from a prolonged form of the prepositional prefix m-and אָב; from (her (the mother's)) father; Moab, an incestuous son of Lot; also his territory and descendants; Moab.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Môwʼâb**, represented by `{{H4124}}`, refers to Moab, the son of Lot, as well as his descendants and their territory. Its name is defined as "from (her (the mother's)) father," referencing his incestuous origin [[Genesis 19:37]]. The word appears 181 times in 158 verses, highlighting Moab's significant and often adversarial relationship with Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Moab is consistently portrayed as a neighboring nation and a frequent antagonist to Israel. Balak, king of Moab, hired Balaam to curse Israel [[Numbers 23:7]]. The Lord strengthened Eglon, king of Moab, against Israel because of their evil deeds [[Judges 3:12]]. The Moabites were also used as instruments of judgment against Judah [[2 Kings 24:2]]. However, the relationship was not exclusively hostile. The "country of Moab" served as a place of refuge for Elimelech's family during a famine [[Ruth 1:1]], and King David entrusted his parents to the care of the king of Moab [[1 Samuel 22:3]]. Ultimately, Moses died and was buried in the land of Moab [[Deuteronomy 34:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper insight into Moab's character and fate:
* `{{H8251}}` **shiqqûwts** (abominable filth): This term is used to describe Chemosh, the primary deity of Moab, referred to as "the abomination of Moab" [[1 Kings 11:7]].
* `{{H1116}}` **bâmâh** (high place): Moab's worship was often conducted on these elevations. Solomon built a **high place** for Chemosh [[1 Kings 11:7]], and prophets foretold Moab's weariness and weeping on their **high places** ([[Isaiah 15:2]], [[Isaiah 16:12]]).
* `{{H1431}}` **gâdal** (magnify): This is used to describe Moab’s core sin of pride. The nation is judged because it "magnified himself against the LORD" ([[Jeremiah 48:26]], [[Jeremiah 48:42]]).
* `{{H7703}}` **shâdad** (spoil, lay waste): This word appears frequently in prophecies of judgment against Moab, such as "Ar of Moab is laid waste" [[Isaiah 15:1]] and "Moab is spoiled" [[Jeremiah 48:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4124}}` is centered on the themes of pride, idolatry, and divine judgment.
* **National Pride and Judgment:** Moab's pride is a recurring theme, described as "exceeding proud" [[Jeremiah 48:29]] and haughty [[Isaiah 16:6]]. This arrogance, where Moab "magnified himself against the LORD" [[Jeremiah 48:42]], is the explicit reason for its prophesied destruction.
* **Idolatrous Worship:** The worship of Chemosh is a defining characteristic of Moab. The Israelites themselves sometimes turned to serve the "gods of Moab" [[Judges 10:6]], leading to divine discipline.
* **Prophetic Oracle:** Moab is the subject of numerous prophetic burdens, or oracles of judgment [[Isaiah 15:1]]. These prophecies foretell its downfall, where it will be trodden down like straw [[Isaiah 25:10]] and its fugitives will cry out in destruction [[Isaiah 15:5]].
* **Promise of Restoration:** Despite the overwhelming judgment, a promise of future restoration is given: "Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days" [[Jeremiah 48:47]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4124}}` represents a nation whose identity is rooted in its origins from Lot. Biblically, Moab is a persistent neighbor to Israel, acting as both an enemy and, at times, a place of refuge. Thematically, Moab serves as a powerful example of a nation judged for its great pride and idolatry, yet it is also a recipient of a future, restorative promise from the Lord.
TRV