2 Kings 3:4

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

ומישע מלך מואב היה נקד והשיב למלך ישראל מאה אלף כרים ומאה אלף אילים צמר:

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes Mesha, the king of Moab, who was a sheep farmer and gave the king of Israel 100,000 lambs and rams with their wool. It shows the wealth and tribute from one kingdom to another.

Explained for Children

Imagine a king who has lots of sheep, like a big petting zoo. He gives some of his sheep to another king as a present, kind of like when you share your toys with a friend.

Historical Background

2 Kings was written by an unknown author around 550 BC, likely by a prophet or scribe in Babylon. It documents the kings of Israel and Judah and their relationships with surrounding nations, such as Moab.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, this verse can remind us of the importance of mutual respect and the value of giving in relationships. Just as Mesha gave valuable resources to the king of Israel, we can also show respect and value to others through our actions.

Topics

• tribute
• wealth
• kingdoms
• relationships
• resources
• respect

Related Verses

• 1 Kings 4:21
• 1 Kings 10:25
• 2 Chronicles 8:8
• Ezra 4:13
• Matthew 22:21

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Mesha give so many sheep to the king of Israel?

Mesha likely gave the sheep as a tribute to maintain peace or to secure political alliances with the king of Israel, showing his wealth and respect through this significant gift.

What does this verse tell us about the economy of Moab?

This verse suggests that Moab had a strong agricultural base, particularly in sheep farming, which was central to their economy and a key resource for diplomatic relations.

How does this verse relate to other biblical accounts of tribute?

Similar to other accounts in the Bible, this verse shows how tribute was a common practice to maintain peace and alliances between kingdoms, often involving significant wealth transfers.

What can we learn about Mesha from this verse?

From this verse, we learn that Mesha was a powerful ruler with significant resources, and his actions indicate a strategic approach to diplomacy, using his wealth to secure peace or favorable terms with Israel.