2 Kings 6:29

So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.

2 Kings 6:29 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of the account of the siege of Samaria by the Syrian army. The city was cut off from food, and the famine became so severe that people took desperate measures to survive. Two women made a horrifying agreement: they would boil and eat one woman’s son, then the next day eat the other woman’s son. In this verse, the first woman reports to the king that she has kept her part of the bargain, but the second woman has hidden her son, breaking the agreement.

Meaning

The verse reveals the extreme desperation and suffering that the people of Samaria faced. A mother boiled her own son and ate him. The fact that the other woman hid her son when it was her turn indicates the deep sorrow and desperation she must have felt. This is not just a story of physical hunger; it is a picture of how sin and disobedience can break down the most basic human bonds, even the bond between a mother and her child.

Biblical connections

The famine in Samaria was a direct result of the sin and disobedience of the Israelites. This event is a direct fulfillment of the curse pronounced in Deuteronomy 28:53, where God warned that during a siege, people would be reduced to eating their own children. Earlier in the chapter (2 Kings 6:24-25), the siege of Samaria by Ben-hadad king of Syria led to a severe famine. The prophet Elisha later prophesied in 2 Kings 7:1 that the famine would end, which was fulfilled.

Application

This passage warns of the dangers of disobedience and the serious consequences that can follow. It underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God and the devastating effects that sin can have on individuals and communities. The cannibalism described in this verse emphasizes the severity of the judgment that came upon the Israelites. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the depths to which people can sink in times of extreme distress.

Reflection

Although this verse portrays a dark and distressing moment in Israel’s history, it also serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and mercy. Despite the Israelites’ rebellion, God repeatedly provided opportunities for repentance and restoration throughout the Old Testament. This passage points to the need for repentance and reliance on God’s mercy. It calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that even in the darkest times, God is willing to offer mercy and restoration to those who turn back to Him.