Moabitess
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Moabitess in the Bible?
A Moabite is a female native of the ancient kingdom of Moab, situated east of the Dead Sea. The Hebrew Bible references several specific women identified by this ethnic designation, most notably Ruth, the great-grandmother of King David, and Naamah, the Ammonite wife of King Solomon.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the term Moabite clarifies the ethnic backgrounds of pivotal biblical figures, revealing how foreign women integrated into the lineage of Israel's monarchy. This understanding highlights the complex political and religious dynamics between Israel and its eastern neighbors, particularly regarding the tension between assimilation and the preservation of distinct religious identities.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Moabitess in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Moabitess clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.