The Bible contains several references to the nation of Moab and its rulers. Among these mentions, a few Moabite kings stand out due to their involvement in key biblical narratives. These kings often interacted—sometimes peacefully, but often in opposition—with the people of Israel. To better understand their role in the larger biblical story, we must examine both their historical and spiritual significance.
The Nation of Moab: A Brief Background
Who Were the Moabites?
The Moabites were descendants of Moab, the son of Lot—Abraham’s nephew—through an incestuous relationship between Lot and his oldest daughter (Genesis 19:36-37). This origin story already paints a troubled picture of Moab’s beginnings. From early on, the Moabites were viewed as a people separate from and often in opposition to Israel.
Moab’s Geography and Culture
Moab was located east of the Dead Sea, in what is now part of modern-day Jordan. The Moabites practiced idolatry and were known for worshipping the false god Chemosh, which God condemned (1 Kings 11:7). Their territory often became a battleground due to its strategic location.
Moabite Kings Mentioned in the Bible
Several kings of Moab are mentioned throughout Scripture. The most notable include:
- Balak – during Israel’s wilderness journey.
- Eglon – during the time of the Judges.
- Mesha – during the period of the divided monarchy.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these kings.
King Balak: The Fearful King Who Hired Balaam
Scripture Reference
- Numbers 22–24
Balak‘s Identity and Role
King Balak was ruling Moab when the Israelites camped near his territory on their way to the Promised Land. Balak was terrified of the Israelites due to their numbers and their recent military victories over neighboring kingdoms (Numbers 22:2-4).
Hiring Balaam to Curse Israel
Instead of preparing for war, Balak turned to spiritual manipulation. He hired a pagan prophet named Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22:5-6). However, despite Balak’s insistence and generous offers, Balaam could not curse what God had blessed. Every time Balaam tried to pronounce a curse, he ended up speaking a blessing over Israel instead (Numbers 23:8, 23:20, 24:9).
“How can I curse whom God has not cursed?” – Numbers 23:8 (ESV)
God’s Sovereignty Over Balak’s Plans
Balak’s efforts failed because God would not allow His people to be cursed. Balak’s story is a powerful example of God’s protection over His people and a reminder that no earthly power can thwart God’s blessing.
Legacy of Balak
Although Balak disappears from the narrative after Numbers 24, his name later appears in the New Testament. Jude 1:11 and Revelation 2:14 mention Balaam’s teaching, which includes enticing Israel to sin, likely at Balak’s request (Numbers 25). This leads us to understand that Balak was not only fearful but also cunning and spiritually corrupt.
King Eglon: The Oppressor Defeated by Ehud
Scripture Reference
- Judges 3:12–30
Eglon’s Oppression of Israel
King Eglon of Moab is introduced in the time of the Judges, a period marked by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Israel did evil in God’s sight, and as a result, God gave them over to Eglon, who formed an alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites and conquered Jericho (Judges 3:12-13).
Eglon ruled over Israel for 18 years, during which time he oppressed the Israelites and collected tribute from them.
Ehud: The Left-Handed Deliverer
God raised up Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, to deliver Israel from Eglon’s rule. In a daring move, Ehud tricked Eglon by pretending to deliver a secret message. When they were alone, Ehud drew a double-edged sword hidden on his right thigh and killed Eglon (Judges 3:21-22).
The Bible describes Eglon as “a very fat man,” and the graphic detail of his death illustrates the complete humiliation of Moab’s king.
Israel’s Victory Over Moab
After Eglon’s death, Ehud led Israel to a significant victory. They struck down 10,000 Moabite soldiers, and Moab was subdued that day under Israel’s hand. Peace followed for 80 years (Judges 3:30).
“And the land had rest for eighty years.” – Judges 3:30 (ESV)
Lessons from Eglon’s Story
Eglon’s downfall reveals how God raises up unlikely heroes to deliver His people. It also underscores the danger of oppressing God’s chosen nation, and the certainty of God’s justice.
King Mesha: The Rebellious King Who Sacrificed His Son
Scripture Reference
- 2 Kings 3
Mesha’s Background
King Mesha ruled Moab during the time of Israel’s divided kingdom. He is most known for revolting against Israelite control after the death of King Ahab.
Mesha had been paying tribute to Israel—100,000 lambs and the wool of 100,000 rams annually (2 Kings 3:4). After Ahab died, Mesha rebelled, which led to a joint military campaign by Israel, Judah, and Edom to subdue him.
The War Against Mesha
Jehoram (King of Israel), Jehoshaphat (King of Judah), and the king of Edom united to march against Moab. They struggled with water supply but received a miraculous sign and promise of victory through Elisha the prophet (2 Kings 3:16-18).
God delivered a stunning victory: the Moabite land was filled with water, which reflected red like blood. The Moabites thought their enemies had killed each other and rushed into a trap.
Mesha’s Desperate Act
In a final act of desperation, Mesha sacrificed his eldest son on the city wall (2 Kings 3:27), likely to Chemosh, the Moabite god. This shocking act shows the depth of paganism and depravity in Moabite religion.
Though the battle ended ambiguously—with “great wrath” against Israel and the Israelites withdrawing—the passage leaves readers with a sense of God’s mercy and mystery. The horror of Mesha’s sacrifice contrasts sharply with the righteousness and restraint expected of God’s people.
Spiritual Themes and Lessons from Moab’s Kings
God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
Each Moabite king tried to assert power or dominion in some way. Yet, God was always in control. Whether through Balaam’s blessings, Ehud’s deliverance, or prophetic victory through Elisha, God’s will prevailed.
The Danger of Idolatry
Moabite kings and people consistently turned to false gods, especially Chemosh. The spiritual blindness and cruelty of their practices remind believers of the destructive power of idolatry.
“You shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:3
God Uses Unlikely People
Ehud was left-handed, Balaam was a pagan prophet used by God, and even a king like Jehoshaphat sought God’s guidance amid conflict. God often works through unexpected people and situations to accomplish His purposes.
God’s Judgment and Mercy
God judged Moab for its pride and aggression (Isaiah 15–16, Jeremiah 48). Yet, there were glimpses of mercy and future hope.
Interestingly, the great-grandmother of David, Ruth, was a Moabite woman (Ruth 1:4, 4:17). Through her, Jesus Christ eventually came into the world (Matthew 1:5), demonstrating that God can redeem any background for His glory.
Moab in Prophecy
Condemnation of Moab
Several prophets spoke against Moab:
- Isaiah 15–16 predicts Moab’s destruction and mourning.
- Jeremiah 48 speaks of Moab’s pride and downfall.
- Ezekiel 25:8-11 declares judgment for mocking Israel.
Hope for the Future?
Despite harsh judgment, Isaiah 16:5 offers a glimpse of a future “throne established in steadfast love”—a veiled prophecy pointing to the Messianic King, Jesus.
“Then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness… one who judges and seeks justice.” – Isaiah 16:5
This hope surpasses Moab’s wicked kings and reminds us that only Christ reigns in righteousness.
Conclusion
The kings of Moab in the bible—Balak, Eglon, and Mesha—each played roles in Israel’s history that highlighted God’s supremacy, justice, and mercy. While their stories often involve rebellion, idolatry, and opposition to God’s people, the Bible uses even their actions to reveal God’s glory.
From the wilderness to the time of the prophets, Moab’s rulers serve as warnings and lessons. Yet, the story of Ruth reminds us that God’s grace extends even to Moabites, pointing us forward to the universal reach of Christ’s redemption.
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