Topical Bible: Women: The Cannibalistic Mothers of Samaria

◄ Women: The Cannibalistic Mothers of Samaria ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the cannibalistic mothers of Samaria is a harrowing narrative found in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 6:24-30. This account unfolds during a period of severe famine in Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, when the city was besieged by Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram.

Historical Context

The siege of Samaria by the Arameans was a dire event that led to extreme scarcity of food and resources. The city was cut off from external supplies, and the inhabitants were driven to desperate measures to survive. This period of suffering is emblematic of the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, as the nation frequently turned away from His commandments and pursued idolatry and other sins.

Biblical Account

The narrative is recorded in 2 Kings 6:24-30. The Berean Standard Bible describes the situation as follows:

"Some time later, Ben-Hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria. 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 dove’s dung for five shekels of silver."

The desperation of the people is further illustrated by the shocking incident involving two mothers. As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him for help. She recounted a gruesome agreement she had made with another woman: to eat their sons. The first woman had already boiled and eaten her son, but when it came time for the second woman to fulfill her part of the agreement, she hid her son.

"When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. As he passed by on the wall, the people saw that he was wearing sackcloth underneath."

Theological Implications

This tragic episode serves as a stark reminder of the depths of human depravity and the severe consequences of turning away from God. The cannibalistic act is not merely a result of physical starvation but also symbolizes the spiritual famine that had gripped Israel. The nation's repeated disobedience and idolatry had led them to a point where they were experiencing the curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:53, which warns of such dire circumstances if the Israelites forsake the Lord.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The account of the cannibalistic mothers of Samaria is a sobering illustration of the consequences of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God. It highlights the need for repentance and the dangers of allowing sin to fester unchecked. The narrative also underscores the role of leadership, as the king's inability to provide a solution reflects the spiritual and moral decay of the nation.

In the broader biblical narrative, this account serves as a call to return to God, to seek His mercy, and to rely on His provision even in the most desperate of times. It is a reminder that God is sovereign and that His laws are designed to lead His people into a life of blessing and abundance, rather than the desolation that results from disobedience.

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2 Kings 6:28,29
And the king said to her, What ails you? And she answered, This woman said to me, Give your son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow.
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