The Siege of Samaria

24 Some time later, King Ben-hadad(A) of Aram brought all his military units together and marched up and laid siege to Samaria. 25 So there was a severe famine(B) in Samaria, and they continued the siege against it until a donkey’s head sold for thirty-four ounces[a] of silver, and a cup[b] of dove’s dung[c] sold for two ounces[d] of silver.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. 6:25 Lit for 80; “shekels” is assumed
  2. 6:25 Lit a fourth of a kab
  3. 6:25 Or seedpods, or wild onions
  4. 6:25 Lit for five; “shekels” is assumed

Famine in Besieged Samaria

24 Some time later, Ben-Hadad(A) king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up and laid siege(B) to Samaria. 25 There was a great famine(C) in the city; the siege lasted so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels[a] of silver, and a quarter of a cab[b] of seed pods[c](D) for five shekels.[d]

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Kings 6:25 That is, about 2 pounds or about 920 grams
  2. 2 Kings 6:25 That is, probably about 1/4 pound or about 100 grams
  3. 2 Kings 6:25 Or of doves’ dung
  4. 2 Kings 6:25 That is, about 2 ounces or about 58 grams

ט Teth

Those slain by the sword are better off
than those slain by hunger,
who waste away, pierced with pain
because the fields lack produce.

י Yod

10 The hands of compassionate women
have cooked their own children;(A)
they became their food
during the destruction of my dear people.(B)

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Those killed by the sword are better off
    than those who die of famine;(A)
racked with hunger, they waste away
    for lack of food from the field.(B)

10 With their own hands compassionate women
    have cooked their own children,(C)
who became their food
    when my people were destroyed.

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