Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he would render to the king of Israel a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams. Now Mesha king of MoabMesha, the king of Moab, is a significant historical figure, also mentioned in the Mesha Stele, an archaeological artifact that corroborates biblical accounts. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and often found themselves in conflict with Israel. Mesha's reign is marked by his rebellion against Israelite control, which is a central theme in this chapter. His leadership and defiance are emblematic of the Moabite spirit of independence and resistance against foreign domination. was a sheep breeder
The phrase "sheep breeder" indicates Mesha's wealth and the economic foundation of Moab. In ancient Near Eastern societies, livestock was a primary measure of wealth and power. The Hebrew term used here can also imply a ruler or leader, suggesting that Mesha's role as a breeder was not just economic but also political, as he managed and controlled significant resources. and he used to pay the king of Israel a tribute
Tribute payments were common in the ancient world, serving as a sign of subjugation and allegiance. The tribute from Moab to Israel indicates a period of Israelite dominance over Moab. This relationship was likely established during the reign of King David or Solomon, who expanded Israel's influence. The tribute was a means of maintaining peace and ensuring Moab's protection under Israel's power. of a hundred thousand lambs
The specific number of lambs highlights the substantial wealth and resources of Moab. Lambs were valuable for their meat, milk, and wool, and such a large tribute underscores the economic burden placed on Moab. This also reflects the agricultural prosperity of the region, which was necessary to sustain such a large flock. and the wool of a hundred thousand rams
Wool was a critical commodity in the ancient world, used for clothing and trade. The mention of "a hundred thousand rams" emphasizes the scale of the tribute and the wealth of Moab. It also suggests the importance of textile production in Moab's economy. The tribute of wool, alongside lambs, indicates a comprehensive demand on Moab's resources, which would have been a significant factor in Mesha's eventual rebellion. Persons / Places / Events 1. MeshaThe king of Moab, known for his rebellion against Israel. He was a sheep breeder, indicating his wealth and the economic strength of Moab. 2. MoabA nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab's relationship with Israel was complex, involving both subjugation and rebellion. 3. King of IsraelAt this time, the king was likely Jehoram, son of Ahab, who ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. He was involved in the conflict with Moab. 4. TributeA form of payment or tax that Mesha paid to Israel, consisting of livestock and wool, signifying Moab's subjugation and economic contribution to Israel. 5. Sheep BreederThis term highlights Mesha's role and the economic basis of Moab's wealth, which was significant enough to pay such a large tribute. Teaching Points Understanding Tribute and SubjugationThe tribute paid by Mesha to Israel reflects a common practice in ancient times where weaker nations paid stronger ones for protection or as a sign of subjugation. This can remind us of the importance of recognizing authority and the consequences of rebellion. Economic Dependence and WealthMesha's role as a sheep breeder and the nature of the tribute highlight the economic interdependence between nations. It prompts us to consider how our resources and wealth can be used to serve others and honor God. Rebellion and ConsequencesMoab's eventual rebellion against Israel, as seen in the broader account, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of breaking covenants and agreements. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe interactions between Israel and Moab demonstrate God's control over nations and their leaders. We are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty in our own national and personal affairs. Faithfulness in ObligationsThe regular payment of tribute by Mesha can be seen as a form of faithfulness to an obligation, encouraging us to be faithful in our commitments and responsibilities. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the tribute paid by Mesha to Israel reveal about the political and economic relationship between the two nations? 2. How does the concept of tribute in ancient times relate to our understanding of authority and submission today? 3. In what ways can we apply the lesson of economic interdependence seen in Mesha's tribute to our personal and community lives? 4. How does the account of Moab's rebellion against Israel illustrate the consequences of breaking covenants, and how can this be applied to our spiritual commitments? 5. Reflect on God's sovereignty as demonstrated in the interactions between Israel and Moab. How can this understanding impact our trust in God's plan for our lives and nations? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 1:1This verse mentions Moab's rebellion after Ahab's death, setting the stage for the events in 2 Kings 3. Isaiah 16:1This passage refers to Moab sending lambs as tribute, indicating a historical pattern of tribute between Moab and Israel. Psalm 60:8Moab is referred to as a "washbasin," symbolizing subjugation and servitude, which aligns with the tribute relationship. People Ahab, Aram, Elijah, Elisha, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Mesha, Moabites, Nebat, ShaphatPlaces Edom, Kir-hareseth, Moab, SamariaTopics 100000, Breeder, Deliver, Hundred, Lambs, Mesha, Moab, Pay, Raised, Rams, Regularly, Rendered, Sheep, Sheep-farmer, Sheepmaster, Sheep-master, Supply, Thousand, WoolDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 3:4 4663 lamb
4681 ram
4684 sheep
4693 wool
5594 tribute
7785 shepherd, occupation 2 Kings 3:4-7 7233 Israel, northern kingdom
7245 Judah, kingdom of Library Sight and Blindness
'Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. 9. And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that them pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. 10. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. 11. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Minstrel
ELISHA needed that the Holy Spirit should come upon him to inspire him with prophetic utterances. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." We need that the hand of the Lord should be laid upon us, for we can never open our mouths in wisdom except we are under the divine touch. Now, the Spirit of God works according to his own will. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," and the Spirit of God operates as he chooseth. Elisha could not prophesy just when he liked; he must wait until …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 27: 1881 The Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's Answer, Briefly Considered.
"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with, thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression; the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?--He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good: And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" As mankind are …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 3:4 NIV2 Kings 3:4 NLT2 Kings 3:4 ESV2 Kings 3:4 NASB2 Kings 3:4 KJV
2 Kings 3:4 Commentaries
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