By the ninth day of the fourth monthThis phrase refers to a specific time during the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, which began in the tenth year of King Zedekiah's reign. The fourth month is Tammuz in the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to June-July. The ninth day of Tammuz marks a significant point in the siege, as it was when the city’s defenses were critically weakened. This date is historically significant as it marks the beginning of the end for Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall and destruction. The precision of the date underscores the chronicler's intent to highlight the severity and historical importance of the event.
the famine in the city was so severe
The siege of Jerusalem led to a devastating famine, a common consequence of prolonged sieges in the ancient world. The Babylonians cut off supplies, leading to extreme scarcity of food. This famine fulfills the warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 14:15-18) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 4:16-17), who foretold the dire consequences of the people's disobedience to God. The severity of the famine is a reflection of the judgment that had been prophesied due to the nation's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God.
that the people of the land had no food
The phrase highlights the desperation and suffering of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The "people of the land" refers to the general population, including those who were not part of the ruling class. This situation is reminiscent of previous famines in Israel's history, such as during the time of Elisha (2 Kings 6:25), and serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The lack of food symbolizes the spiritual famine that had also taken hold of the nation, as they had rejected the sustenance of God's word. This dire situation foreshadows the ultimate destruction of the city and the temple, leading to the Babylonian exile, a pivotal moment in Israel's history that would shape their identity and faith.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, under siege by the Babylonians, leading to severe famine.
2.
BabyloniansThe empire led by King Nebuchadnezzar, besieging Jerusalem as a judgment from God.
3.
ZedekiahThe last king of Judah, whose reign ended with the fall of Jerusalem.
4.
FamineA severe lack of food resulting from the prolonged siege, symbolizing God's judgment.
5.
The Ninth Day of the Fourth MonthA specific time marker indicating the depth of the crisis during the siege.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of DisobedienceThe famine in Jerusalem was a direct result of the people's disobedience to God. This serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of turning away from God's commands.
God's Sovereignty in JudgmentThe siege and resulting famine were not random events but were orchestrated by God as a fulfillment of His warnings. This underscores God's control over history and His faithfulness to His word.
The Importance of RepentanceThe suffering in Jerusalem highlights the need for genuine repentance. Even in dire circumstances, turning back to God can lead to restoration and hope.
Trusting God in Times of CrisisWhile the famine was a judgment, it also serves as a call to trust in God's provision and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire.
The Role of ProphecyThe events in
2 Kings 25:3 fulfill earlier prophecies, demonstrating the reliability of God's word and the importance of heeding prophetic warnings.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 25:3?
2.How does 2 Kings 25:3 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God?
3.What can we learn about God's justice from 2 Kings 25:3?
4.How does the famine in 2 Kings 25:3 relate to Deuteronomy 28:53?
5.How can we apply the lessons of 2 Kings 25:3 to modern life?
6.What role does reliance on God play during times of crisis, as seen here?
7.What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 25:3?
8.How does 2 Kings 25:3 reflect God's judgment on Israel?
9.What theological lessons can be drawn from the siege described in 2 Kings 25:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 25?
11.Ezekiel 12:13 foretells a ruler’s capture, yet some historical accounts appear to conflict with the exact manner of King Zedekiah’s downfall; how can these differences be reconciled?
12.2 Kings 7:16 -- Is there any credible record outside the Bible confirming that Samaria's economy recovered so quickly?
13.Jeremiah 34:3 - How could God promise Zedekiah would not die by the sword if 2 Kings 25:7 says Nebuchadnezzar blinded him and took him captive?
14.Why does 2 Kings 14:3 say Amaziah followed God while 2 Chronicles 25:14 depicts him turning to idols?What Does 2 Kings 25:3 Mean
By the ninth day of the fourth month• This precise dating anchors the verse in real history, a marker of the Babylonian siege that began in the ninth year of Zedekiah (2 Kings 25:1–2;Jeremiah 39:1).
• God had foretold to Ezekiel that this very day would come (Ezekiel 24:1–2), showing His intimate knowledge of unfolding events.
• The fact that the inspired writer records the “ninth day” underscores the reliability of Scripture—every detail carries weight and accuracy.
The famine in the city was so severe• Babylon’s siege tactics choked off supplies until daily life in Jerusalem became unbearable (2 Kings 25:2;Jeremiah 52:5).
