An integrative study of Moab in the eighth-sixth centuries B.C.: The textual and archaeological evidence

This dissertation examines eighth-sixth centuries B.C. Moab through integration of data from the oracles against Moab in the prophets of the Hebrew Bible, from the Neo-Assyrian texts concerning Moab, and from the socio-archaeological evidence of the Iron Age IIC. Information is gathered through a culture-historical approach.;Chapter 1 addresses intent, goals, and methodology that relate the data to the thesis that an integrative study provides opportunity for illumination of Moab within the biblical world. Investigation of Iron Age IIC Moab identifies the various factors affecting lifestyles and cultural development under the influence of the Mesopotamian powers of the period. Then, archaeological periodization and a summary of Moabite studies are presented.;Chapter 2 provides detailed analysis of Amos 2:1–3; Isaiah 15–16; Zephaniah 2:8–11; Jeremiah 48; and Ezekiel 25:8–11. These oracles against Moab are examined through the socio-cultural paradigm, displaying pertinent information in historical context, environmental setting, settlement patterns, social patterns, and economic conditions.;Chapter 3 moves to the Neo-Assyrian literature. A correlation of Assyrian and Moabite kings follows discussion of important Assyrian cultural issues that affected the vassal nations of Palestine. Data through the five areas of socio-cultural study view the catalysts that shaped societal development in the eighth-sixth centuries B.C. A chronological examination of the texts details the socio-cultural issues forming the relationship of Moab and Assyria, in light of Moabite development.;Chapter 4 brings archaeology into the discussion regarding the socio-cultural formation of Moab. The focus on ancient Moab narrows to the eastern al-Karak Plateau of Central Moab. Environmental setting, historical geography/settlement patterns, social patterns of societal organization, and economic issues reveal the historical milieu that created the zenith of Moabite organization and prosperity.;Chapter 5 integrates the socio-cultural data from all three sources into a historical reconstruction that functions as a model for archaeological interpretation in ancient Moab. Then, a case study of interpretation involves the application of the model to the site of Khirbat al-Mudaybi`, Jordan. The model illuminates ancient Moab, and the biblical world of the dynamic eighth-sixth centuries B.C.