2 Kings 7:3-11 | The Way of Scripture

2 Kings 7:3-11

Why do the four men decide that the good news must be shared?

Berean Standard Bible

3 Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate, and they said to one another, “Why just sit here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.” 5 So they arose at twilight and went to the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the outskirts of the camp, there was not a man to be found. 6 For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” 7 Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. 8 When the lepers reached the edge of the camp, they went into a tent to eat and drink. Then they carried off the silver, gold, and clothing, and went and hid them. On returning, they entered another tent, carried off some items from there, and hid them. 9 Finally, they said to one another, “We are not doing what is right. Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our sin will overtake us. Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household.” 10 So they went and called out to the gatekeepers of the city, saying, “We went to the Aramean camp and no one was there—not a trace—only tethered horses and donkeys, and the tents were intact.” 11 The gatekeepers shouted the news, and it was reported to the king’s household.

What is the context?

Four men with leprosy at the gate face starvation whether they remain outside or enter the city. They decide to approach the Aramean camp, where surrender may at least offer a chance to live.

The camp is deserted because the Lord has caused the army to hear what it takes to be a great approaching force. The soldiers flee, leaving their supplies behind. The men eat, drink, and initially hide valuables for themselves.

Then they recognize that keeping silent on a day of good news is wrong. They return and report the abandoned camp to the gatekeepers, who pass the news to the king’s household. Their discovery becomes help for others when they stop keeping it to themselves.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley emphasizes the Lord’s ability to undo an army’s confidence and the men’s obligation to report their discovery. His suggestion that Gehazi may have been one of the four is not supplied by the narrative. Their anonymity should remain rather than making a later conjecture part of the story.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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