Mesha Stele

The Mesha Stele is a commemorative stone inscribed by King Mesha of Moab. The stele was probably erected around 840 BC.

The inscription on the stele commemorates the Moabites’ victory over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. King Mesha writes that they owe their victory to their god Chemos.

The inscription says the following about King Omri of Israel: “Omri was king of Israel, and oppressed Moab during many days, and Chemosh was angry with his aggressions. His son succeeded him, and he also said, ‘I will oppress Moab.’ In my days he said, ‘Let us go, and I will see my desire upon him and his house,’ and Israel said, ‘I shall destroy it for ever.’ ”