2 Kings 3:4

KJV

And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Mesha {H4338} king {H4428} of Moab {H4124} was a sheepmaster {H5349}, and rendered {H7725} unto the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} an hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} lambs {H3733}, and an hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} rams {H352}, with the wool {H6785}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Mesha king of Mo'av was a sheep-breeder, and he used to send the king of Isra'el the wool of 100,000 lambs and of 100,000 rams as tribute.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep-master; and he rendered unto the king of Israel the wool of a hundred thousand lambs, and of a hundred thousand rams.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 3:4 introduces Mesha, the king of Moab, identifying him as a highly prosperous "sheepmaster" who was obligated to pay an enormous annual tribute of one hundred thousand lambs and one hundred thousand rams, including their wool, to the king of Israel. This verse not only highlights Moab's considerable pastoral wealth but also underscores its long-standing vassalage to Israel, establishing the critical economic and political backdrop for the dramatic rebellion that unfolds in the subsequent narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of Jehoram's reign over Israel (2 Kings 3:1-3), which briefly describes his character and the continuation of Israel's idolatry, albeit less intensely than Ahab. 2 Kings 3:4 then abruptly shifts focus to Moab, providing the crucial historical and economic context for the central conflict of the chapter. It serves as the *casus belli*, directly preceding Mesha's rebellion against Israel after Ahab's death, as stated in [2 Kings 3:5](/2_kings/3-5 "2 Kings 3:5 - Mesha's Rebellion"). Without understanding the immense burden of this tribute, Mesha's subsequent revolt, and the ensuing military campaign by Israel, Judah, and Edom, would lack its primary motivation. The verse effectively sets the stage for the narrative's unfolding drama, explaining *why* Moab would choose to rebel against such a powerful overlord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab, a nation east of the Dead Sea, had been subjugated by King David (2 Samuel 8:2) and remained a vassal state to the Northern Kingdom of Israel for centuries, though with periods of rebellion. The payment of tribute was a common practice in the ancient Near East, signifying a weaker nation's submission to a dominant power. Such tributes could be in the form of goods, livestock, or even human labor, and were often a significant source of wealth for the imperial power. Mesha's designation as a "sheepmaster" (Hebrew: _noqed_) indicates that Moab was a highly fertile pastoral region, renowned for its sheep and wool production, making this specific form of tribute both logical and incredibly burdensome. The sheer volume of the tribute—200,000 animals annually—reflects Israel's formidable power under Ahab and the economic strain placed upon Moab, fostering deep resentment that would inevitably lead to revolt upon any perceived weakness in Israelite leadership.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational for several key themes woven throughout 2 Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the theme of **Vassalage and Tribute**, a pervasive aspect of ancient Near Eastern geopolitics, where powerful kingdoms exerted control and extracted resources from subjugated states. Secondly, it highlights the **Economic Power and Burden** involved in such relationships; Moab's vast pastoral wealth is evident in the tribute, but so too is the immense economic pressure that such a payment would exert, ultimately fueling the desire for independence. This economic exploitation often served as a flashpoint for conflict, as seen in other biblical accounts where heavy burdens led to societal unrest, such as the complaints against King Rehoboam's policies in [1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - Rehoboam's Heavy Yoke"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Sovereignty and Rebellion**, as the oppressive tribute directly sets the stage for Mesha's defiance against Israelite rule, a central plot point that underscores the complex dynamics of power, resistance, and divine involvement in the affairs of nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sheepmaster (Hebrew, _noqed'_):** This term is more significant than a mere shepherd. It refers to a wealthy owner of flocks, a breeder or rancher of considerable means and social standing. The same term is used to describe the prophet Amos in [Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - Amos, the Sheepbreeder from Tekoa"), indicating a person whose livelihood and influence derived from extensive pastoral holdings. Mesha's title emphasizes his immense personal and national wealth, making the tribute even more striking.
* **Rendered (Hebrew, _meshib'_):** The verb used here implies "to bring back" or "to return," suggesting a regular, obligated payment rather than a voluntary gift. It underscores the coercive nature of the tribute, indicating that it was a fixed, recurring obligation that Moab was compelled to "return" to Israel as a sign of its subservience.
* **With the wool (Hebrew, _im ha-tsemer'_):** This seemingly small detail is crucial. It specifies that the tribute included not just the animals for meat or breeding, but also their highly valuable fleece. Wool was a primary commodity in the ancient world, essential for textiles, trade, and clothing. Its inclusion emphasizes that the tribute was a comprehensive extraction of Moab's economic output, maximizing the value for Israel and the burden for Moab.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster":** This clause introduces the key figure, Mesha, and immediately establishes his identity and primary source of wealth and power. His role as a "sheepmaster" signifies not only his personal prosperity but also the economic foundation of the entire nation of Moab, which was renowned for its pastoral abundance. This sets a baseline for understanding the scale of the tribute.
* **"and rendered unto the king of Israel":** This phrase clarifies the relationship between Moab and Israel: one of vassalage and overlordship. Mesha, as the king of Moab, was obligated to pay tribute to the king of Israel, signifying Israel's political and military dominance over Moab at this time. The act of "rendering" emphasizes the compulsory nature of the payment.
* **"an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool":** This final clause quantifies the immense tribute. The sheer number of animals—200,000 in total—highlights the extraordinary wealth of Moab's flocks and, conversely, the crushing economic burden placed upon the nation. The specific mention of "with the wool" further underscores the comprehensive nature of the tribute, indicating that Israel was extracting the full economic value of the animals, including their highly prized fleece, which was a vital commodity for trade and textiles.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Quantification** to convey the immense scale of Moab's wealth and the burden of the tribute. The specific numbers ("an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams") are not merely statistics but serve to impress upon the reader the vastness of the payment and, by extension, the severity of Israel's economic demands on Moab. This detailed enumeration also functions as **Setting the Stage**, providing the essential background information that explains the motivations behind Mesha's subsequent rebellion. The heavy tribute is presented as the primary **Catalyst** for the conflict that dominates the rest of the chapter. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the description of such a crippling tribute implicitly suggests that this arrangement is unsustainable and will inevitably lead to resistance, which indeed it does in the very next verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly straightforward verse about ancient economics and geopolitics carries significant theological weight. It illustrates the complex interplay of human power, national sovereignty, and the burdens of sin and oppression. While the tribute was an earthly political arrangement, the Bible often portrays the rise and fall of nations, and the imposition of tribute or servitude, as part of God's sovereign plan, sometimes as a consequence of national sin or as a means of discipline (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience")). Mesha's rebellion, sparked by this heavy burden, can be seen as an act of human resistance against an oppressive system, yet it also sets in motion a chain of events that will reveal God's hand in the affairs of these nations, even through their conflicts and alliances. The verse also underscores the value placed on pastoral wealth in biblical times, a theme that resonates throughout scripture, from the patriarchs to the imagery of the Good Shepherd.

