The title "King of Moab" refers to the monarch who ruled over the ancient kingdom of Moab, a region located east of the Dead Sea in present-day Jordan. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, through his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37). Throughout biblical history, the Moabites had a complex and often adversarial relationship with the Israelites.

Historical Context

The Moabites are first mentioned in the Bible during the time of the Exodus. As the Israelites journeyed to the Promised Land, they encountered the Moabites. The King of Moab at that time, Balak, son of Zippor, is noted for his fear of the Israelites' growing power. In an attempt to curse the Israelites, Balak summoned the prophet Balaam. However, God intervened, and Balaam ended up blessing Israel instead (Numbers 22-24).

Notable Kings

1. Balak: As mentioned, Balak is one of the earliest and most notable kings of Moab in the biblical narrative. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers. Balak's fear of Israel led him to seek supernatural means to defeat them, highlighting the tension between Moab and Israel.

2. Eglon: During the period of the Judges, Eglon, King of Moab, oppressed Israel for eighteen years. The Israelites cried out to the Lord, and He raised up Ehud, a left-handed judge, to deliver them. Ehud assassinated Eglon in a daring and cunning act, leading to Israel's liberation from Moabite domination (Judges 3:12-30).

3. Mesha: Another significant King of Moab is Mesha, who is mentioned in 2 Kings 3. Mesha rebelled against Israel after the death of King Ahab. The Moabite Stone, an archaeological artifact, provides additional historical context, describing Mesha's victories and his devotion to the Moabite god Chemosh. The biblical account details a coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom marching against Moab, resulting in a dramatic battle where Mesha, in desperation, sacrificed his own son on the city wall, causing great indignation among the Israelites.

Religious and Cultural Aspects

The Moabites worshiped Chemosh as their chief deity, and their religious practices often conflicted with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites. The Moabites' idolatry and moral practices were condemned by the prophets and seen as a source of corruption for Israel. Despite this, there are instances of Moabite individuals who played positive roles in Israel's history, most notably Ruth, the Moabitess, who became the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 1:4, 4:13-22).

Prophetic Pronouncements

The prophets frequently spoke against Moab, pronouncing judgments due to their pride and hostility towards Israel. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all contain oracles against Moab, predicting its downfall and desolation (Isaiah 15-16; Jeremiah 48; Ezekiel 25:8-11). These prophecies reflect the ongoing enmity and divine judgment against Moab for their actions against God's people.

Conclusion

The Kings of Moab, as depicted in the Bible, represent a nation often in conflict with Israel, serving as both a literal and symbolic adversary. Their interactions with Israel highlight themes of divine intervention, judgment, and the complexities of ancient Near Eastern politics.