Moab, Plains of

Moab, Plains Of (עִרבוֹת מוֹאָב, Arboth' Moab', Deserts of Moab), a plain east of the Jordan, opposite Jericho (Nu 22:1; Nu 26:13; Jos 13:32), where the Israelites under Moses pitched their encampment on their way into 'Canaan (Nu 31:12; Nu 33:48 sq.; De 1:1,5), in the vicinity of Nebo (De 34:1,8). It is the level spot in the great depression of the Ghar into which Wady Hesban opens, between Wadys Kefrein and Jerifeh, a part of it being called the Valley of Shettim (q.v.). It then belonged to the Amorites (Nu 21:22 sq.), but earlier to the Moabites; whence it had its name. In the division of the country it fell to the Gadites and Reubenites (Nu 32:33 sq.; Jos 13:32). SEE AMOABITE.