The Moabites, descendants of Lot through his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37), were a people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. Their land, Moab, was located east of the Dead Sea and was often in conflict with Israel. The religious and political structures of Moab were distinct yet intertwined, with priests and officials playing significant roles in their society.

Religious Practices and Priests

The Moabites were polytheistic, with their primary deity being Chemosh. This god is often mentioned in the context of Moabite worship and is considered a god of war and destruction. The priests of Moab were responsible for maintaining the cultic practices associated with Chemosh and other deities. These practices included sacrifices, which at times were human, as indicated in 2 Kings 3:27, where the king of Moab sacrifices his own son to Chemosh in a desperate attempt to turn the tide of battle against Israel.

The Moabite Stone, an ancient inscription, provides further insight into the religious life of Moab. It records the victories of King Mesha of Moab and his dedication of spoils to Chemosh, highlighting the central role of the priesthood in legitimizing and supporting the monarchy through religious rites.

Political Structure and Officials

The political structure of Moab was monarchical, with kings wielding significant power. The officials of Moab, often referred to as "princes" or "nobles," played crucial roles in governance and diplomacy. Numbers 22:7 mentions the "elders of Moab" who, along with the elders of Midian, were sent to hire Balaam to curse Israel. This indicates a council of leaders who advised the king and executed his orders.

The officials were also involved in military campaigns, as seen in the coalition against Israel in Judges 3:12-30, where Eglon, the king of Moab, leads an alliance against Israel. The officials would have been instrumental in organizing and supporting such military endeavors.

Interactions with Israel

The relationship between Moab and Israel was complex, marked by both conflict and cooperation. The Moabites were often adversaries of Israel, as seen in the accounts of Balak and Balaam (Numbers 22-24) and the oppression under King Eglon (Judges 3). However, there were also periods of peace and intermarriage, most notably the account of Ruth, a Moabite woman who became the great-grandmother of King David (Ruth 1-4).

The Moabite priests and officials were often at the forefront of these interactions, whether in opposition or alliance. Their influence extended beyond religious duties to include significant political and military responsibilities, shaping the history and destiny of Moab in its dealings with Israel and other neighboring nations.