How does Mesha's tribute compare to other biblical examples of tribute or offerings? Setting the Scene: Mesha’s Monumental Payment 2 Kings 3:4: “Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he would render as tribute to the king of Israel a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams.” • The verse describes an annual levy imposed by Israel on a vassal king. • Moab’s economy was pastoral; livestock and wool were its chief assets. • One hundred thousand lambs—plus the wool of an equal number of rams—signals vast wealth and heavy political subjugation. What Did Mesha Actually Give? • 100,000 lambs—living, breathing animals that could be eaten, sold, bred, or offered. • Wool of 100,000 rams—a renewable commodity for garments, tents, and trade. • Both items reflect ongoing labor: shepherding, shearing, feeding, transporting. Comparing the Scale Genesis 32:13-15—Jacob to Esau: • 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, etc. • Large for one man, yet dwarfed by Mesha’s 100,000 lambs. 1 Kings 10:24-25—Tribute to Solomon: • “Year after year each visitor would bring … silver and gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.” • Continuous flow of luxury goods; Mesha’s tribute is single-commodity, but numerically massive. 2 Kings 18:14—Hezekiah to Assyria: • 300 talents of silver, 30 talents of gold. • Precious metals by weight; Mesha sends live stock by headcount—bulk vs. bullion. Comparing the Substance • Livestock/wool (Mesha; Jacob): renewable, labor-intensive, visibly abundant. • Precious metals (Hezekiah; Solomon’s visitors): compact, high value per unit, portable wealth. • Agricultural produce (1 Kings 5:11—wheat and oil to Hiram): consumable necessities. • All illustrate a principle: tribute normally draws from whatever the giver has in greatest supply (Deuteronomy 8:18). Comparing the Motive Forced tribute: • Mesha (2 Kings 3:4), Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:14), Hoshea (2 Kings 17:3). • Purpose—avoid invasion, acknowledge political mastery. Freewill or covenant offerings: • Exodus 25:2—“Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive an offering from everyone whose heart compels him.” • Numbers 28:3-4—“Present to the LORD food offerings … two unblemished year-old lambs each day.” • Motivation—worship, gratitude, obedience to God. Contrast: Mesha gave under duress; Israel sacrificed voluntarily to the LORD. The heart posture makes the difference (Malachi 1:8 vs. Psalm 51:17). Comparing the Recipient • Tribute goes to human rulers: Mesha → king of Israel; nations → Solomon; kingdoms → Assyria, Babylon. • Offerings go to God alone (Leviticus 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:11). • Scripture distinguishes the two spheres: “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Spiritual Lessons for Today • God notices not just the size of a gift but the spirit behind it (Mark 12:41-44). • Earthly tribute may secure temporary peace; offerings to the LORD cultivate eternal favor (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Like Mesha, people can feel pressured to give; yet Scripture calls believers to cheerful generosity, not compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Whatever form our resources take—time, talent, treasure—the question remains: Are we giving the best of what we have to the rightful King? |
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