מלכים ב, פרק ג׳, פסוק ה׳

The passing of a powerful ruler often sends shockwaves through a region, creating opportunities for subjugated nations to seek their freedom. Ahab was widely recognized as a formidable king and a fierce warrior. During his lifetime, the Moabites were kept firmly in check, never daring to mount an uprising against his authority [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically the moment Ahab died [רד״ק]. Seizing the opportunity created by the loss of Israel's strong leader, the king of Moab launched a rebellion, throwing off his subjugation to declare complete independence [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This uprising actually began during the reign of Ahab's son, Ahaziah, and persisted into the rule of Ahaziah's brother, Joram. The core of this defiance was the Moabite king's strict refusal to continue paying the required tribute to Israel [רד״ק].

While the rebellion began earlier in the historical timeline, the account revisits the uprising now to set the stage and expand upon the chain of events that resulted from it [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].