2 Kings 6:28

Then the king asked her, "What is the matter?" And she answered, "This woman said to me, 'Give up your son, that we may eat him, and tomorrow we will eat my son.'

Study Bible

Then the king asked her, “What is the matter?”
In this passage, the king of Israel, likely King Jehoram, is confronted with the dire situation in Samaria during a severe famine caused by the Aramean siege. The king's inquiry reflects his desperation and helplessness as he walks on the city wall, witnessing the suffering of his people. This moment highlights the role of a king as a shepherd to his people, responsible for their welfare, yet here he is powerless. The king's question also underscores the severity of the famine, as he is approached by a woman with a grievous complaint, indicating the extreme conditions within the city.

And she answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him,
The woman's response reveals the horrific reality of the famine, where the situation has become so desperate that cannibalism is considered. This echoes the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28:53-57, where disobedience to God would lead to such dire circumstances. The moral and social breakdown is evident, as the natural affection of a mother for her child is overridden by the instinct for survival. This phrase also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, as the Israelites had done by worshipping other gods and neglecting the covenant.

and tomorrow we will eat my son.’”
The agreement between the two women to eat their children on successive days illustrates the depth of despair and the collapse of societal norms. This situation is reminiscent of the siege of Jerusalem in Lamentations 4:10, where similar acts of desperation occurred. The mention of "tomorrow" suggests a false hope or a temporary solution to their immediate hunger, highlighting the futility of their actions. This phrase can also be seen as a type of the ultimate sacrifice, contrasting with the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself willingly for the salvation of others, in stark contrast to the selfish and desperate actions depicted here.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The King of Israel
Likely King Jehoram, son of Ahab, who was ruling during the time of the Aramean siege of Samaria.

2. The Woman
A desperate mother in Samaria who approaches the king with a grievous complaint during a severe famine.

3. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, under siege by the Arameans, leading to extreme famine and desperation.

4. The Siege
The Aramean army besieged Samaria, causing a severe famine that led to desperate and horrific actions by the inhabitants.

5. The Other Woman
Another mother involved in the tragic agreement to eat their children due to the famine.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
The dire situation in Samaria is a direct result of Israel's disobedience to God. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.

The Depths of Human Desperation
The account illustrates the extreme lengths to which people will go when faced with severe hardship. It challenges us to consider how we respond to crises and where we place our trust.

The Role of Leadership in Times of Crisis
The king's inability to provide a solution reflects the failure of leadership when it is not grounded in faith and reliance on God. Leaders are called to seek divine wisdom in guiding their people.

The Importance of Faith and Repentance
In times of distress, turning back to God in faith and repentance is crucial. The account encourages believers to seek God earnestly and trust in His provision and deliverance.

The Hope of Redemption
Despite the grim circumstances, the broader account of Scripture points to God's redemptive plan. Believers are reminded of the hope found in Christ, who delivers us from spiritual famine and death.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the situation in 2 Kings 6:28 reflect the consequences of Israel's disobedience as outlined in Deuteronomy 28?

2. In what ways can we see the importance of godly leadership during times of crisis in this passage?

3. How does this account challenge us to examine our own responses to desperate situations?

4. What lessons can we learn about the importance of faith and repentance from the broader context of this account?

5. How does the hope of redemption through Christ provide comfort and perspective in the face of seemingly hopeless situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28:53-57
This passage warns of the curses that would come upon Israel for disobedience, including the horror of cannibalism during a siege.

Lamentations 4:10
Describes the fulfillment of such curses during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, where compassionate women boiled their own children.

2 Kings 6:24-33
Provides the broader context of the siege and the king's reaction to the woman's plea, highlighting the desperation and moral decay during the famine.