Doves' dung is mentioned in the Bible in the context of a severe famine during the siege of Samaria, as recorded in 2 Kings 6:25. The passage states: "So there was a great famine in Samaria, and they besieged it until a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of doves’ dung sold for five shekels of silver" . This reference highlights the extreme conditions and desperation faced by the inhabitants of Samaria during the Aramean siege.

The term "doves' dung" has been the subject of various interpretations and scholarly debate. Some suggest that it refers literally to the excrement of doves, which, due to the dire circumstances, was used as a last resort for sustenance. In ancient times, bird droppings were sometimes used as fertilizer, but the context of the passage suggests it was consumed as food, indicating the severity of the famine.

Others propose that "doves' dung" might be a colloquial term for a type of wild vegetable or seed, possibly a legume or a plant like the chickpea, which was consumed during times of scarcity. This interpretation is supported by the fact that certain plants have been historically known by names that reference animals or their byproducts.

The mention of doves' dung in this passage serves to underscore the extreme deprivation and the lengths to which people were driven to survive. The high price of such an item during the siege reflects the desperation and the collapse of normal economic and social structures under the pressure of prolonged warfare and starvation.

In the broader biblical narrative, the siege of Samaria and the resulting famine are seen as part of God's judgment on the Northern Kingdom of Israel for its disobedience and idolatry. The account of the famine and the mention of doves' dung serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the dire situations that can arise from such disobedience.

The historical and cultural context of this passage provides insight into the living conditions and challenges faced by the people of ancient Israel. It also serves as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of those who endured such hardships, relying on whatever means were available to sustain life in the face of overwhelming adversity.Doves' Dung

It is said, 2 Kings 6:25, that during the siege of Samaria, "the fourth part of a cab," little more than half a pint, "of doves' dung was sold for five pieces of silver," about two and a half dollars. As doves' dung is not a nourishment for man, even in the most extreme famine, the general opinion is, that it was a kind of chick-pea, lentil, or tare, which has very much the appearance of doves' dung. Great quantities of these are sold in Cairo to the pilgrims going to Mecca; and at Damascus there are many shops where nothing else is done but preparing chickpeas. These, parched in a copper pan, and dried, are of great service to those who take long journeys.

2755. chare yonim -- doves' dung
... 2754, 2755. chare yonim. 2756 . doves' dung. Transliteration: chare yonim Phonetic
Spelling: (khar-ay'-yo-neem') Short Definition: dung. ... doves' dung ...
/hebrew/2755.htm - 6kWhat is the significance of the olive tree in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus