When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. And as he passed by on the wall, the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin. When the king heard the words of the womanThis phrase sets the scene for a moment of intense emotional and spiritual crisis. The king in question is likely King Jehoram of Israel, who is confronted with the dire situation in Samaria during a siege by the Arameans. The "words of the woman" refer to a desperate plea for help, revealing the extreme famine conditions. In Hebrew, the word for "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just auditory reception but an understanding and internalization of the message. This moment underscores the king's realization of the depth of suffering among his people, highlighting the role of a leader as one who must respond to the cries of the oppressed. he tore his clothes
Tearing one's clothes is a traditional expression of grief, mourning, or distress in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel. This act is a public demonstration of the king's anguish and helplessness. The Hebrew verb "to tear" (קָרַע, qara) is often associated with moments of profound emotional upheaval. In the biblical narrative, this action signifies a breaking point, a moment when the king's heart is laid bare before his people and God. It is a call to repentance and a recognition of the need for divine intervention. as he passed by on the wall
The wall of a city was a place of defense and oversight, symbolizing strength and protection. The king's presence on the wall indicates his role as a guardian of the city, yet his actions reveal vulnerability. Historically, city walls were crucial during sieges, and the king's movement along the wall suggests his attempt to assess the situation and maintain morale. This imagery evokes the tension between human efforts to protect and the ultimate reliance on God's providence. the people looked
The people's gaze upon the king signifies their dependence on his leadership and their shared suffering. In Hebrew culture, the act of looking (רָאָה, ra'ah) often implies understanding or insight. The people see not just the king's physical state but also his emotional and spiritual turmoil. This collective observation creates a moment of communal empathy and solidarity, reminding us of the importance of unity in times of crisis. and there underneath he had sackcloth on his body
Sackcloth is a coarse material traditionally worn as a sign of mourning, repentance, or humility before God. The king's wearing of sackcloth beneath his royal garments reveals a hidden acknowledgment of his need for divine mercy. In the Hebrew tradition, sackcloth (שַׂק, saq) is associated with penitence and a turning back to God. This act of humility by the king serves as a powerful reminder of the need for leaders to seek God's guidance and forgiveness, especially in times of national distress. It is an invitation for all believers to clothe themselves in humility and seek God's face earnestly. Persons / Places / Events 1. The King of IsraelLikely King Jehoram, son of Ahab, who was ruling during the time of the Aramean siege of Samaria. His tearing of clothes signifies deep distress and mourning. 2. The WomanA desperate mother who approached the king with a grievous complaint, highlighting the dire circumstances of the siege. 3. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, under siege by the Arameans, leading to extreme famine and desperation among its inhabitants. 4. SackclothA coarse material worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. The king wearing sackcloth under his clothes indicates his hidden grief and perhaps a sign of repentance or humility. 5. The WallThe location where the king was walking, symbolizing the defense and the dire situation of the city under siege. Teaching Points The Reality of DesperationThe king's reaction to the woman's plea highlights the extreme desperation and suffering during the siege. It serves as a reminder of the physical and spiritual famines that can occur when a nation turns away from God. Hidden Grief and LeadershipThe king's hidden sackcloth suggests that leaders often carry burdens unseen by others. It challenges us to pray for and support our leaders, recognizing their need for wisdom and strength. Repentance and HumilitySackcloth is a biblical symbol of repentance. This passage encourages believers to examine their own lives for areas needing repentance and to approach God with humility. The Role of IntercessionThe king's visible distress calls for intercession. As believers, we are called to intercede for those in authority and for our communities, especially in times of crisis. Hope in DespairDespite the dire circumstances, the presence of sackcloth can also symbolize hope for divine intervention. It reminds us that in our darkest moments, turning to God can bring hope and deliverance. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the king's reaction to the woman's plea reveal about his character and leadership during the siege of Samaria? 2. How does the use of sackcloth in this passage compare to other instances in the Bible where sackcloth is used? What does this teach us about biblical expressions of mourning and repentance? 3. In what ways can we support and pray for our leaders who may be carrying hidden burdens, as the king did with his sackcloth? 4. How can we apply the concept of repentance and humility in our own lives, especially when facing personal or communal crises? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "siege" in your life. How did turning to God provide hope and deliverance, and how can this passage encourage you in future challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Lamentations 2:10This verse describes the elders of Zion sitting on the ground in silence, wearing sackcloth, which parallels the king's expression of mourning and despair. Jonah 3:6The king of Nineveh also wore sackcloth and sat in ashes as a sign of repentance, showing a similar use of sackcloth as a symbol of humility and contrition. Isaiah 37:1King Hezekiah tears his clothes and wears sackcloth in response to the Assyrian threat, illustrating a common biblical response to crisis and seeking divine intervention. People Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Shaphat, SyriansPlaces Dothan, Jordan River, Samaria, SyriaTopics Along, Behold, Beneath, Body, Clothes, Clothes-now, Flesh, Garments, Haircloth, Hands, Hearing, King's, Parting, Pass, Passed, Passing, Rendeth, Rent, Robe, Robes, Sackcloth, Tore, Underneath, Violently, Walking, Wall, Wall-and, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 6:30 5136 body
6742 sackcloth and ashes 2 Kings 6:26-30 5188 tearing of clothes Library Young Man! a Prayer for You
THIS YOUNG MAN waited upon a prophet: he could not have had a more instructive occupation; yet his eyes needed to be opened. He was well disposed towards good things, for the tone of his language to his master shows that he was heartily at one with him; but his eyes were not yet half opened. Being in great alarm for his master's safety, he ran to him to warn him: good servants should be their master's best friends. In return, his believing master prays for him. If we desire the good of our servants, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891Of the Practice of Piety in Fasting.
