related (Deuteronomy 23:7).

Edom's hostility continued throughout Israel's history. They were subjugated by King David (2 Samuel 8:13-14) but later regained independence. The prophets frequently pronounced judgment against Edom for their pride and violence against Israel, as seen in the Book of Obadiah and Ezekiel 25:12-14.

The Edomites, also known as Idumeans in later history, played a role in the events leading up to the New Testament period, with Herod the Great, an Idumean, ruling as king of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth.