meysh'a, "deliverance," the eldest son of Caleb (, Heb. Mesha. Bibliography W. F. Albright, Archaeology and the Religion of Israel (1942), 146f. Mesha's sacrifice of his firstborn, seen in this new light, was virtually guaranteed to save the lives of the entire populationmen, women and childrenof the city under siege" (Baruch Margalit, "Why King Mesha of Moab Sacrificed His Oldest Son," Biblical Archaeology Review, Nov.-Dec. 1986, p. 63). The Mount Ebal Curse Tablet (Part Two): Digging for Truth Episode 201, The Mount Ebal Curse Tablet (Part One): Digging for Truth Episode 200, Joshua's Conquest of Canaan (Part Two): Digging for Truth Episode 199, A Monumental Fortification Tower & Militaria: Late Hellenistic & Early Roman Military Architecture & Equipment Discovered at Khirbet el-Maqatir, Israel, Zebulun by the Sea? See ing that his case was desperate, Mesha attempted, with 700 men, to break through the lines. 3-6). In the first half of the ninth century BCE, Israel was a mighty kingdom. The complete text regarding Horanaim reads as follows: Horanaim is mentioned in Isaiah's prophecy against Moab (15:5). General Editor. In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. It is possibly located at al Qureiye, 6 minutes northwest of Madaba. ; "the [divine] kinsman has been generous" or "the people has expanded"), king of Judah for 17 years (c. 928911 b.c.e. Be our patron for as little as one dollar a month: https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Mesha.html, The Passion of the Christ and the Theory of Everything, Stars and fractals: the many hearts of wisdom, How the Bible relates to Homer like Ape to Dog, How circumcision created the modern world, The many Hebrew roots of the Greek language, Mesha is also the name of a Benjaminite, a son of. What Does It Mean to Be "Spiritually Blind"? The name is thought to be an abbreviation of Chemosh is salvation. What the Bible presents regarding Mesha is limited to 2 Kings 3. Although there are only three lines left in the surviving portion, Lemaire believes we only have about half of the original memorial (1994: 37). The exploits of Mesha are recorded in the Phoenician inscription on a block of black basalt found at Dibon, in Moab, usually called the "Moabite stone" (q.v.). In order to achieve victory, Mesha had to marshal the best of his forces, 200 chiefs. (May 25, 2023). Although mentioned only twice in the Old Testament, the city seems to have been an important place. ( Genesis 10:30 ) The king of Moab who was tributary to Ahab, ( 2Kings 3:4 ) but when Ahab fell at Ramoth-gilead, Mesha refused to pay tribute to his successor, Jehoram. Mesha resided at Dibon, situated north of Arnon, and called himself "King of Moab, the Dibonite." So great a difference cannot be explained by the use of round numbers. A city wall and gateway were found, as well as a large podium which the excavators believe supported the royal quarter constructed by Mesha. It was a border fortress located at Kh. Lemaire, A., 1994 House of David Restored in Moabite Inscription. The main problem in correlating the Mesha Inscription with the Bible has to do with synchronizing the chronology of the two sources. Eliezer of Mareshah foretold the failure of Jehoshaphats naval expedition bound for Tarshish, because of the unholy alliance with Ahaziah of Israel (2 Chron 20:35-37). The stele records Mesha's liberation of Moab from under the suzerainty of Israel in c. 850 BC. Some 12 towns in the land of Medeba are mentioned, all of them known from the Old Testament. (. It is impossible to add to the length of either reign. (For the unusual circumstances surrounding its discovery, seeArchaeology and Biblical Research, Winter 1991: 2-3). Antiq. (4) (mesha'; Masse): This appears to mark the western boundary of the land occupied by the descendants of Joktan (Genesis 10:30). of Ataroth before Chemosh (lines 12-13), Chemosh directed Mesha to attack the town of Nebo (line 14), Mesha devoted the inhabitants of Nebo to Chemosh (line 17), Chemosh drove the king of Israel out of Jahaz (lines 18-19), Chemosh directed Mesha to fight against Horanaim (line 32), Chemosh gave Mesha victory over Horanaim (line 33). Hebrews id, a king of Moab, the son of Chemosh-Gad, a man of great wealth in flocks and herds (2 Kings 3:4). 2 Kings 8:26 RSV, where Ahabs daughter is daughter of Omri). Moabite Stone [Mesha Stele] - World History Encyclopedia According to Biblical chronology, Omri and Ahab together reigned only 34 years. In this inscription he calls himself "Mesha, son of Kemosh- [. Encyclopedias almanacs transcripts and maps. The location of the place is uncertain. Debated King David Reference on Mesha Stele Solved ( 2 Chron 11:8 ). The Mesha Inscription gives us 'the rest of the story.' III Pt. Toward the end of the inscription, Baal Meon is mentioned again when Mesha records: The reference to sheep is significant, as it reflects the main occupation of the people of Moab, in agreement with the Bible. It had preserved its independence ever since the reign of Mesha, having escaped from being drawn into the wars which had laid waste the rest of Syria. of Yahweh' (lines 17-18). View history Tools The Mesha Stele, also known as the Moabite Stone, is a stele dated around 840 BCE containing a significant Canaanite inscription in the name of King Mesha of Moab (a kingdom located in modern Jordan ). King Mesha of Moab details his victories over Israeland seemingly the "House of David"in this ninth-century stela. Later, after the split of Israel into two kingdoms, King Omri of the northern kingdom of Israel, reconquered Moab after it had been lost subsequent to King Solomon's reign. b.c., the place was successively occupied by the Seleucids (Syrians), the Ptolemies (Egyptians), and again by the Seleucids. Mesha - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway The Mesha Inscription gives us 'the rest of the story.' The king's name: "Mesha" is based on the Hebrew word "to save", but it has also been suggested that his name may be related to the Hebrew "Moshe" (Moses). Jeremiah predicted doom for the city as part of God's judgment against Moab (48:21, 34). The lands of Joktan are defined as extending from Mesha, "as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the E" ( Gen 10:30; writer's tr. 9th century BC) was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the sixth king of Israel.He was a successful military campaigner who extended the northern kingdom of Israel. Aramaic Bible in Plain English. Verb (shawa') means to cry out (for salvation). Mesha was ruler of the small kingdom of Moab, east of the Dead Sea, in the mid-ninth century BC. In his prophecy against Moab, Isaiah states, 'Dibon goes up to its temple, to its high places to weep' (15:2, NIV). In his prophecy against Moab, Isaiah states, 'Dibon goes up to its temple, to its high places to weep' (15:2, NIV). 'I am Mesha, son Chemosh[t], king of Moab, the Dibonite. (2) (mesha'; Codex Vaticanus, Misa; Codex Alexandrinus, Mosa): A Benjamite, son of Shaharaim by his wife Hodesh, born in the land of Moab (1 Chronicles 8:9). It was discovered in Dhiban, Jordan, in 1868 by a French Anglican medical missionary by the name of F.A. Join us in our mission! 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 . Mesha's rebellion took place during the 9th century BCE, following the death of Israel's King Ahab. Encyclopaedia Judaica. This is the name of 1 biblical place and 2 biblical men. This mid-ninth century BC inscription provided the first mention of David in a contemporary text outside the Bible. This appears to mark the western boundary of the land occupied by the descendants of Joktan (Genesis 10:30). It is not surprising that he says nothing of his defeat by Jehoram and his allies. /j/jehoram.htm - 30k, Moabite (13 Occurrences) During the one hundred and fifty years which followed the defeat of the Moabites, after the death of Ahab (see MESHA), they regained, apparently, much of their /m/moabite.htm - 23k, Kir-haraseth (1 Occurrence) After the death of Ahab, Mesha, king of Moab (see MOABITE STONE), threw off allegiance to the king of Israel, and fought successfully for the independence of /k/kir-haraseth.htm - 8k, Kirharaseth (1 Occurrence) After the death of Ahab, Mesha, king of Moab (see MOABITE STONE), threw off allegiance to the king of Israel, and fought successfully for the independence of /k/kirharaseth.htm - 8k, Arnon (23 Occurrences) From the inscription of Mesha on the Moabite Stone we gather that Moab had established herself on the north of the Arnon before the time of Omri. | GotQuestions.org, The name of one of the geographical limits of the Joktanites when they first settled in Arabia. ( 1Chronicles 2:42 ) A Benjamite, son of Shabaraim by his wife Hodesh, who bore him in the land of Moab. Mesha -- "deliverance," king of Moab 4337, 4338. His attack was repulsed with heavy slaughter, and the defeated king was chased by the victors until he took refuge in the great fortress of Kir-hareseth. The whole land was devastated by the conquering armies, and Mesha sought refuge in his last stronghold, Kir-harasheth (q.v.). 1915. This is clear from the inscription on the Moabite Stone, a monument of Mesha, king of Moab, erected about 850 BC, and discovered among the ruins of Dibon in /m/moabites.htm - 28k, Stone (290 Occurrences) A monument erected at Dibon (Dhiban) by Mesha, king of Moab (2 Kings 3:4, 5), to commemorate his successful revolt from Israel and his conquest of Israelite /s/stone.htm - 54k, Genesis 10:30Their dwelling was from Mesha, as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the east. And their dwelling was from Manasheh that is in the entry of Sepharweem, a mountain in the East. . Most Recent Articles Written by Henry B. Smith Jr. A Book Review, Book Review: The Genesis Creation Account and Its Reverberations in the Old Testament, Book Review: Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, Book Review: From Abraham to Paul: A Biblical Chronology: Part II, Evolution and the American Abortion Mentality, Canaanite Child Sacrifice, Abortion, and the Bible, The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy: Commentary. Transliteration: Mesha Phonetic Spelling: (may-shaw') Short Definition: Mesha. *Jehoram son of Ahab conducted a military campaign against Moab to subjugate it (ii Kings 3:6ff.). b.c. 1. The forty years may be a magnification of Meshas glory as deliverer; or it may be thought a round number; or Omris son may have been his grandson, either Ahaziah or Jehoram (cf. 2 Kings 3:4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he would Mesha Stele: One Of The Most Valuable Biblical Artifacts Mesha. after the death of Ahab he asserted his independence. 3. Scholars Identify Biblical King Balak on the Mesha Stele Mesha | Moabite king | Britannica Ahab, father of Joram, died in ca. The Bible indicates that the retaliation by Joram recorded in 2 Kings 3 took place immediately upon Mesha's revolt (verses 5-7), or 846 BC. Encyclopedia MESHA me'-sha: (1) (mesha`; Codex Vaticanus, Marisa; Codex Alexandrinus, Marisas): Caleb's firstborn son, the father of Ziph, probably the ancestor of the Ziphites ( 1 Chronicles 2:42 ). Although the campaign met with some success, it appears that Moab retained its independence. . (2 Chron 11:8). He claims to have added 100 towns to his territory by means of his faithful army from Dibon: Some 12 towns in the land of Medeba are mentioned, all of them known from the Old Testament. v. 4; viii. NOBSE Study Bible Name List makes no distinction between the two versions. Chemosh is mentioned some 11 times in the inscription: Most of the inscription is taken up with Mesha's success in regaining the land of Medeba, the disputed territory north of the Arnon Gorge. Jehoram, king of Israel, combined forces with *Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom and invaded Moab from the south, through Edom (ii Kings 3:20), reaching the city of Kir-Hareseth in the heart of Moab. XIII. ], the king of Moab, the Dibonite." From the time of David (2 Sam 8:2) Moab was subject to Israel until the divided kingdom, when several peoples including Moab rebelled. It is perhaps located at Deleitat esh-Sherqiyeh 10 mi north-northeast of Dhiban, but that location is far from certain. What Does Mesha Mean? Bible Definition and References - Bible Study Tools For various reasons, the Israelite king preferred to leave Dibon in Moabite hands and was content to receive yearly tribute as a token of subjugation. Jeremiah predicted that the fortified cities of Dibon would be ruined (48:18 cf. proper name of unknown meaning). Even under Egyp. Everything we know about Mesha from the Bible is recorded in 2 Kings 3. BibliographyDearman, A., ed., 1989 Studies in the Mesha Inscription and Moab. Where is biblical Mesha today? 