a variation for מֵישָׁע; safety; Mesha, a Moabite; Mesha.
Transliteration:Mêyshaʻ
Pronunciation:may-shaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4338}}` (Mêyshaʻ) primarily functions as a proper noun, designating the King of Moab prominently featured in the biblical narrative. Its etymological root, however, connects it directly to the concept of "safety" or "deliverance," being a variation of `{{H4337}}` and ultimately derived from the verbal root `{{H3467}}` (*yasha'*, meaning "to save, deliver, help"). Thus, the name Mesha itself signifies "safety" or "deliverance." This inherent meaning creates a profound ironic tension when juxtaposed with the historical actions of its most famous bearer, who resorted to extreme violence rather than experiencing or providing true safety.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole significant biblical occurrence of `{{H4338}}` is found in [[2 Kings 3]], where Mesha is identified as the King of Moab. The narrative establishes that Mesha had been a vassal of Israel, paying a substantial tribute of "a hundred thousand lambs and a hundred thousand rams with their wool" to the kings of Israel ([[2 Kings 3:4]]). Following the death of King Ahab, Mesha rebelled against Israelite suzerainty. This rebellion prompted a joint military campaign by King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the King of Edom, who sought to reassert control over Moab.
The allied forces marched through the wilderness of Edom, facing severe water shortages, which were miraculously alleviated through the prophetic intervention of Elisha ([[2 Kings 3:16-20]]). As the Israelite-led coalition besieged Kir-hareseth, the capital of Moab, Mesha found himself in a desperate situation. In a climactic and horrific act, he sacrificed his firstborn son, who was to succeed him, upon the city wall in full view of the besieging armies ([[2 Kings 3:27]]). This act, a desperate appeal to his god Chemosh, invoked a "great indignation" (or "great wrath" / "horror") upon Israel, leading the allied armies to withdraw and return to their own land. The nature of this "indignation" remains a subject of scholarly debate, possibly referring to divine wrath, a powerful supernatural terror, or a profound moral revulsion that caused the besiegers to abandon their campaign. The Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone), an extra-biblical inscription, corroborates many details of this conflict from Mesha's perspective, highlighting his devotion to Chemosh and his military successes against Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H4338}}` is to the Hebrew root `{{H3467}}` (*yasha'*), which carries the fundamental meaning of "to save, deliver, or give victory." This root is foundational to many significant biblical names and concepts, including:
* **Yeshua/Joshua/Jesus:** Names directly derived from this root, signifying "Yahweh is salvation."
* **Isaiah (Yesha'yahu):** "Salvation of Yahweh."
* **Salvation (Yeshu'ah):** The abstract noun for deliverance, often referring to God's act of rescuing His people.
* **Deliverance:** The act of being set free from danger, oppression, or distress.
The ironic tension embedded in Mesha's name is heightened when contrasted with the true source of safety and deliverance in the biblical worldview: Yahweh. While Mesha's name means "safety," his actions demonstrate a reliance on human power and pagan deities (Chemosh) rather than the God of Israel. His desperate sacrifice stands in stark contrast to the divine provision of salvation and the abhorrence of child sacrifice within Yahwistic theology.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Mesha, bearing a name that means "safety," yet resorting to the most extreme and abhorrent act of child sacrifice, offers profound theological insights.
1. **The Folly of Paganism:** Mesha's sacrifice underscores the depravity and desperation inherent in pagan worship. It illustrates the ultimate failure of human-devised means to secure "safety" or victory outside of God's will. The Moabite king's appeal to Chemosh through such a heinous act highlights the moral bankruptcy of idolatry, which demands the most precious possessions, even human life, in a futile attempt to manipulate divine favor.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Desperation:** Even in this narrative of human rebellion and pagan ritual, the underlying theme of divine sovereignty is present. The miraculous provision of water through Elisha demonstrates Yahweh's power over creation and His commitment to His people, even when they are in distress. The "great indignation" that caused the retreat of the allied armies, whether divine or human in origin, serves as a powerful, albeit ambiguous, conclusion to the encounter, suggesting that the consequences of such extreme acts can be far-reaching and complex.
3. **The True Source of Safety:** The irony of Mesha's name points to the biblical truth that true safety and deliverance (`{{H3467}}`) come not from human effort, military might, or pagan rituals, but from the Lord alone. Mesha's desperate act, intended to secure his own "safety," ultimately serves as a stark contrast to the merciful and just salvation offered by the God of Israel.
### Summary
`{{H4338}}` (Mêyshaʻ) is the name of the King of Moab, primarily known from [[2 Kings 3]]. While his name etymologically signifies "safety" or "deliverance" (from the root `{{H3467}}`), his biblical portrayal is marked by rebellion against Israel and a desperate, horrific act of child sacrifice to his god Chemosh. This profound irony underscores the theological message that true safety and salvation are found not in human power, pagan rituals, or desperate acts, but solely in the sovereign will and power of the God of Israel. The narrative of Mesha serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the futility of idolatry and the stark contrast between human attempts at self-preservation and God's divine provision of deliverance.
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