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.
Transliteration:Môwʼâb
Pronunciation:mo-awb
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מוֹאָב (Môwʼâb, `{{H4124}}`) carries a profound and somewhat paradoxical etymological weight. Its base definition, "from (her) father," points directly to its origin narrative in [[Genesis 19:37]], where Lot's elder daughter bears a son through an incestuous union with her father, naming him Moab. This etymology thus immediately grounds the word in a context of moral transgression and unusual parentage. Beyond the individual, the semantic range of מוֹאָב extends comprehensively to encompass the descendants of this individual (the Moabites), and the territory they inhabited east of the Dead Sea, bordering Israel. Therefore, when encountering מוֹאָב in Scripture, one must consider its threefold application: the progenitor, the people, and the land, each carrying implications stemming from the name's very origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The presence of מוֹאָב (Moab) in the biblical narrative is extensive and multifaceted, beginning with its foundational account in [[Genesis 19:37]]. Here, Moab is established as the son of Lot and his elder daughter, a lineage marked by the sin of incest. This initial definition casts a long shadow over the nation's subsequent interactions with Israel.
During the Exodus, the Moabites are depicted as hostile, refusing passage to Israel and even hiring Balaam to curse them ([[Numbers 22:1-6]]). This animosity culminates in the incident at Peor, where Moabite women entice Israelite men into idolatry and sexual immorality ([[Numbers 25:1-3]]), leading to a severe plague and a divine prohibition against Moabites entering the assembly of the Lord for ten generations ([[Deuteronomy 23:3-6]]). This historical antagonism is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, where Moab is frequently listed among the nations subject to divine judgment due to its pride, idolatry (particularly of Chemosh), and hostility towards God's people ([[Isaiah 15:1-9]], [[Jeremiah 48:1-47]], [[Amos 2:1-3]], [[Zephaniah 2:8-11]]).
Despite this pervasive negative portrayal, the book of Ruth presents a remarkable counter-narrative. Naomi, an Israelite, sojourns in the land of Moab, and her Moabitess daughter-in-law, Ruth, ultimately returns with her to Bethlehem ([[Ruth 1:1-4]]). Ruth, despite her Moabite origin, demonstrates extraordinary loyalty and faith, leading to her inclusion in the lineage of King David and, by extension, the Messiah ([[Ruth 4:13-22]]). This narrative stands as a powerful testament to God's redemptive work transcending national and ethnic boundaries, even those previously marked by severe prohibitions. Later, during the monarchy, David maintains a complex relationship with Moab, initially finding refuge for his parents there ([[1 Samuel 22:3-4]]), but later subduing them ([[2 Samuel 8:2]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to מוֹאָב (Moab, `{{H4124}}`) is its etymological root, אָב (ʼâb, `{{H1}}`), meaning "father." This direct linguistic link underscores the narrative of Moab's birth "from the father" in [[Genesis 19]]. Conceptually, Moab is closely associated with its geographical neighbors and fellow descendants of Lot, the Ammonites (עַמּוֹן, ʻAmmôwn, `{{H5983}}`), with whom they share a similar origin story and often a common fate in prophetic oracles. Other related concepts include:
* **Incest:** The foundational sin tied to Moab's origin.
* **Idolatry:** Specifically the worship of Chemosh, the national god of Moab ([[Numbers 21:29]], [[1 Kings 11:7]]).
* **National Enmity:** Moab's consistent opposition to Israel, particularly during the Exodus and subsequent periods.
* **Divine Judgment:** A recurring theme in the prophetic books, where Moab is condemned for its pride and hostility.
* **Inclusion of Gentiles:** The story of Ruth provides a profound counterpoint, illustrating God's redemptive plan extending beyond the confines of Israel, even to those previously excluded.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מוֹאָב (Moab, `{{H4124}}`) is rich and complex, embodying both divine judgment and surprising grace. Its very origin, rooted in incest, immediately establishes a theological framework of sin and its consequences, setting a precedent for the nation's subsequent moral and spiritual trajectory. The consistent antagonism of Moab towards Israel, particularly their refusal of passage and the instigation of idolatry at Peor, underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness and the dangers of spiritual compromise. The divine prohibition against Moabites entering the assembly of the Lord ([[Deuteronomy 23:3-6]]) serves as a stark reminder of the holiness required in God's presence and the lasting impact of national sin.
However, the narrative of Ruth introduces a profound theological tension and resolution. Ruth, a Moabitess, by her unwavering loyalty and faith, becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, of the Messiah. This inclusion, despite the earlier divine prohibition, powerfully illustrates God's sovereign freedom to work His redemptive purposes through unexpected channels and His grace that transcends human ethnic and national boundaries. It foreshadows the New Covenant reality where salvation is offered to all nations, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([[Ephesians 2:14]]). Thus, Moab serves as a biblical case study for understanding the interplay of divine judgment against unrighteousness and the expansive, often surprising, nature of God's redemptive love.
### Summary
מוֹאָב (Moab, `{{H4124}}`) denotes both an individual and, more broadly, a people and their territory east of the Dead Sea. Its etymology, "from (her) father," points to its incestuous origin through Lot's daughter in [[Genesis 19:37]]. Throughout much of biblical history, Moab is characterized by its animosity towards Israel, exemplified by their refusal of passage during the Exodus, the hiring of Balaam, and the enticement to idolatry at Peor. This consistent opposition, coupled with their own idolatry of Chemosh, leads to severe prophetic judgments against them ([[Isaiah 15:1-9]], [[Jeremiah 48:1-47]]). Theologically, Moab represents a nation marked by sin and subject to divine wrath due to its pride and hostility towards God's chosen people. Yet, the narrative of Ruth, a Moabitess who becomes an ancestress of David and Christ, profoundly alters this perception. Ruth's inclusion demonstrates God's sovereign ability to extend grace and redemption beyond ethnic and historical boundaries, even those defined by severe prohibitions. Thus, מוֹאָב stands as a complex biblical figure, embodying both the consequences of sin and the expansive, redemptive grace of God.
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