The Hebrew word dibyôwn, represented by H1686, is a term of uncertain derivation, appearing only once in the plural form. It is also noted with a marginal reading of חֶרְיוֹן. Scholars suggest it likely refers to a cheap vegetable, possibly a bulbous root, though it is translated as dove's dung. Its single appearance across one unique verse makes it an exceptionally rare word in the biblical text.
The sole use of H1686 occurs in the historical account of the siege of Samaria. The passage describes a dire situation where a great H1419 famine H7458 has gripped the city because enemies besieged H6696 it. The desperation of the people is illustrated by the exorbitant prices for things of little to no value: an ass's head sold for eighty pieces of silver, and a small measure of dove's dung H1686 sold for five pieces of silver 2 Kings 6:25. This context frames the word not by its literal meaning but by its role in demonstrating extreme human suffering and scarcity.
The context of H1686 is defined by several key words that describe the crisis in Samaria:
- H1419 gâdôwl: This word for great emphasizes the immense scale of the famine and the terrors of the situation 2 Kings 6:25. It is used elsewhere to describe God's power Jeremiah 32:17 and significant events like the trouble facing God's people Daniel 12:1.
- H6696 tsûwr: Meaning to besiege or confine, this term identifies the hostile action that caused the famine. It can refer to a military assault Daniel 1:1 or, figuratively, to God's encompassing presence Psalms 139:5.
- H7458 râʻâb: This word for famine or hunger is the direct result of the siege. It can describe a physical lack of food Ruth 1:1 or a spiritual famine for the words of the Lord Amos 8:11.
The theological weight of H1686 is tied entirely to the desperate circumstances of its use. It serves to illustrate profound biblical themes of hardship and judgment.
- The Depths of Suffering: The sale of dove's dung as food highlights the complete collapse of society and the horrifying reality of a city under siege. Such conditions are often depicted as a consequence of turning away from God, where even the most basic sustenance is removed Jeremiah 16:4.
- Divine Judgment: The combination of being besieged H6696 and experiencing famine H7458 is presented elsewhere as a tool of divine judgment against nations and disobedient people (Jeremiah 21:4, Jeremiah 21:7).
- Sovereignty over Scarcity: The extreme famine H7458 stands in contrast to God's power to provide, as when He gave the Israelites bread from heaven for their hunger Nehemiah 9:15 or promised to deliver their souls from death in famine Psalms 33:19. The scene in Samaria underscores the severity of being cut off from such provision.
In summary, H1686 is a word whose significance is derived entirely from its singular, dramatic context. While its precise identity as dove's dung or a cheap vegetable is debated, its function in the narrative is clear: to mark the absolute rock bottom of a society in crisis. It is a powerful descriptor of the human cost of a great H1419 famine H7458 brought on when a city is besieged H6696, illustrating a key biblical theme of suffering and judgment.
TRV