2 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 4
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.
Original Language Analysis
מוֹאָ֖ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֖ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
3 of 15
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
הָיָ֣ה
H1961
הָיָ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נֹקֵ֑ד
was a sheepmaster
H5349
נֹקֵ֑ד
was a sheepmaster
Strong's:
H5349
Word #:
5 of 15
a spotter (of sheep or cattle), i.e., the owner or tender (who thus marks them)
וְהֵשִׁ֤יב
and rendered
H7725
וְהֵשִׁ֤יב
and rendered
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
6 of 15
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וּמֵ֥אָה
an hundred
H3967
וּמֵ֥אָה
an hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
9 of 15
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
10 of 15
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
כָּרִ֔ים
lambs
H3733
כָּרִ֔ים
lambs
Strong's:
H3733
Word #:
11 of 15
a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)
וּמֵ֥אָה
an hundred
H3967
וּמֵ֥אָה
an hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
12 of 15
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
13 of 15
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 3 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Moabite Rebellion and God's Deliverance) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 3 regarding god's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.