Moab is a significant region and people group mentioned frequently in the Old Testament. The Moabites were descendants of Moab, the son of Lot by his elder daughter, as recorded in Genesis 19:37. The land of Moab was located east of the Dead Sea, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Moabites were closely related to the Israelites, yet they often found themselves in conflict with them.

The relationship between Israel and Moab was complex, marked by both hostility and cooperation. In the Book of Numbers, Balak, the king of Moab, famously hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land (Numbers 22-24). However, God intervened, and Balaam ended up blessing Israel instead.

Moab is also notable for its connection to the account of Ruth, a Moabite woman who became the great-grandmother of King David. The Book of Ruth highlights themes of loyalty and redemption, as Ruth, a Moabite, pledges her loyalty to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, and to the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16-17).

Throughout the prophetic books, Moab is often mentioned in oracles of judgment. Isaiah 15-16, Jeremiah 48, and Ezekiel 25:8-11 all contain prophecies against Moab, highlighting their pride and idolatry. Despite these judgments, the Moabites are also shown mercy, as seen in Isaiah 16:4-5, which speaks of a future restoration.

Midian

Midian is another significant group in the Old Testament, descended from Midian, a son of Abraham by his concubine Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). The Midianites were a nomadic people who inhabited the region east of the Jordan River and the Sinai Peninsula.

The Midianites are first mentioned in the context of Joseph's account, where they are involved in his sale into slavery (Genesis 37:28). Later, Moses finds refuge in Midian after fleeing Egypt, marrying Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian (Exodus 2:15-21). Jethro, also known as Reuel, plays a significant role in advising Moses on leadership and governance (Exodus 18).

The relationship between Israel and Midian was often contentious. In Numbers 25, the Midianites, along with the Moabites, led the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, resulting in God's judgment. This led to a divinely commanded war against Midian, where the Israelites were victorious (Numbers 31).

In the period of the Judges, the Midianites oppressed Israel for seven years until God raised up Gideon to deliver His people (Judges 6-8). The victory over Midian was marked by divine intervention, as Gideon's small army of 300 men defeated the vast Midianite forces, emphasizing God's power and deliverance.

The Midianites are also mentioned in the prophetic literature, where they are included in the list of nations judged by God (Isaiah 60:6, Habakkuk 3:7). Despite their frequent opposition to Israel, the Midianites, like other nations, are ultimately subject to God's sovereign plan and judgment.