2 Kings 6:28 – “Then he asked her, ‘What’s the matter?’ She answered, ‘This woman said to me, “Give up your son so we may eat him today, and tomorrow we’ll eat my son.”’”
Extended Explanation
This verse reveals the extreme desperation within Samaria during the siege by the Aramean army. The king of Israel, already feeling helpless, encounters a woman with an unimaginable problem. She explains that in their starvation, she and another woman agreed to cannibalize their own children to survive. Her complaint is not about the morality of the act, but that the other woman broke their agreement by hiding her child. This horrifying situation shows just how desperate the people had become under the siege, driven to actions that would have been unthinkable in normal times. It reflects the depth of human suffering when people are cut off from basic needs like food.
Historical Context
The city of Samaria was under siege by the Arameans, and the famine had become so severe that the people were resorting to extreme measures to survive. In the ancient world, a siege involved surrounding a city and cutting off supplies, forcing the inhabitants to starve or surrender. The conditions within Samaria had grown increasingly dire, and the people’s desperation is highlighted by the gruesome agreement between the two women. The situation described in this verse is a fulfillment of warnings found earlier in Scripture, where Moses warned the Israelites that turning away from God would result in such devastating consequences during times of siege (Deuteronomy 28:53).
Theological Implications
This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the brokenness of the world. The suffering in Samaria reflects the wider theme in Scripture of how human rebellion and turning away from God lead to devastation and despair. However, the theological implications also include the understanding that in times of greatest darkness, God’s deliverance is still possible. The moral collapse seen in this verse points to the need for God’s intervention, both physically and spiritually. It reminds us that apart from God, people can descend into unimaginable acts of sin and desperation.
Literary Analysis
The dialogue between the king and the woman highlights the depth of despair in Samaria. The woman’s calm explanation of the horrific pact she made with her neighbor reflects the numbness and moral collapse brought on by extreme hunger. The phrase “Give up your son so we may eat him” is chilling, showing how far the situation has deteriorated. The structure of the verse, with the king’s question followed by the woman’s response, emphasizes the human suffering and hopelessness of the situation. The verse also serves as a turning point in the narrative, intensifying the tension and highlighting the need for divine intervention.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 28:53 – “Because of the suffering your enemy will inflict on you during the siege, you will eat the fruit of the womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters the Lord your God has given you.” This verse foretells the horrors that would occur if Israel turned away from God, including the kind of cannibalism described in 2 Kings 6:28.
- Lamentations 4:10 – “With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food when my people were destroyed.” This passage from Lamentations echoes the same theme of unimaginable desperation during times of siege and famine.
- Isaiah 9:20 – “They slice meat on the right, but are still hungry; they eat on the left, but are not satisfied.” This verse reflects the insatiable hunger that drives people to such extreme actions.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the brokenness of the world and the devastating effects of sin. The extreme circumstances in Samaria may seem far removed from modern life, but the underlying message remains relevant: apart from God, humanity can fall into deep moral darkness. This passage challenges believers to recognize the importance of turning to God in times of need, rather than relying on human efforts alone. It also serves as a call to compassion, as we are reminded of the suffering that exists in the world today, and our responsibility to be agents of God’s love and mercy.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse may initially seem to reflect only the depth of human despair, but it also highlights the need for God’s love and deliverance. The suffering in Samaria shows what happens when people are cut off from God’s provision and grace. However, God’s love is always present, even in the darkest of times. The wider story of 2 Kings reveals that despite the people’s desperation, God had not abandoned them. He would eventually provide deliverance for Samaria. God’s love extends even to the most desperate and broken situations, offering hope where there seems to be none.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ came to a world filled with suffering, despair, and moral collapse, just like the one seen in this verse. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Jesus is the ultimate answer to the world’s deepest suffering and brokenness. He brings hope, healing, and salvation to those who are trapped in despair. Just as the people of Samaria needed divine intervention, the world needs Jesus to bring true peace and restoration.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to think about the consequences of sin and the brokenness in the world today?
- What lessons can you draw from the desperation in Samaria about the importance of relying on God during times of crisis?
- How does Jesus’ message of hope and salvation speak into situations of deep suffering and moral collapse like the one described in this verse?
- How can you be an agent of God’s love and compassion to those who are experiencing suffering and despair in today’s world?