Abstract
King Mesha’s sacrifice of his son and the subsequent retreat of the Israelite army from Moab in 2 Kgs 3:27 has proven to be a puzzling text for interpreters from rabbinic Judaism to the present. Modern historical analysis has fallen short in providing a coherent explanation for the events of this verse. This article attempts to seek a new and cogent interpretation for this passage based upon support from other texts and lexemes within the Old Testament. In keeping with the theme of Omride disobedience found throughout the Old Testament, this article deduces from intertextual evidence that Israel participated in Mesha’s burnt offering after securing victory over Moab. This cultic impropriety led YHWH to drive the Israelite army from its newly regained territory.
DOI
10.7252/Journal.01.2020S.2
Recommended Citation
Holland, Drew
(2020)
"An Alternative Approach to the Dilemma of 2 Kgs 3:27,"
The Journal of Inductive Biblical Studies:
Vol. 7:
Iss.
2, p. 7-31.
Available at:
https://place.asburyseminary.edu/jibs/vol7/iss2/3
