The Moabites are a Biblical people who were the descendents of Moab, the son of Lot through his eldest daughter. While having a kinship with the Hebrews, they were often a thorn in the side of God's chosen people.
- As the people of Israel were approaching the promised land after the exodus from Egypt, the king of Moab was afraid of what Israel might do to his country, although Israel had been commanded by Jehovah to not do them any harm (Deuteronomy 2:9).
- King Balak hired a prophet (Balaam) to put a curse on Israel (Numbers 21 - 23).
- Starting in the time of the Judges, there were frequent clashes between the Israelites and the Moabites, and the Moabities led many in Israel astray to worship false gods and do abominations in the sight of the Lord.