The term "Moabite" refers to a member of an ancient Semitic people who lived in the region of Moab, located east of the Jordan River in present-day Jordan. The Moabites are often mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, where they are depicted as both neighbors and adversaries of the Israelites. Their society was known for agriculture and trade, and they worshipped deities such as Chemosh. The Moabites are historically significant due to their interactions with the Israelites, including alliances and conflicts. One notable figure is Ruth, a Moabite woman who became an ancestor of King David and is celebrated in the biblical book named after her. The Moabite culture and language are also of interest to historians and linguists studying ancient Semitic civilizations.