3 modern identifications - OpenBible.info MESHA m' sh. Biblical Archaeology Review 20/3: 30-37. War between Israel and Moab. One of those gods is Chemosh. Mesha first concentrated upon preparing fortifications for a confrontation with Israel. About the year 110 b.c., John Hyrcanus apparently subdued the city, circumcising such Idumeans as chose to remain (Jos. It is thought to be located at Kh. The area was sometimes under the control of Moab, sometimes under the control of others. Jeremiah predicted that the city would be disgraced and captured (48:1), and Ezekiel said God would expose the flank of Moab, beginning with its frontier towns, including Kiriathaim (25:9). Judging by his inscription, he was also a deeply religious man according to his lights. The stele then relates how *Omri, king of Israel, took possession of the land of Medeba in the northern part of the plain, and subjugated Moab "his days and a part of the days of his son, forty years." A king of Moab, who paid an enormous tribute to Ahab king of Israel, but revolted at his death, 2 Kings 1:1; 3:4-27. (3.) Jehoshaphat ruled Judah f, Kings (books of the Bible) Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. An eighth century BC ostracon from Samaria (no. The Arch of Titus and the Olive Tree of Romans 11, CURSED! It may be the same as Bozrah in Jer 48:24, a Moabite city judged by God. It reads, in fact, like a chapter from the Old Testament. i, 2nd Ed. Messq. Zebulun's Mysterious Borders. He was tributary to Israel, his annual contribution consisting of 100,000 lambs and 100,000 rams. It is not surprising that he says nothing of his defeat by Jehoram and his allies. Mesha King Moab - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway Omri (/ m r a / OM-ry; Hebrew: , 'Omr; Akkadian: mr [u-um-ri-i]; fl. North of the Arnon River, to about the northern end of the Dead Sea, was a disputed area called the 'land of Medeba' in the Mesha Inscription (line 8). Later, Antipaters son, Herod, fled to Marisa escaping from Antigonus and allies (Jos. Therefore, be sure to refer to those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list. The name is thought to be an abbreviation of "Chemosh is salvation." What the Bible presents regarding Mesha is limited to 2 Kings 3.There it is stated that he was a noged, i.e., the owner of a brand of sheep by that name, noted for the quality of the wool. 846 BC. His bloody sacrifice had so far the desired effect that the besiegers retired from him to their own land. The site of Dhiban was excavated 1950-1956 and 1965. In 1 Chronicles 2 1 Chronicles 2:42 Meaning. A Canaanite city in Judahs lowland, the modern Tell Sandahannah, one m. SE of Eleutheropolis (Beit Jibrin); strengthened by Rehoboam, in the early 9th cent. Omri had taken possession of the land of Medeba. This article was first published in the Spring 1996 issue of Bible and Spade. [Illustration: First words of Kin Mesha's writing on the Moabite Stone. The name is formed from the root y , "to deliver, save." In ii Kings 3:4 it is stated that Mesha was a sheep breeder. 20:31). King David and Solomon: Men or Myths? ." The Exodus from Egypt, An Appraisal of the 2010 Drews and Han Wind Setdown Models of the Exodus 14 Sea Crossing, The Geography and Military Strategy of King Uzziah: An Expansionist Policy That Led to His Destruction, The Prophets' Knowledge of Contemporary Idolatry, Digging for Truth Audio Series: Top Ten Discoveries of 2016, Digging for Truth Audio Series: Archaeological Evidence for Daniel, Digging for Truth Audio Series: Archaeological Evidence for King David, Digging for Truth Audio Series: Archaeological Evidence for David, Jerusalem: The Bible and the Book of Mormon, Most Recent Articles Written by Gary Byers, Most Recent Articles Written by Rick Lanser, Most Recent Articles Written by Scott Lanser. The location of Jahaz is uncertain, although Kh. A place on the eastern frontier of the territory of Joktan, Genesis 10:30, supposed to have been in the region of Bassora, at the northwest end of the Persian Gulf. Why Mesha should wish to increase the time of his people's subjection is not clear, unless, indeed, he thought in this way to magnify the glory of their deliverer.In Mesha the sentiment of patriotism was wedded to some measure of military capacity. Almost everything that is known about his life comes from two sources: the Bible, and the Mesha Inscription (also called the Mesha Stele or the Moabite Stone, which was discovered in 1868 in Dibhan, Jordan). The Second Book of Kings and the Mesha Stele differ in their explanation for the success of the revolt: according to Mesha, "Israel has been defeated", but 2 Kings says the Israelites withdrew when Mesha sacrificed the eldest son of either himself or the Edomite king to his god Chemosh (the text is not explicit at this point) on the walls of the capital city in which he was being besieged. Mesha' Hebrew Meaning - Old Testament Lexicon (KJV) Is It Time to Throw Away Your Bible? It is impossible to add to the length of either reign. after the death of Ahab he asserted his independence. Here we gather that Mesha was contemporary with Ahab, Ahaziah and Jehoram. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The Mount Ebal Curse Tablet (Part Four): Digging for Truth Episode 203, CURSED! The Israelites then captured the area (Nm 21:24 Dt 2:24, 36 3:8, 16), with the tribe of Reuben taking possession (Jos 13:16). According to Biblical chronology, Omri and Ahab together reigned only 34 years. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateway's emails at any time. Dibon was captured from the Amorites by Israel (Nm 21:21-25, 31) and assigned to the tribe of Reuben (Jos 13:17). MESHA KING OF MOAB m sha (, salvation). There it is stated that he was a noged, i.e., the owner of a brand of sheep by that name, noted for the quality of the wool. the temple of Diblaten' (lines 29-30) Diblaten is mentioned in Jeremiah's oracle against Moab as Beth Diblathaim (48:22) and is possibly the same as Almon Diblathaim, a stopping place for the Israelites as they approached the promised land (Nu 33:46-47). names instead of Phoen. No certain identification is possible, but several more or less probable have been suggested: e.g. In Mesha the sentiment of patriotism was wedded to some measure of military capacity. And he dwelt in it in his days and half (2) the days of his son (3) 40 years but Chemosh restored it in my days (lines 7-9). facebook twitter youtube instagram newsletter Search. Reduced to despair, he ascended the wall of the city, and there, in the sight of the allied armies, offered his first-born son a sacrifice to Chemosh, the fire-god of the Moabites. This phrase is used a number of times in the Old Testament for the Davidic dynasty. //duff/the bible in its making/chapter ii the secret of.htm, History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Judah and Israel, the death of Ahab (853 BC); Damascus successfully resists the attacks of Assyria (849-846 BC) -- Moab delivered from Israel, Mesha; the death //history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 7/title page.htm, How Joram and Jehoshaphat Made an Expedition against the Moabites 1. The translation used in this article is that of A. Lemaire (1994:33). 'And I built . '(1) So begins one of the most extraordinary ancient documents ever found. Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. Omri established a dynasty which lasted until his grandson Joram was assassinated by Jehu in 841 BC. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - Wikipedia There is, however, one serious discrepancy. Mesha Stele - Wikipedia An Archaeological Biography of King Mesha, the Ruler of Ancient Moab Mesha was the son of Chemosh-melek. The heartland of Moab was the territory east of the southern half of the Dead Sea, from the great Arnon Gorge in the north to the Zered River in the south. MARESHAH m r' sh ( , perhaps head place ). Son of Shaharaim, a Benjaminite; born in the land of Moab ( 1 Chron 8:9 ). What Bible Debates Inspired Martin Luther's 95 Theses? The other version of the name Mesha, , is ascribed to two men in the Bible: The name Mesha written with the ayin looks like it has to do with the verb (yasha'), meaning to be saved or delivered: The verb (yasha') means to be unrestricted and thus to be free and thus to be saved (from restriction, from oppression and thus from ultimate demise). Similarly, although the Bible records Mesha's revolt, it gives no details on his successes. This chart only reflects the sources I consulted (listed above), not an exhaustive review of the literature. " Now the sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel were, Mesha his firstborn, which was the father of Ziph; and the sons of Mareshah the father of Hebron .". (3) (mesha`; Mosa): A king of Moab. 853 BC, so Mesha's revolt must have taken place some time after 853 BC. 'And I built Baal Meon, and made a reservoir in it' (line 9) Baal Meon was allotted to the Reubenites (Jos 13:17, where it is called Beth Baal Meon), and built by them (Nm 32:38). They are called First and Second Kings in modern. N. Glueck, Explorations in E. When Jehoram succeeded to the throne of Israel, one of his first acts was to secure the assistance of Jehoshaphat, his fathers ally, in reducing the Moabites to their former condition of tributaries. The two main sources for the existence and history of King Mesha are the Mesha Stele and the Hebrew Bible. Understanding Historical Parallels, App Review: iWitness Biblical Archaeology, Jesus Christ on the Inerrancy of Scripture, Correlating the Texts of Ancient Literature with the Old