King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 6:24 Mean?

“And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.”

Context

And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.

And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.

And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.

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.

And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24-7:20) **THE SIEGE OF SAMARIA AND THE FAMINE. THE DELIVERANCE, AS FORETOLD BY ELISHA.** (24) **After this.**—*Afterwards.* The term plainly implies *chronological* sequence. **Ben-hadad.**—Ben-hadad II., who had besieged Samaria in the reign of Ahab (1Kings 20:1). He is mentioned on the monuments of Shalmaneser II., now in the British Museum, under the designation of *Rammânu-hidri*, or idri. Now, as the Assyrians identified their god *Rammûnu* (Rimmon) with the Syrian deity, *Adad, Addu*, or *Dadi*, this title might be equivalent to *Adad-idri*, or *Addu-idri*. Further, in three contract tablets in the reign of Nabonidus, Mr. Pinches has read the names *Bin-Addu-natânu* and Bin-*Addu-amara*—*i.e.*, “Bin-Addu gave,” and “Bin-Adāu commanded.” Bin (or, *Tur*)-Addu, “son of Addu,” is clearly the name of a god, like abal Esarra, “son of Esarra,” in the name Tiglath Pileser; and is, in fact, the Assyrian equivalent of Ben-hadad. The Syrian king’s full name, therefore, would seem to have been Ben-hadad-idri, “The son of Hadad is my help” (Syriac adar, “to help”). (Comp. the name Hadad-ezer.) The Assyrians omitted the first element, the Hebrews the last.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 6:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.