The Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone)
Context
Mesha was the king of Moab around the 9th century BCE and is known as the author of the Mesha Stele, an inscription that records his achievements. The stele is mentioned in sources as a Moabite artifact from this period.
What Was Found
A 3-foot-tall basalt stele discovered in 1868 at Dhiban (biblical Dibon) in modern Jordan, bearing a 34-line Moabite inscription commissioned by King Mesha of Moab around 840 BC. The text describes Mesha's rebellion against the kingdom of Israel and the recovery of Moabite territory, paralleling the narrative in 2 Kings 3. It contains the earliest extra-biblical mention of YHWH, and a disputed reading possibly referencing the 'House of David'.
Why This Matters
It provides an extra-biblical record of figures and events mentioned in the Bible.
Acceptance Assessment
Universally Accepted
Authenticity and substantial content are universally accepted; the proposed 'House of David' reading in line 31 remains debated.
