2 Kings 25:3

KJV

And on the ninth [day] of the [fourth] month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the ninth {H8672} day of the fourth month {H2320} the famine {H7458} prevailed {H2388} in the city {H5892}, and there was no bread {H3899} for the people {H5971} of the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the ninth day of the [fourth] month, when the famine in the city was so severe that there was no food for the people of the land,

Berean Standard Bible

By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food.

American Standard Version

On the ninth day of the fourth month the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 25:3 vividly portrays the dire culmination of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, marking a critical and tragic moment in Judah's history. It describes the overwhelming famine that had gripped the city by the ninth day of the fourth month, leaving its inhabitants utterly without sustenance, a stark testament to the devastating consequences of prolonged warfare and divine judgment against a disobedient nation. This verse sets the immediate stage for Jerusalem's imminent fall and the subsequent exile, underscoring the profound suffering endured by the people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic final chapter of 2 Kings, which chronicles the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the Kingdom of Judah. Following the account of Nebuchadnezzar's initial siege against King Zedekiah in [2 Kings 25:1](/2_kings/25-1 "2 Kings 25:1 - Nebuchadnezzar's Siege Begins"), verse 3 describes the devastating internal conditions within the besieged city. It serves as a grim prelude to the breaching of the city walls and the subsequent capture of King Zedekiah in [2 Kings 25:4-7](/2_kings/25-4 "2 Kings 25:4-7 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Capture"), and the eventual destruction of the Temple and the city in [2 Kings 25:8-12](/2_kings/25-8 "2 Kings 25:8-12 - The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple"). The narrative here is concise and impactful, focusing on the immediate cause of the city's collapse: the utter exhaustion of its resources and the will of its people. This account finds a close parallel in the prophet Jeremiah's eyewitness testimony, particularly in [Jeremiah 52:6](/jeremiah/52-6 "Jeremiah 52:6 - Famine in Jerusalem"), which confirms the severity of the famine and the specific timing, underscoring the historical accuracy and prophetic fulfillment embedded in this tragic event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, lasting from 588 to 586 BC, was a brutal and prolonged military tactic common in the ancient Near East. Sieges were designed to starve out a city's inhabitants, forcing surrender without a direct assault, which was often costly. Jerusalem, a fortified city, relied on its walls and internal provisions. However, a siege of over two years would inevitably deplete all resources. The "ninth day of the fourth month" (Tammuz in the Hebrew calendar) marks the grim anniversary of the siege's beginning, highlighting the precise and devastating progression of events. "Bread" (lehem) was the staple of the ancient Israelite diet, symbolizing the most basic necessity for survival. Its absence signified total deprivation and the collapse of societal order. The historical backdrop is King Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon, a vassal state, which provoked Nebuchadnezzar's wrath and led to this ultimate punitive action. The suffering described was a direct consequence of this political defiance, interpreted biblically as a result of Judah's persistent covenant unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, portraying the famine as a direct and severe consequence of Judah's prolonged idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant commands, despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. The suffering is not random but a fulfillment of the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Brutal Reality of Human Suffering in War**, particularly the immense toll siege warfare takes on civilian populations. The "famine prevailed" illustrates starvation as a potent weapon, reducing a once-proud city to utter desperation. This theme resonates with the laments found in the book of [Lamentations](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - Jerusalem's Desolation"), which graphically describes the horrors of the siege. Finally, this verse marks the effective **End of an Era** – the independent Kingdom of Judah and the Davidic monarchy in Jerusalem. It signifies the culmination of centuries of Israelite history in the land, leading directly into the Babylonian exile, a profound turning point that reshaped the identity and future of God's people, paving the way for a new phase of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Famine (Hebrew, _ra'av'_):** This noun denotes a severe and widespread lack of food, leading to starvation. In biblical contexts, famine is often depicted as a form of divine judgment or a consequence of natural disaster, highlighting human vulnerability and dependence on God's provision. Here, its prevalence signifies a state of utter desperation and the complete breakdown of normal life within the city.
* **Prevailed (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** The verb "chazaq" means to be strong, to be firm, to prevail, or to be mighty. When combined with "famine" (chazaq hara'av), it powerfully conveys that the famine had grown overwhelmingly strong, dominating the city and its inhabitants. It was no longer merely present but had become the defining, inescapable reality, crushing all resistance and hope. This emphasizes the absolute and pervasive nature of the deprivation.
* **No Bread (Hebrew, _'ein lechem'_):** This simple, declarative phrase is profoundly impactful. "Lechem" (bread) was the most fundamental and universal food staple in the ancient world. Its complete absence signifies total deprivation of the most basic necessity for survival. This phrase highlights the absolute and universal nature of the famine's impact – not just scarcity, but a complete lack of the most essential food for "the people of the land."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the ninth [day] of the [fourth] month":** This precise chronological marker places the events within a specific timeframe, emphasizing the historical accuracy and the culmination of the siege. The "ninth day of the fourth month" (Tammuz) was a significant date, marking the anniversary of the breach of the city walls in [Jeremiah 39:2](/jeremiah/39-2 "Jeremiah 39:2 - Jerusalem's Walls Breached") and [Jeremiah 52:6-7](/jeremiah/52-6 "Jeremiah 52:6-7 - Famine and Breach"). It signifies the final, desperate stage of the siege, just before the city's defenses completely collapsed.
* **"the famine prevailed in the city":** This clause describes the dire internal conditions of Jerusalem. The use of "prevailed" (chazaq) indicates that hunger was no longer just a problem but had become the dominant and overwhelming force, debilitating the population and rendering further resistance impossible. It paints a picture of a city consumed by starvation, where the fight for survival against hunger superseded any military defense.
* **"and there was no bread for the people of the land":** This final clause underscores the absolute and universal nature of the deprivation. "Bread" (lehem) represents the most basic foodstuff, and its complete absence ("no bread") for "the people of the land" (the general populace, not just the soldiers) signifies a total collapse of food supply. This highlights the widespread suffering and the desperate state of the entire population, making the city's fall inevitable.

#### Literary Devices
The language of 2 Kings 25:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity of the situation. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "the famine prevailed," suggesting an overwhelming and all-encompassing hunger that had utterly conquered the city, rather than merely being present. Similarly, "no bread for the people of the land" emphasizes a complete and absolute lack, perhaps even beyond literal zero, to convey the utter desperation. **Pathos** is strongly evoked through the stark description of starvation, appealing directly to the reader's emotions and generating pity for the suffering inhabitants. The verse’s concise and direct statement of deprivation also functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling the imminent and unavoidable fall of Jerusalem, making the subsequent narrative of destruction feel like an inevitable consequence of the conditions described here. The simple, unadorned language lends a sense of stark realism and tragic finality to the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 25:3 stands as a poignant testament to the theological principle of divine judgment and the consequences of covenant disobedience. The famine, far from being a random historical event, is presented within the biblical narrative as a direct outcome of Judah's persistent rebellion against God's commands and their rejection of prophetic warnings. It underscores God's sovereignty over history and His justice, even when it involves severe discipline for His chosen people. This suffering, while immense, serves a theological purpose: to humble the nation, to bring them to repentance, and ultimately to prepare them for a future restoration and the fulfillment of God's broader redemptive plan, reminding us that even in judgment, God's ultimate purpose is redemptive.

* [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - Curses of Famine and Servitude")
* [Lamentations 4:9-10](/lamentations/4-9 "Lamentations 4:9-10 - Horrors of the Famine")
* [Jeremiah 14:1-6](/jeremiah/14-1 "Jeremiah 14:1-6 - Jeremiah's Lament Over Drought and Famine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality of 2 Kings 25:3 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of the profound consequences that can arise from persistent spiritual rebellion and the neglect of divine warnings. It calls us to reflect on the gravity of our own choices and the importance of heeding God's voice in our lives, recognizing that disobedience, whether individual or corporate, can lead to severe and painful outcomes. Beyond the spiritual, this verse also vividly portrays the devastating human cost of conflict and the immense suffering inflicted upon innocent populations during times of war. It fosters a deep appreciation for peace, stability, and the fundamental human right to sustenance. Furthermore, while the famine represents judgment, it also subtly points to God's ultimate control even amidst chaos; His justice, though severe, is always purposeful. For contemporary believers, it challenges us to consider our own spiritual nourishment—are we truly feeding on the "bread of life," or are we experiencing a spiritual famine due to neglect or disobedience?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the physical famine described in this verse relate to potential spiritual famines in our own lives or communities?**
* **What warnings or promptings from God might we be neglecting that could lead to negative consequences?**
* **How does this historical account of suffering inform our understanding of God's justice and His patience?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, work towards alleviating physical and spiritual hunger in the world today?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "ninth day of the fourth month"?**

Answer: This date, corresponding to the 9th of Tammuz in the Hebrew calendar, was historically significant because it marked the anniversary of the breaching of Jerusalem's walls by the Babylonians. [Jeremiah 39:2](/jeremiah/39-2 "Jeremiah 39:2 - Jerusalem's Walls Breached") and [Jeremiah 52:6-7](/jeremiah/52-6 "Jeremiah 52:6-7 - Famine and Breach") confirm this date as the point when the city's defenses were finally overcome due to the overwhelming famine and the weakened state of its inhabitants. It signifies the absolute culmination of the siege's devastating effects, just before the final collapse and destruction.

**Why did God allow such a severe famine and the destruction of Jerusalem?**

Answer: From a biblical perspective, the famine and destruction of Jerusalem were understood as a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and rejection of God's prophetic warnings. Prophets like Jeremiah had repeatedly called the people to repentance, but they largely refused to heed God's word. This event is presented as a divine judgment, a painful but necessary discipline to purify God's people and fulfill His covenant promises, even through exile. While devastating, it ultimately served to preserve a remnant and set the stage for a future return and restoration, as seen in books like [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The devastating famine in 2 Kings 25:3, which brought about the physical death and spiritual desolation of Jerusalem, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. This historical "no bread" foreshadows humanity's deeper spiritual famine—a desperate hunger for truth and meaning that cannot be satisfied by worldly provisions. Just as Jerusalem faced physical starvation, humanity, apart from God, faces a spiritual emptiness. Jesus Christ declares Himself to be the ultimate "Bread of Life," stating in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") that "whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." He is the living sustenance that truly satisfies the soul's deepest longings, contrasting sharply with the physical bread that Jerusalem desperately lacked. Furthermore, the judgment and suffering endured by Jerusalem, a consequence of sin and rebellion, point to the ultimate judgment that sin brings. Yet, Christ, the innocent Lamb of God, willingly endured the ultimate suffering and separation from God on the cross, taking upon Himself the spiritual famine and judgment due to humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, He provides not only spiritual bread but also living water ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")) and eternal life, ushering in a New Covenant where God's people are no longer subject to the curses of the Old Covenant but are nourished by His grace and truth ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the tragedy of 2 Kings 25:3 ultimately magnifies the glorious provision and redemptive work of Christ, who transforms famine into abundant life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Lamentations 4:4

The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, [and] no man breaketh [it] unto them.

Lamentations 4:10

The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

Ezekiel 7:15

The sword [is] without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that [is] in the field shall die with the sword; and he that [is] in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.

Leviticus 26:26

[And] when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver [you] your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

Jeremiah 52:6

And in the fourth month, in the ninth [day] of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.

Jeremiah 38:2

Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

Deuteronomy 28:52

And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.