situated east of the Dead Sea) stands as the only other mentioned geographic/ national entity (1:1–2). This country originated when Lot fathered Moab by an incestuous union with his oldest daughter (Genesis 19:37). Centuries later the Jews encountered opposition from Balak, king of Moab, through the prophet Balaam (Numbers 22–25). For eighteen years Moab oppressed Israel during the period of the judges (Judges 3:12–30). Saul defeated the Moabites (1 Samuel 14:47), while David seemed to enjoy a peaceful
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