Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 6 - Verse 25

During a great famine in Samaria, the city was under siege, leading to extreme desperation and scarcity of food. The verse vividly illustrates the dire situation by mentioning the exorbitant prices at which basic provisions were being sold. An ass's head, which was considered unfit for consumption under normal circumstances, was being sold for fourscore pieces of silver, showcasing the severity of the famine. Additionally, the verse mentions the sale of dove's dung, which was likely used as a food substitute due to the lack of other options. The mention of these distressing details serves as a reflection of the suffering and hardship faced by the inhabitants of Samaria during this challenging period. This verse highlights the harsh reality of famine and the extreme measures people may resort to in order to survive in times of crisis.

This verse from 2 Kings 6:25 describes a time of severe famine in the ancient city of Samaria. The situation was so dire that an ass's head was being sold for eighty pieces of silver, and a fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver. This extreme scarcity of food highlights the desperate circumstances the people of Samaria were facing. The theological interpretation of this verse could point to the consequences of disobedience and sin. In the Bible, famine is often used as a symbol of judgment from God, serving as a wake-up call for repentance and reconciliation. The high prices of repulsive items like an ass's head and dove's dung could also symbolize the depths of degradation and suffering that occur when people turn away from God. This verse serves as a harsh reminder of the consequences of straying from God and the importance of seeking His grace and mercy.