2 Kings 7:3

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?

Study Bible

Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate
In ancient Israel, leprosy was a term used for various skin diseases, and those afflicted were considered ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13-14). These men were likely isolated from the community due to their condition, as prescribed by Mosaic Law, which required lepers to live outside the camp (Numbers 5:2-3). The city gate was a place of social and economic activity, but these men were on the outskirts, highlighting their exclusion. Their presence at the gate during a time of siege (2 Kings 6:24-25) underscores their desperation, as they were cut off from the city’s resources.

and they said to one another,
This phrase indicates a communal decision-making process among the lepers. In their marginalized state, they relied on each other for companionship and survival. This reflects the broader biblical theme of community and mutual support, seen in passages like Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, which emphasizes the strength found in unity.

“Why just sit here until we die?
The lepers' question reveals their dire situation and the urgency of their plight. It reflects a moment of introspection and a decision to take action despite their bleak circumstances. This mirrors the biblical principle of faith leading to action, as seen in James 2:17, which states that faith without works is dead. Their decision to act can be seen as a step of faith, trusting in the possibility of a better outcome despite the risks. This moment also foreshadows the deliverance that God would provide, aligning with the biblical theme of God using unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the stories of Gideon (Judges 6-7) and David (1 Samuel 16-17).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Four Men with Leprosy
These men were outcasts due to their disease, living outside the city gates as per the Levitical laws. Their condition symbolizes desperation and exclusion.

2. City Gate
The location where the lepers were sitting. City gates were often places of judgment, commerce, and social interaction, but for these men, it was a place of isolation.

3. Samaria
The city under siege by the Arameans, leading to a severe famine. The context of the siege is crucial to understanding the desperation of the lepers.

4. Siege by Arameans
The event causing the famine in Samaria, creating a dire situation for all its inhabitants, including the lepers.

5. Prophet Elisha
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, Elisha's prophecy about the end of the famine sets the stage for the events that follow.

Teaching Points

Desperation Leads to Action
The lepers' dire situation prompted them to consider their options. In times of desperation, we are often moved to take bold steps of faith.

God Uses the Outcast
Despite their status, the lepers became the bearers of good news. God often uses those whom society overlooks to fulfill His purposes.

Faith in Action
The lepers' decision to move towards the enemy camp was an act of faith. Similarly, we are called to step out in faith, trusting God with the outcomes.

Hope in Hopeless Situations
The lepers' account reminds us that God can bring hope and deliverance even in the most hopeless circumstances.

Community and Sharing Good News
Once the lepers discovered the deserted camp, they shared the news with the city. We are called to share the good news of salvation with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the plight of the lepers teach us about the social and spiritual implications of disease and isolation in biblical times?

2. How does the lepers' decision to go to the Aramean camp demonstrate faith, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives when facing difficult decisions?

3. In what ways does God use unexpected people or circumstances to fulfill His purposes, both in this account and in other parts of the Bible?

4. How can the lepers' eventual role in delivering good news to Samaria inspire us to share the gospel with those around us?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt hopeless. How can the account of the lepers encourage you to trust in God's provision and timing?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 13-14
Provides the background on the laws concerning leprosy, explaining why the lepers were outside the city.

Luke 17:11-19
Jesus heals ten lepers, highlighting themes of faith and gratitude, and showing the continued stigma of leprosy in biblical times.

Isaiah 61:1
Speaks of bringing good news to the afflicted, which parallels the lepers' eventual role in bringing news of deliverance to Samaria.