* [Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - Amos, the Sheepbreeder from Tekoa")
* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [2 Chronicles 26:8](/2_chronicles/26-8 "2 Chronicles 26:8 - Ammonite Tribute to Uzziah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Mesha's tribute and subsequent rebellion, though ancient, offers profound insights into the dynamics of power, oppression, and the human desire for freedom. It reminds us that economic burdens, whether imposed by external forces or self-inflicted, can lead to deep resentment and ultimately to conflict. For us today, this can prompt reflection on the "tributes" we pay in our own lives—whether they are oppressive systems of debt, societal expectations, or the heavy demands of personal sin that enslave us. The narrative invites us to consider the cost of peace and the price of freedom, both individually and communally. It also highlights how God can work through the seemingly mundane details of geopolitics and economics to achieve His purposes, reminding us that no aspect of human history is outside His sovereign gaze. We are called to discern the burdens that weigh us down and to seek the true freedom that comes from God, rather than relying on our own strength or rebellion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "tributes" or heavy burdens, whether financial, emotional, or spiritual, do I feel obligated to pay in my life today?**
* **How do economic pressures and power imbalances in our world contribute to conflict and injustice?**
* **In what ways does God's sovereignty manifest itself through the rise and fall of nations and the actions of their leaders, even in seemingly secular events?**
* **What does Mesha's rebellion, driven by a desire for freedom from oppression, teach us about the human spirit's longing for liberation?**

### FAQ
**Was Mesha, King of Moab, a historical figure confirmed outside the Bible?**

Answer: Yes, Mesha is a significant historical figure whose existence and rebellion against Israel are independently corroborated by the Mesha Stele, also known as the Moabite Stone. This basalt slab, discovered in 1868, contains an inscription by Mesha himself, detailing his victories against Israel, particularly his liberation from Israelite rule, and his building projects. It is one of the most important archaeological finds for confirming biblical narratives, providing a Moabite perspective on the very events described in [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - The War Against Moab").

**Why was Israel demanding such a massive tribute from Moab?**

Answer: Israel's demand for such a colossal tribute was a clear assertion of its dominance and a means of economic exploitation. As the victorious overlord, Israel sought to extract maximum resources from its subjugated vassal state, Moab. This heavy tribute served multiple purposes: it enriched the Israelite treasury, demonstrated Israel's military and political power, and likely aimed to keep Moab economically weakened, thus preventing future rebellions. The sheer volume of livestock and wool indicates that Moab was a rich pastoral nation, making it a prime target for such economic demands.

**What was the particular significance of the tribute including "with the wool"?**

Answer: The phrase "with the wool" is significant because it emphasizes the comprehensive nature and full economic value of the tribute. While lambs and rams could be used for meat, sacrifice, or breeding, the inclusion of their wool meant that Israel was extracting the full range of Moab's pastoral produce. Wool was a highly valuable commodity in the ancient world, essential for textiles, clothing, and trade. By demanding the wool, Israel ensured that Moab's primary economic output was fully leveraged, maximizing the burden on Moab and the benefit to Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Mesha's oppressive tribute and subsequent rebellion, while rooted in ancient geopolitical realities, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Humanity, by its very nature, is born into a state of vassalage, not to an earthly king, but to sin and death (cf. [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). The "tribute" demanded by sin is not lambs and rams, but spiritual death and separation from God. This heavy burden, a consequence of our rebellion against our Creator, leaves humanity enslaved and without hope of self-liberation. However, unlike Mesha's violent and ultimately temporary rebellion, God Himself intervened to pay the ultimate "tribute" on our behalf. Jesus Christ, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, bearing the full weight of sin's demands (cf. [Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Sacrifice for Sins")). Through His death and resurrection, He redeemed us from the curse and the heavy yoke of sin, setting us free from its dominion (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")). He is the Good Shepherd, who unlike earthly "sheepmasters" who exploit their flocks for tribute, lays down His life for His sheep, leading them into true freedom and abundant life (cf. [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). Thus, the oppressive tribute of 2 Kings 3:4 ultimately points to the glorious, liberating "tribute" paid by Christ, securing our eternal freedom and peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 8:2

And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And [so] the Moabites became David's servants, [and] brought gifts.

Job 42:12

So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.

Genesis 13:2

And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

Psalms 108:9

Moab [is] my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.

Psalms 108:10

Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?

Psalms 60:8

Moab [is] my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.

Job 1:3

His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.