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. So there was a great famine in SamariaThe phrase "great famine" indicates a severe scarcity of food, which is a recurring theme in the Bible often used to signify divine judgment or a test of faith. The Hebrew word for famine, "רָעָב" (ra'av), suggests not just a lack of food but a dire situation that affects the entire community. Historically, famines were often the result of sieges, as enemy forces would cut off supplies to weaken a city. In this context, Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, is under siege by the Arameans, highlighting the city's vulnerability and the dire consequences of turning away from God. and they besieged it until a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver
The act of besieging, "צָרַר" (tsarar), involves surrounding a city to cut off essential supplies, leading to desperation among the inhabitants. The mention of a "donkey’s head" being sold for "eighty shekels of silver" underscores the extremity of the famine. Donkeys were considered unclean animals according to Levitical law (Leviticus 11:3-8), and their heads would be the least desirable part. The exorbitant price of eighty shekels, a significant amount of money, reflects the desperation and the collapse of normal economic and social structures due to the siege. and a quarter cab of dove’s dung for five shekels
The "quarter cab" is a small measure, indicating the scarcity of even the most basic and undesirable food items. The term "dove’s dung" has been debated among scholars; some suggest it might refer to a type of seed or a plant used for food, while others take it literally. Regardless, its mention signifies the extreme conditions and the lengths to which people would go to survive. The price of "five shekels" for such a meager portion further illustrates the desperation and the breakdown of societal norms during the siege. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamariaThe capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was under siege by the Arameans, leading to a severe famine. 2. ArameansThe enemy nation besieging Samaria, causing the famine and desperation within the city. 3. FamineA severe lack of food resulting from the siege, leading to extreme measures for survival. 4. Donkey’s HeadConsidered an unclean animal in Jewish law, yet sold at a high price due to the famine, indicating the desperation of the people. 5. Dove’s DungPossibly a term for a type of seed or a literal reference, sold at a high price, further illustrating the dire conditions. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceThe famine in Samaria serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It is crucial to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands to avoid such dire circumstances. Desperation and Human NatureThe extreme measures taken by the people of Samaria during the famine reveal the depths of human desperation. In times of crisis, it is important to seek God and trust in His provision rather than resorting to unthinkable actions. God's Sovereignty and DeliveranceDespite the dire situation, God remains sovereign and capable of delivering His people. Trust in God's timing and provision, even when circumstances seem impossible. The Value of Spiritual NourishmentJust as physical famine leads to desperation, spiritual famine can lead to moral and ethical decay. Prioritize spiritual nourishment through prayer, scripture, and fellowship to maintain a strong faith foundation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the situation in Samaria reflect the consequences of disobedience to God as outlined in Leviticus and Deuteronomy? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and potential for deliverance in our own lives when facing difficult circumstances? 3. How can we ensure that we are spiritually nourished to avoid a "spiritual famine" in our lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from the desperation of the people in Samaria about human nature and reliance on God? 5. How can we apply the lessons from 2 Kings 6:25 to our understanding of God's provision and our response to crises today? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 26:29 and Deuteronomy 28:53These passages warn of the curses, including famine, that would come upon Israel if they disobeyed God. The situation in Samaria is a fulfillment of these warnings. 2 Kings 7:1-2The continuation of the account where Elisha prophesies the end of the famine, showing God's power to deliver and provide. Lamentations 4:10Describes the horrors of famine during the siege of Jerusalem, similar to the situation in Samaria, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God. People Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Shaphat, SyriansPlaces Dothan, Jordan River, Samaria, SyriaTopics Ass, Ass's, Behold, Besieged, Cab, Donkey's, Doves, Dove's, Dovesdung, Droppings, Dung, Eighty, Famine, Forth, Fourscore, Fourth, Kab, Kept, Lasted, Laying, Measure, Pieces, Pods, Price, Quarter, Samaria, Sama'ria, Seed, Shekels, Short, Shut, Siege, Silver, Silverlings, Silver-pieces, Sold, Till, WorthDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 6:25 4363 silver
4633 donkey
5157 head
5260 coinage
5418 monotony
5561 suffering, nature of
5616 measures, dry
8787 opposition, to God 2 Kings 6:24-25 4823 famine, physical
7233 Israel, northern kingdom 2 Kings 6:24-27 4546 winepress 2 Kings 6:24-29 4438 eating
5529 sieges
7326 cannibalism 2 Kings 6:25-29 5341 hunger Library Young Man! a Prayer for You
THIS YOUNG MAN waited upon a prophet: he could not have had a more instructive occupation; yet his eyes needed to be opened. He was well disposed towards good things, for the tone of his language to his master shows that he was heartily at one with him; but his eyes were not yet half opened. Being in great alarm for his master's safety, he ran to him to warn him: good servants should be their master's best friends. In return, his believing master prays for him. If we desire the good of our servants, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891Of the Practice of Piety in Fasting.
