Probably because a part of Amorite territory had once belonged to Moab, it continued to be called “the land of Moab.” (De 1:5) It was in this former Moabite territory that the Israelites encamped before crossing the Jordan. (Nu 31:12; 33:48-51) There a second census was taken of Israel’s able-bodied men from 20 years old upward. (Nu 26:2-4, 63) Also there divine commands and judicial decisions were received about Levite cities, cities of refuge, and inheritance. (Nu 35:1–36:13) There Moses delivered his final discourses and concluded with Israel a covenant urging faithfulness to Jehovah. (De 1:1-5; 29:1) Finally Moses ascended Mount Nebo to view the Promised Land and then died. For 30 days on the desert plains of Moab, Israel mourned Moses’ death.​—De 32:49, 50; 34:1-6, 8.

Before Israel’s entry into the Promised Land. The song of Moses about Jehovah’s destroying Egypt’s military might in the Red Sea indicated that news of this event would cause “the despots of Moab” to tremble. (Ex 15:14, 15) That the Moabites did become fearful is indicated by their king’s denying Israel peaceful passage through his realm about 40 years later. (Jg 11:17) Because of a direct command from God, the Israelites, however, did not attack the Moabites, but upon coming to Moab’s southern boundary at the torrent valley of Zered, they skirted the territory of Moab. (Nu 21:11-13; De 2:8, 9; Jg 11:18) Although the Moabites did sell food and water to the Israelites (De 2:26-29), “they did not come to [Israel’s] aid with bread and water.” (De 23:3, 4) Evidently this means that the Moabites did not receive them hospitably and supply provisions without seeking gain.

Later, after crossing the torrent valley of Arnon, Israel was confronted by the Amorites under King Sihon, who had earlier seized Moabite territory N of the Arnon. Following their God-given victories over this ruler and also King Og of Bashan, the Israelites encamped on the desert plains of Moab. (Nu 21:13, 21–22:1; De 2:24–3:8) The extensive Israelite camp frightened the Moabites and their King Balak, causing them to feel a sickening dread. Although making no claim to the former Moabite territory taken by the Israelites from the Amorites, Balak did fear for his realm. He therefore consulted with the older men of Midian and then sent messengers, older men of both Moab and Midian, to hire the prophet Balaam to come and curse Israel. (Nu 22:2-8; compare Jg 11:25.) In this way Balak ‘fought’ against the Israelites. (Jos 24:9) Jehovah, however, caused Balaam to bless Israel and even to foretell Israel’s ascendancy over Moab. (Nu chaps 23, 24; Jos 24:10; Ne 13:1, 2; Mic 6:5)