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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 6 - Verse 28

6:28
And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow.

Meaning

In this passage from the Bible, King Solomon is faced with a horrifying situation where two women are in dispute over their children. One woman accuses the other of suggesting they should eat her child one day and the other woman's child the next day. King Solomon's response to this disturbing claim is to ask the woman what is wrong with her, questioning the validity of her words. This verse serves as a grim reminder of the extreme lengths people may go to in times of despair and desperation. It highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in resolving disputes and making fair judgments. King Solomon's reaction to this shocking revelation showcases his reputation for wisdom and his ability to uncover the truth even in the most difficult and heartbreaking situations.

Theological Overview

When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, one can see the extreme measures people are willing to take in times of desperation. In this particular passage, a famine had taken hold of the city, causing food shortages and leading to cannibalism. The king's response, "What aileth thee?" reveals his shock at such a horrific act. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments and the resulting judgment. Additionally, this verse highlights the importance of prioritizing God's will and trusting in His provision, even in the face of adversity. By studying the words used in this verse, we can gain insight into the anguish and desperation experienced by the people during this dark time, underscoring the importance of faith and obedience to God's laws as a means of avoiding such dire circumstances.

American Standard Version

And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to-day, and we will eat my son to-morrow.
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