מלכים ב, פרק ו׳, פסוק כ״ו

While the King of Israel is patrolling and inspecting the city walls, a sudden cry for help is directed toward him. A woman calls out to him in distress. Commentators agree that the king's immediate reaction is shaped by the harsh reality of the severe famine. Hearing her plea, he instantly assumes she is begging for food. He knows that he is completely powerless to provide any nourishment, realizing right away that this is a request he simply cannot fulfill.