There are divers kinds of fasting--First, A constrained fast, as when men either have not food to eat, as in the famine of Samaria (2 Kings vi. 25;) or, having food, cannot eat it for heaviness or sickness, as it befel them who were in the ship with St. Paul (Acts xxvii. 33.) This is rather famine than fasting. Secondly, A natural fast, which we undertake physically, for the health of our body. Thirdly, A civil fast, which the magistrate enjoins for the better maintenance of the commonwealth. Fourthly, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Whether a Mann is Bound to Correct his Prelate?
Objection 1: It would seem that no man is bound to correct his prelate. For it is written (Ex. 19:12): "The beast that shall touch the mount shall be stoned," [*Vulg.: 'Everyone that shall touch the mount, dying he shall die.'] and (2 Kings 6:7) it is related that the Lord struck Oza for touching the ark. Now the mount and the ark signify our prelates. Therefore prelates should not be corrected by their subjects. Objection 2: Further, a gloss on Gal. 2:11, "I withstood him to the face," adds: "as …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Administration
God not only created everything, but everything which He created is subject to His immediate control. God rules over the works of His hands. God governs the creatures He has made. God reigns with universal dominion. When He pleased, the sun and moon stood still (Josh. 10:12, 13); and at a word from Him the sun went backward ten degrees on the dial of Ahaz (Is. 38:8). At His command the Red Sea ceased to flow, and at His command it resumed its normal course (Ex. 14). In response to the prayer of Elisha, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Godhood of God The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those Discouragements which He must Expect to Meet when Entering on a Religious Course.
1. Christ has instructed his disciples to expect opposition and difficulties in the way to heaven.--2. Therefore a more particular view of them is taken, as arising from the remainder of indwelling sin.--3. From the world, and especially from former sinful companions.--4. From the temptations and suggest ions of Satan.--5, 6. The Christian is animated and encouraged, by various considerations, to oppose them; particularly by the presence of God; the aids of Christ; the example of others, who, though …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God Distinguished by Certain Marks from Fictitious Gods.
1. The mere fact of creation should lead us to acknowledge God, but to prevent our falling away to Gentile fictions, God has been pleased to furnish a history of the creation. An impious objection, Why the world was not created sooner? Answer to it. Shrewd saying of an old man. 2. For the same reason, the world was created, not in an instant, but in six days. The order of creation described, showing that Adam was not created until God had, with infinite goodness made ample provision for him. 3. The …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Helpless State of the Sinner under Condemnation.
1, 2. The sinner urged to consider how he can be saved from this impending ruin.--3. Not by any thing he can offer.--4. Nor by any thing he can endure.--5. Nor by any thing hr can do in the course of future duty.--6-8. Nor by any alliance with fellow-sinners on earth or in hell.--9. Nor by any interposition or intercession of angels or saints in his favor. Hint of the only method to be afterwards more largely explained. The lamentation of a sinner in this miserable condition. 1. SINNER, thou hast …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments May one Lose the Blessing?
The question trembles from many a lip--If I get the blessing, may I lose it? Most certainly. But, glory be to God! He has made ample provision for failure. There is no reason why we should fail; God has made ample provision against failure; we must not expect to fail; but in case we do fail, provision has been made. The most prolific cause of loss is disobedience--disobedience either to one of God's written commands, or to the inward promptings of His Holy Spirit. "The Holy Ghost whom God hath …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 6:30 NIV2 Kings 6:30 NLT2 Kings 6:30 ESV2 Kings 6:30 NASB2 Kings 6:30 KJV
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