• Moses had warned generations earlier that rebellion would bring “a fierce siege… until your high fortified walls fall down” (Deuteronomy 28:52–53).
• Lamentations, written soon after, paints the grisly picture: children begging for bread and tongues stuck to the roofs of their mouths (Lamentations 4:4–9).
• This famine is not merely a military tragedy; it is the outworking of covenant discipline—God is faithful to His word both in blessing and in judgment.
That the people of the land had no food• “People of the land” points to the ordinary citizens trapped inside, not just the king or soldiers (cf.Jeremiah 52:6).
•Leviticus 26:26 had warned, “When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in one oven,” revealing the depth of scarcity now endured.
• The verse shows utter helplessness: without food, life grinds to a halt, reminding us that every meal is ultimately a gift from God (Psalm 104:27–28).
• Still, even in judgment there is a redemptive thread—God preserves a remnant and will one day restore (Isaiah 1:9;Jeremiah 31:31–34).
summary2 Kings 25:3 records the exact moment Jerusalem’s long-foretold judgment reached its breaking point. The specific date verifies God’s prophetic timetable, the severe famine reveals the covenant consequences of persistent rebellion, and the people’s total lack of food underscores human dependence on the Lord for every need. The verse is a sober reminder that God’s Word is always fulfilled—yet even amid discipline, His larger plan of mercy and restoration remains in view.
(3)
And on the ninth day of the fourth month.--The text is supplemented from
Jeremiah 39:2;
Jeremiah 52:6. The Syriac, however, has, "And in the eleventh year of King Zedekiah,
in the fifth month, on the ninth day of the month, the famine prevailed," &c.; which may be original. (Comp.
2Kings 25:1.)
The famine prevailed.--Not that the scarcity was first felt on that day, but that it then had reached a climax, so that defence was no longer possible. The horrors of the siege are referred to inLamentations 2:11seq.,Lamentations 2:19seq.,Lamentations 4:3-10;Ezekiel 5:10;Baruch 2:3. As in the famine of Samaria and the last siege of Jerusalem, parents ate their own offspring. (Comp. the prophetic threats ofLeviticus 26:29;Deuteronomy 28:53seq.;Jeremiah 15:2seq.,Jeremiah 27:13;Ezekiel 4:16seq.) . . .
Verse 3. -
And on the ninth day of the fourth month. The text of Kings is here incomplete, and has to be restored from
Jeremiah 52:6. Our translators have supplied the missing words.
The famine prevailed in the city (see the comment on ver. 2). As I have elsewhere observed, "The intensity of the suffering endured may be gathered from Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Josephus. The complexions of the men grew black with famine (
Lamentations 4:8;
Lamentations 5:10); their skin was shrunk and parched (
Lamentations 4:8); the rich and noble women searched the dunghills for setups of offal (
Lamentations 4:5); the children perished for want, or were even devoured by their parents (
Lamentations 2:20;
Lamentations 4:3, 4, 10;
Ezekiel 5:10); water was scarce, as well as food, and was sold at a price (
Lamentations 5:4); third part of the inhabitants died of the famine, and the plague which grew out of it (
Ezekiel 5:12)" (see the 'Speaker's Commentary,' vol. it. p. 147).
And there was no bread for the people of the land. Bread commonly fails comparatively early in a siege. It was some time before the fall of the city that Ebed-Meleeh expressed his fear that Jeremiah would starve, since there was no more bread in the place (see
Jeremiah 38:9).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
By the ninth [day]בְּתִשְׁעָ֣ה(bə·ṯiš·‘āh)Preposition-b | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 8672:Nine, ninthof the [fourth] month,לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ(la·ḥō·ḏeš)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320:The new moon, a monththe famineהָרָעָ֖ב(hā·rā·‘āḇ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7458:Famine, hungerin the cityבָּעִ֑יר(bā·‘îr)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892:Excitementwas so severeוַיֶּחֱזַ֥ק(way·ye·ḥĕ·zaq)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2388:To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquerthat the peopleלְעַ֥ם(lə·‘am)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockof the landהָאָֽרֶץ׃(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landhadהָ֥יָה(hā·yāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, benoוְלֹא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nofood.לֶ֖חֶם(le·ḥem)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3899:Food, bread, grain
Links
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OT History: 2 Kings 25:3 On the ninth day of the fourth (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) 
