The Moabites were a people to the southeast of Judah who were historical enemies of Israel (see Numbers 25:1–18; Psalm 106:28; Hosea 9:10; Deuteronomy 23:3–6; Judges 3:12–30).1 David had previously sought shelter for his parents from the Moabites when he was being pursued by Saul (1 Samuel 22:3–4). According to a Jewish tradition, the king of Moab betrayed David’s trust and murdered his parents.2 Whilst this cannot be verified, we must assume that something happened to sour relations and result in war.
2 Il battit les Moabites, et il les mesura avec un cordeau, en les faisant coucher par terre; il en mesura deux cordeaux pour les livrer à la mort, et un plein cordeau pour leur laisser la vie. Et les Moabites furent assujettis à David, et lui payèrent un tribut.