Original Word: מֵישַׁע
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Meysha`
Pronunciation: MAY-shah
Phonetic Spelling: (may-shaw')
KJV: Mesha
NASB: Mesha
Word Origin: [a variation for H4337 (מֵישָׁע - Mesha)]

1. safety
2. Mesha, a Moabite

Mesha

A variation for Meysha'; safety; Mesha, a Moabite -- Mesha.

see HEBREW Meysha'

Word Origin
from yasha
Definition
"deliverance," king of Moab
NASB Translation
Mesha (1).

מֵישַׁע proper name, masculine (deliverance) — Mesha, king of Moab 2 Kings 3:4 = משע MI¹; ᵐ5 Μωσα. — see Sm and So^{MI, 1886} Dl^{Sm lxxxv ff}.

Identity and Background

Mesha was the ruler of Moab during the reigns of the Israelite kings Omri, Ahab, and Joram (Jehoram), and of the Judean king Jehoshaphat. His rule is attested in Scripture and in an important Moabite inscription, providing a rare convergence of biblical and extra-biblical data for a single Iron Age monarch.

Political and Historical Context

Moab lay east of the Dead Sea, occupying territory that Israel had once held north of the Arnon River (Numbers 21:26). Omri of Israel subjugated Moab, imposing a heavy annual tribute that Mesha is later shown paying: “one hundred thousand lambs and the wool of one hundred thousand rams” (2 Kings 3:4). Moab’s land was agriculturally suited to sheep and goat herding, so the tribute measured Israel’s economic dominance.

Omri’s son Ahab retained control, but at Ahab’s death Mesha seized the moment to revolt (2 Kings 3:5). This revolt threatened Israel’s economy and prestige, prompting Joram to enlist Jehoshaphat of Judah and the unnamed king of Edom in a counter-offensive (2 Kings 3:7–9).

Biblical Narrative

2 Kings 3 records the campaign in detail. Water was miraculously provided to the three-nation coalition when, at Elisha’s word, God filled trenches overnight (2 Kings 3:16–20). The Moabites misread the sunrise’s reflection on the water as blood and rushed into Israel’s camp, only to suffer initial defeat (2 Kings 3:21–24). As the battle pressed toward Kir-hareseth, Mesha, in desperation, offered his firstborn son on the city wall: “And great wrath came upon Israel, so they withdrew and returned to their own land” (2 Kings 3:27). The text implies that the horror—or perhaps divine displeasure at so shocking an act—broke Israel’s resolve, cutting short what had seemed a certain victory (2 Kings 3:18).

Archaeological Corroboration

The Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone), discovered at Dibon in 1868, records Mesha’s own version of events. He boasts that “Omri king of Israel had oppressed Moab many days” and that Chemosh, the Moabite deity, enabled him to break Israel’s yoke. The inscription lists towns captured from Israel and public works Mesha sponsored, portraying him as both liberator and builder. While Mesha’s inscription accentuates Moabite triumph, and 2 Kings 3 describes a costly Israelite incursion, both accounts agree on key points: Moab’s subjection under Omri, a revolt after Omri’s dynasty, and Mesha’s aggressive reconquest. The convergence strongly supports the historical reliability of Kings.

Theological and Ministry Insights

1. Divine Sovereignty over Nations

God raised up and subdued nations according to His purposes (Deuteronomy 32:8–9; 2 Kings 3:18). Mesha’s temporary success did not contradict Yahweh’s supremacy; rather, it highlighted God’s overarching governance, even when human actors credited false gods.

2. The Cost of Idolatry

Mesha’s sacrifice of his heir underscores the depths of pagan idolatry. Scripture consistently condemns child sacrifice (Leviticus 18:21; Jeremiah 19:5). The narrative contrasts Chemosh, who demands the death of innocents, with the LORD, who gives life and delivers His people.

3. Human Responsibility in Spiritual Warfare

Israel’s coalition presumed political strength would guarantee victory, yet they required divine intervention merely for water (2 Kings 3:10–17). Strategic planning is no substitute for dependence on God (Psalm 20:7).

4. The Danger of Incomplete Obedience

When Israel recoiled at Mesha’s horrific offering and withdrew, the campaign ended without full subjugation of Moab. Later generations would feel the consequences. Partial obedience can leave footholds for future conflict.

Lessons for Today

• National success rests on God’s favor, not merely military or economic power.
• Leaders influence nations toward life or death; Christian leadership should reflect God’s character of justice and mercy.
• The historical intersection of Scripture and archaeology invites confidence in the Bible’s trustworthiness while encouraging thoughtful engagement with evidence.
• Believers must guard against syncretism and the lure of cultural idols, remembering that the true King never requires what He Himself has not already provided in the sacrifice of Christ.

Mesha’s brief appearance in 2 Kings serves as a vivid reminder that history, theology, and personal faith are intertwined. His account calls the people of God to wholehearted allegiance, discerning leadership, and unwavering trust in the Lord who alone rules the nations.

וּמֵישַׁ֥ע ומישע ū·mê·ša‘ umeiSha ūmêša‘Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts