2 Kings 6:25

And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was [sold] for fourscore [pieces] of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five [pieces] of silver.

And there was a great {H1419} famine {H7458} in Samaria {H8111}: and, behold, they besieged {H6696} it, until an ass's {H2543} head {H7218} was sold for fourscore {H8084} pieces of silver {H3701}, and the fourth part {H7255} of a cab {H6894} of dove's dung {H1686}{H3123}{H2755} for five {H2568} pieces of silver {H3701}.

At the time, there was a severe famine in Shomron; and they maintained their siege until a donkey's head sold for eighty pieces of silver and half a pint of doves' dung for five pieces of silver.

So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver.

And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver.

Commentary

2 Kings 6:25 vividly portrays the horrific conditions within Samaria during a severe siege by the Aramaean army under King Ben-hadad. This verse underscores the unimaginable suffering caused by a great famine, driving the inhabitants to desperate measures.

Context

This verse is set during a prolonged and brutal siege of Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, by the Aramaeans (2 Kings 6:24). The city was completely cut off, leading to an extreme scarcity of food. The prophet Elisha was present in Samaria during this time, and the events described here set the stage for one of his most remarkable prophecies of deliverance, found in the subsequent chapter.

Key Themes

  • Extreme Desperation and Scarcity: The exorbitant prices for items normally considered inedible or worthless highlight the dire straits of the besieged population. An "ass's head," from an animal deemed unclean by Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11:4), selling for 80 shekels (fourscore pieces of silver) is an astonishing indicator of hunger.
  • Severity of Famine: This verse serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of famine in ancient warfare, forcing people to abandon cultural norms and religious laws for survival. The mention of "dove's dung" further emphasizes this unprecedented level of distress.
  • Consequences of Disobedience (Implied): While not explicitly stated as divine judgment in this verse, such extreme suffering often reflects the warnings given to Israel regarding the consequences of turning away from God, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:53.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Fourscore pieces of silver": This translates to 80 shekels, an astronomical price for an ass's head. To put this in perspective, a slave could be bought for 30 shekels (Exodus 21:32).
  • "Cab": A Hebrew dry measure, approximately 1.2 liters.
  • "Dove's dung": This phrase has been debated by scholars. While some believe it literally refers to bird droppings consumed out of extreme hunger, others suggest it might be a euphemism for carob pods or another common, inexpensive plant that resembled or was called "dove's dung." Regardless, its mention at such a high price (five pieces of silver for a quarter of a cab) powerfully conveys the unparalleled scarcity.

Practical Application

This grim account serves as a powerful reminder of the physical and psychological toll of extreme adversity. It highlights the depths of human suffering that can occur when basic necessities are removed. For believers, this verse, when read in its broader context, also foreshadows God's incredible ability to intervene and provide even in the most hopeless situations, as revealed in the miraculous deliverance that follows in 2 Kings 7:1. It underscores the importance of trusting in God's providence, even when circumstances appear utterly desperate.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 14:13 (4 votes)

    Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

  • Jeremiah 14:15 (4 votes)

    Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

  • 2 Kings 6:28 (4 votes)

    And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow.

  • 2 Kings 6:29 (4 votes)

    So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.

  • Jeremiah 14:18 (4 votes)

    If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

  • Jeremiah 52:6 (4 votes)

    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 32:24 (3 votes)

    Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest [it].