MPV Commentary

24. Ben-hadad besieged Samaria, fulfilling the predicted consequence of Ahab's misguided kindness (1Ki 20:42).

25. An ass's head was sold for eighty pieces of silver, a staggering price that highlights the desperation of the people. Although eating an unclean animal was forbidden, mothers were willing to break this law in their extreme need. The head of the ass was considered the worst part, and eighty pieces of silver is equivalent to about £5 5s.

The fourth part of a cab, or nearly half a pint, could be bought for 12s 6d. Doves' dung, likely a type of pulse or pea, was sold at an exorbitant price due to the dire circumstances. The historian does not imply that these items were regularly sold at such high prices but notes instances where they were.

26. As the king passed by to inspect the defenses or give orders for manning the walls,

29. a tragic event occurred: we boiled my son and ate him (see De 28:53).

30. The king's domestic tragedy led him to rend his garment, revealing that he wore a penitential shirt of haircloth beneath. However, it is uncertain whether he was genuinely humbled by the nation's sins or simply assumed the signs of contrition without receiving the expected relief. His vow to take vengeance on Elisha's life suggests the latter.

32. Meanwhile, Elisha sat in his house with the elders who had gathered there. The king's impulsive order to behead Elisha was likely motivated by his anger and frustration. Although Jehoram was a wicked king, many of his courtiers had been influenced by Elisha's teachings and were devoted to the true religion. A meeting of these individuals, possibly a prayer gathering, was held in Elisha's lodgings, where he informed them of the king's plan against him and revealed signs of an impending deliverance.