Biblical Hebrew Forum

["B. M. Rocine" <brocine AT twcny.rr.com>]

B-Haveray,

I can suggest that the king's offering of his son was primarily political
rather than religious.  Israel was looking for political submission and
economic tribute, not anihilation.  Anihilation would be disadvantageous.
Knowing Israel's objectives, Mesha sacrificed the heir to the throne, the
heir symbolizing Moab's future.  It was an act of political defiance.  The
idea was that Israel could not have MOab's tribute, not then and not in the
future.  Moab would absolutely not negotiate a peace.  They would offer the
hier to the throne before they would pay a tribute.  When Israel saw such a
desperate defiance and hate, called qetseph in the scriptures, they left the
field.

Just my two shqalim.

Shalom,  Bryan

B. M. Rocine
Living Word Church
6101 Court St. Rd.
Syracuse, NY 13206

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