Topical Encyclopedia Mesha, the king of Moab, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, primarily known for his rebellion against Israelite domination during the reign of King Ahab. His account is recounted in the Old Testament, providing insight into the geopolitical dynamics of the region during the 9th century BC.Historical Context and Background Mesha ruled over Moab, a kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and often found themselves in conflict with the Israelites. During the reign of King Ahab of Israel, Mesha was a tributary, meaning he was subject to paying tribute to the Israelite kingdom. This arrangement is indicative of the power Israel wielded over its neighbors during this period. Rebellion Against Israel The biblical account of Mesha's rebellion is found in 2 Kings 3. After the death of Ahab, Mesha saw an opportunity to assert Moab's independence from Israelite control. The text states, "Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he used to pay the king of Israel a tribute of a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams" (2 Kings 3:4). However, upon Ahab's death, Mesha ceased paying this tribute, prompting a military response from Israel. The Moabite Stone The rebellion of Mesha is further corroborated by the Moabite Stone, also known as the Mesha Stele, an ancient inscription discovered in 1868. This artifact provides a Moabite perspective on the events, detailing Mesha's victories over Israel and his dedication to the Moabite god Chemosh. The stele is a critical piece of evidence for understanding the historical and cultural context of Mesha's reign. Military Campaign Against Moab In response to Mesha's rebellion, Ahab's successor, King Jehoram of Israel, allied with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom to launch a campaign against Moab. The coalition marched through the wilderness of Edom, facing significant challenges, including a lack of water. The prophet Elisha, however, assured them of victory, and the Lord miraculously provided water for the troops and their animals (2 Kings 3:16-20). The ensuing battle saw the coalition forces initially gaining the upper hand. However, in a desperate act, Mesha sacrificed his firstborn son on the city wall, which caused "great wrath against Israel" (2 Kings 3:27), leading to the withdrawal of the Israelite forces. This act of sacrifice underscores the intense religious and cultural differences between the Israelites and the Moabites. Legacy and Significance Mesha's rebellion and the subsequent military campaign highlight the complex relationships between the Israelite kingdom and its neighbors. His account is a testament to the shifting power dynamics in the ancient Near East and the role of divine intervention as perceived by the biblical authors. Mesha's actions and the Moabite Stone provide valuable insights into the history and religion of the Moabites, as well as the broader narrative of Israel's interactions with surrounding nations. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 3:4,5And Mesha king of Moab was a sheep master, and rendered to the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool. Nave's Topical Index Library The Nations of the South-East The Old Testament and Archeology Appendices The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Who were the Moabites? | GotQuestions.orgWho are Semites? | GotQuestions.org Who was Chemosh? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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