Testament, Location of Biblical Bethel and Ai Reconsidered, Further Considerations on the Location of Bethel at El-Bireh, Unfolding a Mystery: My Investigations into the Baris Question, Insights from the Animal Kingdom on the Scope of Noah's Flood, Creation or the Flood? A Judahite, son of Laadah (1 Chron 4:21). . This fearful spectacle filled the beholders with horror, and they retired from before the besieged city, and recrossed the Jordan laden with spoil (2 Kings 3:25-27). After having been tributary to Israel for some twoscore years, the forceful King Mesha sought independence. The Biblical record indicates that the tribute laid upon Meshas people was exorbitantan annual levy (likely the woolclip) of 100,000 each, of lambs and of rams (2 Kings 3:4, the RSV relates the first reference to animals). 3 Yet . el-Maqatir: A Proposed New Location for Ai and Ephraim, Egyptian War Correspondents and the Biblical Giants, An Important Word from ABR's Director of Research, Dr. Bryant Wood, Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?, Working Together for the Kingdom: A Message from ABR - UPDATED, Book Review: Origins of the Hebrews: New Evidence of Israelites in Egypt from Joseph to the Exodus, Why Should I Believe Christianity? Unfortunately the stone was broken into pieces by the local Bedouin before it could be acquired by the authorities. The place was the center of Idumean slave trade in the 3rd cent. Mesha was ruler of the small kingdom of Moab, east of the Dead Sea, in the mid-ninth century BC. Omri waged war against Moab, recapturing Medeba and several cities in the plateau. Moab [a] ( / mob /) is the name of an ancient Levantine kingdom whose territory is today located in the modern state of Jordan. Here we gather that Mesha was contemporary with Ahab, Ahaziah and Jehoram. 2 Kings 3:4 chapter context similar meaning copy save. Geocoding According to the Mesha Inscription: The Mesha Inscription not only mentions Mesha, king of Moab, known in the Bible, but also Omri, one of the most powerful kings of the Northern Kingdom (1 Kgs 16:21-28), who ruled 885-873 BC. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Hebrew names Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) are figures from the biblical Book of Daniel, primarily chapter 3.In the narrative, the three Jewish men are thrown into a fiery furnace by Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon for refusing to bow to the king's image. (, A Benjamite, son of Shabaraim by his wife Hodesh, who bore him in the land of Moab. 'And I built Bezer, for it was in ruins' (line 27) Under the Israelites, Bezer was a Levitical city and a city of refuge (Dt 4:43; Jos 20:8, 21:36; 1 Chr 6:78). )A place mentioned in describing the boundaries of that part of Arabia inhabited by the descendants of Joktan (Ge 10:30), where it is stated that "their dwelling was from Mesha even unto Sephar, (and beyond even unto . In this inscription he calls himself "Mesha, son of Kemosh-[], the king of Moab, the Dibonite.". An assumed whole other verb (mush) or (mish) means to depart or remove, and appears most often in the negative, when something is typically not ambulant but stays where it's at. (, A Benjamite, son of Shabaraim by his wife Hodesh, who bore him in the land of Moab. View south across the Arnon gorge, the 'Grand Canyon' of the Middle East. border country, but is prob. The area was sometimes under the control of Moab, sometimes under the control of others. He was a contemporary of Jehoshaphat, king of the southern kingdom of Judah (870-848 BC), and Joram, king of the northern kingdom of Israel (852-841 BC). It was included in the Reubenite allotment (Jos 13:18), and later transferred to the Levites (Jos 21:36; 1 Chr 6:78). If this theory is correct, the following sequence of events can be proposed: Moab revolted against Israel following the division of Solomon's kingdom, or at the latest in the days of Baasha. Similarly, although the Bible records Mesha's revolt, it gives no details on his successes. Excavations reveal a Grecian style city, with right angle streets and a number of houses in regular blocks. He secured communications between Dibon and Moab proper by building roads across the Arnon (line 26). me'-sha:(1) (mesha`; Codex Vaticanus, Marisa; Codex Alexandrinus, Marisas): Caleb's firstborn son, the father of Ziph, probably the ancestor of the Ziphites (1 Chronicles 2:42). The Moabites under Mesha their king were utterly routed and their cities destroyed.