2 Kings 25:3

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 25:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “On the ninth day of the [fourth] month the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

On the ninth day of the [fourth] month the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.
2 Kings 25:3 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3On the ninth day of the [fourth] month the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed--In consequence of the close and protracted blockade, the inhabitants were reduced to dreadful extremities; and under the maddening influence of hunger, the most inhuman atrocities were perpetrated (Lam 2:20, Lam 2:22; Lam 4:9-10; Eze 5:10). This was a fulfilment of the prophetic denunciations threatened on the apostasy of the chosen people (Lev 26:29; Deu 28:53-57; Jer 15:2; Jer 27:13; Eze 4:16).”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The people - For the common people, but only for the great men. Now they eat their own children for want of food, Lam 4:3, &c. Jeremiah in this extremity, earnestly persuaded the king to surrender; but his heart was hardened to his destruction. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 25:6”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“am 3416, bc 588 the ninth day: Jer 39:2, Jer 52:6; Zac 8:19 the famine: Lev 26:26; Deu 28:52, Deu 28:53; Lam 4:4-10; Eze 4:9-17, Eze 5:10, Eze 5:12, Eze 7:15, Eze 14:21 there was no: Jer 37:21, Jer 38:2 4 Kings (2 Kings) 25:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification