Historical Context:
Moab's rebellion is a significant event in the biblical narrative, primarily recorded in the Old Testament. The Moabites, descendants of Lot through his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37), occupied a region east of the Dead Sea. Throughout biblical history, Moab had a tumultuous relationship with Israel, often characterized by conflict and subjugation.

Biblical Account:
The rebellion of Moab against Israelite rule is prominently detailed in 2 Kings 3. During the reign of King Ahab of Israel, Moab was a vassal state, paying tribute in the form of lambs and wool (2 Kings 3:4). However, upon Ahab's death, Mesha, the king of Moab, seized the opportunity to rebel against Israelite dominance.

2 Kings 3:5-7 : "But after the death of Ahab, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. So at that time King Jehoram set out from Samaria and mobilized all Israel. And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: 'The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?' 'I will go,' replied Jehoshaphat. 'I am like you, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.'"

Jehoram, Ahab's successor, sought to quell the rebellion by forming an alliance with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom. The coalition marched through the Desert of Edom, facing a dire shortage of water. In response to their plight, Jehoshaphat sought the counsel of the prophet Elisha.

Divine Intervention:
Elisha, the prophet, provided guidance and assurance of victory, instructing the kings to dig ditches in the valley, which would miraculously fill with water without rain (2 Kings 3:16-17). This divine provision not only sustained the armies but also played a strategic role in their victory.

2 Kings 3:20-22 : "The next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water suddenly flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the land. Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come to fight against them. So they gathered all men who could bear arms and stationed themselves at the border. When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and to the Moabites across the way, the water looked red—like blood."

The Moabites, mistaking the water for blood, assumed the allied kings had turned on each other. They advanced, expecting an easy victory, only to be met with a prepared and united Israelite force. The ensuing battle resulted in a significant defeat for Moab.

Archaeological Corroboration:
The Mesha Stele, an ancient Moabite stone inscription, provides an extrabiblical account of Moab's rebellion. Discovered in 1868, the stele records King Mesha's perspective, celebrating his victories over Israel and his dedication to the Moabite god Chemosh. This artifact corroborates the biblical narrative, offering insight into the historical and cultural context of the rebellion.

Theological Significance:
Moab's rebellion and the subsequent divine intervention underscore themes of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people. Despite Israel's spiritual waywardness, God remained involved in their national affairs, providing deliverance and guidance through His prophets. The event also highlights the importance of seeking divine counsel and the power of God to turn seemingly insurmountable challenges into opportunities for His glory.

Legacy:
The rebellion of Moab is a testament to the complex relationships between Israel and its neighbors. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God's chosen people and the ultimate futility of opposing His divine will. The narrative continues to be a point of reflection on the nature of divine justice and mercy throughout biblical history.