Plains of Moab

Overview

• Type: Region
• Testament: Old
• Modern Location: East bank of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho, in modern Jordan

Biblical Significance

The Plains of Moab were where Israel camped for the final year before entering the Promised Land. It was here that Moses delivered his three great farewell sermons (the substance of Deuteronomy), renewed the covenant with the new generation, and pronounced the blessings and curses of the covenant. The twelve stones set up at Gilgal (Deuteronomy 27) were prepared from this location. This was also where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were sent back across the Jordan to their inheritance (Deuteronomy 3).

Key Events

• Moses’ Farewell Speeches — Moses addresses the new generation
• Covenant Renewal — New covenant made with Israel
• Blessings and Curses Proclaimed — Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal ceremony prepared

Key People Associated

• Moses — Delivered final speeches here
• Joshua (Son of Nun) — Present as appointed successor

Important Verses

• Deuteronomy 1:5 — “This side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law.”
• Deuteronomy 34:1 — “And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo.”

Cross-References

• Numbers 21–36 — Israel’s final campaigns and settlement east of Jordan
• Joshua 1–4 — Crossing from Moab into Canaan

Notes

The Plains of Moab represent a threshold — between wilderness wandering and promised inheritance, between Moses’ leadership and Joshua’s, between the old generation and the new.