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, in times of dire scarcity, might have been used as a last resort for sustenance or as fuel. Others propose that "doves' dung" could be a colloquial term for a type of wild vegetable or seed, such as a legume or a plant like the chickpea, which might have been consumed during the famine.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the use of animal dung as fuel was not uncommon, and it is possible that doves' dung was utilized in this manner. However, the exorbitant price mentioned in the biblical account suggests that whatever "doves' dung" referred to, it was considered a valuable commodity during the siege.

The mention of doves' dung in this passage serves to underscore the severity of the famine and the dire straits of the people of Samaria. It illustrates the fulfillment of the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where disobedience to God's commandments would lead to such desperate conditions. The narrative in 2 Kings 6:25 is a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the extreme measures people might resort to in times of judgment and crisis.

In the broader biblical context, doves are often associated with peace, purity, and the Holy Spirit, as seen in the New Testament during the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16). However, the reference to doves' dung in 2 Kings is a stark contrast, highlighting the degradation and desperation that can occur when a nation is under divine judgment.

The account of the siege of Samaria and the mention of doves' dung serve as a historical and theological lesson on the importance of faithfulness to God and reliance on His provision, even in the most challenging circumstances.Dovesdung (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 6:25
and there is a great famine in Samaria, and lo, they are laying siege to it, till the head of an ass is at eighty silverlings, and a forth of the cab of dovesdung at five silverlings.
(YLT)

Dovesdung (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dovesdung (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 6:25 and there
is a great famine in Samaria, and lo, they are laying ...
/d/dovesdung.htm - 6k

Dove-sellers (1 Occurrence)
Dove-sellers. Dovesdung, Dove-sellers. Dower . Multi-Version Concordance
Dove-sellers (1 Occurrence). ... Dovesdung, Dove-sellers. Dower . Reference Bible.
/d/dove-sellers.htm - 6k

Dove's (1 Occurrence)

/d/dove's.htm - 7k

Silverlings (24 Occurrences)
... a great famine in Samaria, and lo, they are laying siege to it, till the head of
an ass is at eighty silverlings, and a forth of the cab of dovesdung at five ...
/s/silverlings.htm - 14k

Laying (87 Occurrences)
... a great famine in Samaria, and lo, they are laying siege to it, till the head of
an ass is at eighty silverlings, and a forth of the cab of dovesdung at five ...
/l/laying.htm - 39k

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