Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 6:25. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling passage about a massive famine in Samaria. Here’s what it means in plain language: The Basic Situation: “And there was a great famine in Samaria…” – This tells us that Samaria, a city in Israel, was experiencing a severe shortage of food and water. It's a state of emergency. “…and, behold, they besieged it…” – This means the people of Samaria were actively trying to take over the city. They were attacking and occupying it. The Specific Detail: The Sale of an Ass’s Head “And, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore [pieces] of silver…” – This is the really shocking part. They weren't just trying to conquer; they were selling an ass's head! “Fourscore” means “four hundred.” So, they were selling a whole ass’s head for four hundred pieces of silver (which was a lot of money at the time). “…and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five [pieces] of silver.” – This adds another layer of horror. They were also selling another part of a dove's dung for five pieces of silver. Doves were a valuable and prized animal, so this was a particularly significant loss. What Does This All Mean? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the impending destruction of Israel. It suggests that this famine wasn’t just about hunger; it was a sign that God would punish them for their wickedness and lack of faith. Here's what it implies: God’s Wrath: The event highlights God’s righteous anger at the Israelites’ rebellion and their refusal to follow His instructions. Loss of Prosperity: The sale of the ass's head and dove's dung symbolizes a loss of wealth, resources, and even spiritual blessings. A Time of Great Suffering: It portrays a time of intense hardship and potential disaster for the Israelites. Important Note: It’s crucial to remember that this is an ancient text, written long ago. The details are somewhat symbolic and open to interpretation. Modern scholars often see it as a vivid portrayal of divine judgment rather than a literal historical account of a single event. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes?