2 kings 3:4 - Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder; and he supplied the king of Israel with the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred thousand rams.
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What does "2 kings 3:4" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 3:4 describes the economic relationship between the Kingdom of Moab and the Kingdom of Israel before a revolt. Let's break down what it means:
"Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder..." This establishes Mesha's main occupation. He was primarily involved in raising sheep on a large scale. This indicates Moab's wealth and economic activity was significantly tied to sheep herding.
"...and he supplied the king of Israel..." This indicates a tributary relationship. Moab was under the control of Israel, or at least obligated to provide tribute to the Israelite king. This suggests Israel had military or political power over Moab.
"...with the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred thousand rams." This specifies the tribute Mesha paid. It wasn't simply a random amount; it was a huge quantity of wool from lambs and rams. This is a significant amount, suggesting a considerable portion of Moab's sheep production went to Israel. This volume indicates Moab was both wealthy in sheep and under strong control to relinquish so much valuable product. Wool was a valuable commodity in ancient times, used for clothing and other essential items.
In summary, the verse reveals:
Mesha's status: He was the king of Moab and a large-scale sheep breeder.
Moab's economy: It was centered around sheep herding, particularly wool production.
Political relationship: Moab was a tributary state to Israel, obligated to pay tribute.
Economic impact: The tribute was substantial, highlighting the economic burden placed on Moab by Israel.
This information sets the stage for the rest of the narrative in 2 Kings 3, which describes Mesha's rebellion against Israel and the subsequent war between Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab. The heavy tribute mentioned in this verse likely contributed to Mesha's decision to revolt.
2 kings 3:4 - Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder; and he supplied the king of Israel with the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred thousand rams.
What does "2 kings 3:4" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 3:4 describes the economic relationship between the Kingdom of Moab and the Kingdom of Israel before a revolt. Let's break down what it means:
"Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder..." This establishes Mesha's main occupation. He was primarily involved in raising sheep on a large scale. This indicates Moab's wealth and economic activity was significantly tied to sheep herding.
"...and he supplied the king of Israel..." This indicates a tributary relationship. Moab was under the control of Israel, or at least obligated to provide tribute to the Israelite king. This suggests Israel had military or political power over Moab.
"...with the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred thousand rams." This specifies the tribute Mesha paid. It wasn't simply a random amount; it was a huge quantity of wool from lambs and rams. This is a significant amount, suggesting a considerable portion of Moab's sheep production went to Israel. This volume indicates Moab was both wealthy in sheep and under strong control to relinquish so much valuable product. Wool was a valuable commodity in ancient times, used for clothing and other essential items.
In summary, the verse reveals:
Mesha's status: He was the king of Moab and a large-scale sheep breeder.
Moab's economy: It was centered around sheep herding, particularly wool production.
Political relationship: Moab was a tributary state to Israel, obligated to pay tribute.
Economic impact: The tribute was substantial, highlighting the economic burden placed on Moab by Israel.
This information sets the stage for the rest of the narrative in 2 Kings 3, which describes Mesha's rebellion against Israel and the subsequent war between Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab. The heavy tribute mentioned in this verse likely contributed to Mesha's decision to revolt.