Topical Bible: Measure: A Cab, or Kab, About Two Quarts

◄ Measure: A Cab, or Kab, About Two Quarts ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of ancient Israelite society, the cab (or kab) was a unit of dry measure used to quantify grains and other commodities. This measure is mentioned in the Old Testament, providing insight into the daily life and economic practices of the Israelites. The cab is approximately equivalent to two quarts or about 2.2 liters in modern measurements.

Biblical Reference:

The cab is specifically mentioned in 2 Kings 6:25, during a time of severe famine in Samaria. The passage states: "So there was a great famine in Samaria, and they besieged it until a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter of a cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver." . This verse highlights the extreme conditions and desperation faced by the people during the siege, as even small quantities of food became exceedingly valuable.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The cab was part of a broader system of weights and measures used in ancient Israel, which included other units such as the ephah, homer, and omer. These measures were essential for trade, agriculture, and daily sustenance. The use of standardized measures ensured fairness and consistency in transactions, reflecting the biblical emphasis on justice and honesty in economic dealings (Leviticus 19:35-36).

The mention of a cab in the context of famine underscores the dire circumstances and the high cost of basic necessities during times of crisis. It serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of human societies to natural and man-made disasters, and the reliance on divine provision and mercy.

Theological Implications:

The scarcity and high price of food during the famine in Samaria can be seen as a manifestation of divine judgment, a theme recurrent in the Old Testament. The prophets often warned Israel of the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments, which included famine and siege (Deuteronomy 28:52-53). However, these events also provided opportunities for repentance and reliance on God's deliverance, as seen in the subsequent narrative of Elisha's prophecy and the miraculous end of the siege (2 Kings 7:1-20).

In summary, the cab as a measure in the Bible not only provides historical and cultural insights but also serves as a vehicle for theological reflection on God's justice, provision, and the human condition.

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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.
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