There are divers kinds of fasting--First, A constrained fast, as when men either have not food to eat, as in the famine of Samaria (2 Kings vi. 25;) or, having food, cannot eat it for heaviness or sickness, as it befel them who were in the ship with St. Paul (Acts xxvii. 33.) This is rather famine than fasting. Secondly, A natural fast, which we undertake physically, for the health of our body. Thirdly, A civil fast, which the magistrate enjoins for the better maintenance of the commonwealth. Fourthly, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Whether a Mann is Bound to Correct his Prelate?
Objection 1: It would seem that no man is bound to correct his prelate. For it is written (Ex. 19:12): "The beast that shall touch the mount shall be stoned," [*Vulg.: 'Everyone that shall touch the mount, dying he shall die.'] and (2 Kings 6:7) it is related that the Lord struck Oza for touching the ark. Now the mount and the ark signify our prelates. Therefore prelates should not be corrected by their subjects. Objection 2: Further, a gloss on Gal. 2:11, "I withstood him to the face," adds: "as …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Administration
God not only created everything, but everything which He created is subject to His immediate control. God rules over the works of His hands. God governs the creatures He has made. God reigns with universal dominion. When He pleased, the sun and moon stood still (Josh. 10:12, 13); and at a word from Him the sun went backward ten degrees on the dial of Ahaz (Is. 38:8). At His command the Red Sea ceased to flow, and at His command it resumed its normal course (Ex. 14). In response to the prayer of Elisha, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Godhood of God The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those Discouragements which He must Expect to Meet when Entering on a Religious Course.
1. Christ has instructed his disciples to expect opposition and difficulties in the way to heaven.--2. Therefore a more particular view of them is taken, as arising from the remainder of indwelling sin.--3. From the world, and especially from former sinful companions.--4. From the temptations and suggest ions of Satan.--5, 6. The Christian is animated and encouraged, by various considerations, to oppose them; particularly by the presence of God; the aids of Christ; the example of others, who, though …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God Distinguished by Certain Marks from Fictitious Gods.
1. The mere fact of creation should lead us to acknowledge God, but to prevent our falling away to Gentile fictions, God has been pleased to furnish a history of the creation. An impious objection, Why the world was not created sooner? Answer to it. Shrewd saying of an old man. 2. For the same reason, the world was created, not in an instant, but in six days. The order of creation described, showing that Adam was not created until God had, with infinite goodness made ample provision for him. 3. The …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Helpless State of the Sinner under Condemnation.
1, 2. The sinner urged to consider how he can be saved from this impending ruin.--3. Not by any thing he can offer.--4. Nor by any thing he can endure.--5. Nor by any thing hr can do in the course of future duty.--6-8. Nor by any alliance with fellow-sinners on earth or in hell.--9. Nor by any interposition or intercession of angels or saints in his favor. Hint of the only method to be afterwards more largely explained. The lamentation of a sinner in this miserable condition. 1. SINNER, thou hast …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments May one Lose the Blessing?
The question trembles from many a lip--If I get the blessing, may I lose it? Most certainly. But, glory be to God! He has made ample provision for failure. There is no reason why we should fail; God has made ample provision against failure; we must not expect to fail; but in case we do fail, provision has been made. The most prolific cause of loss is disobedience--disobedience either to one of God's written commands, or to the inward promptings of His Holy Spirit. "The Holy Ghost whom God hath …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 6:25 NIV2 Kings 6:25 NLT2 Kings 6:25 ESV2 Kings 6:25 NASB2 Kings 6:25 KJV
2 Kings 6:25 Commentaries
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