Moab, the first forefather of the Moabites, was born of Lot through his committing incest with his daughters (Gen. 19:30-38). Moab as a nation typifies the world of fleshly lust that corrupts and frustrates God’s chosen people, through the greedy religionists, from following and walking with God in His holy way (Num. 25:1-5; 2 Pet. 2:15; Rev. 2:14). It was Moab who hired Balaam, the Gentile prophet, to stumble the children of Israel (Num. 22:1-21; Deut. 23:4).

The Moabites were not allowed to enter into the assembly of Jehovah even to the tenth generation (Deut. 23:3). However, Ruth, a Moabitess, became the mother of one of the prominent forefathers of Christ (Matt. 1:5*b) because of her allegiance to Israel in the interest of God (Ruth 1:14-18). This indicates that although the Moabites were condemned, at a certain time God had compassion on them.

Madmen is a city in Moab.

The god of the Moabites (1 Kings 11:33).

Or, deceitfully.

Lit., their.

Or, The cities are captured.

As indicated here, Moab will receive God’s compassion and have a remnant among the restored nations in the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:24, 26; 22:2b). The same is true of Ammon (Jer. 49:6). See note Jer. 46:1^1a, par. 2.