2 Kings 7:9

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."

Study Bible

Finally, they said to one another
This phrase indicates a moment of realization and decision among the lepers who had discovered the abandoned Aramean camp. In the biblical narrative, lepers were often marginalized and lived outside the city, yet here they are pivotal in delivering a message of salvation. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God uses the unlikely or marginalized to fulfill His purposes, similar to how He used shepherds to announce Jesus' birth (Luke 2:8-20).

We are not doing what is right
The lepers recognize a moral obligation to share the good news of the Arameans' departure. This acknowledgment of wrongdoing highlights the biblical principle of accountability and the importance of doing what is right in God's eyes, as seen in James 4:17, which states that knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is sin.

Today is a day of good news
The term "good news" here is significant, as it prefigures the Gospel message in the New Testament. The lepers' discovery of the abandoned camp and the abundance of resources parallels the spiritual abundance found in Christ. This phrase echoes Isaiah 52:7, which speaks of the beauty of those who bring good news, ultimately fulfilled in the proclamation of the Gospel.

If we are silent and wait until morning light
The urgency in this phrase underscores the importance of timely action in sharing good news. In a broader biblical context, it reflects the urgency of spreading the Gospel message, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:2, which emphasizes the present as the time of salvation.

Our sin will overtake us
The lepers understand that withholding the good news would be sinful. This reflects the biblical teaching that sin is not only in wrongful actions but also in failing to act rightly. The concept of sin overtaking someone is reminiscent of Genesis 4:7, where sin is described as crouching at the door, ready to overtake Cain if he does not master it.

Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household
This decision to inform the king's household demonstrates obedience and responsibility. It mirrors the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where believers are commanded to go and make disciples, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. The lepers' actions serve as a type of evangelism, spreading the message of deliverance and salvation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Four Lepers
These were the outcasts who discovered the abandoned Aramean camp. Their condition as lepers made them societal outcasts, yet they played a pivotal role in delivering the good news to the city of Samaria.

2. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was under siege by the Arameans, leading to a severe famine in the city.

3. The Arameans
The enemy army that besieged Samaria, causing the famine. They fled their camp due to a divinely induced panic, leaving behind supplies.

4. The King’s Household
The royal family and officials in Samaria who were initially unaware of the miraculous provision available to them.

5. The Siege of Samaria
A critical event where the city was surrounded by the Arameans, leading to desperation and dire conditions among the inhabitants.

Teaching Points

The Responsibility to Share Good News
Just as the lepers realized their duty to share the good news, Christians are called to share the Gospel with others. Keeping the message of salvation to ourselves is not right.

God Uses the Unexpected
God often uses unlikely people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. The lepers, despite their status, were instrumental in God's plan to save Samaria.

Urgency in Delivering the Message
The lepers understood the urgency of their message. Similarly, there is an urgency in sharing the Gospel, as people are in spiritual need.

Trust in God’s Provision
The miraculous provision for Samaria reminds believers to trust in God's ability to provide in seemingly impossible situations.

Repentance and Action
Recognizing wrongdoing and taking corrective action is vital. The lepers' decision to act upon their realization is a model for repentance and obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the actions of the lepers challenge us in our approach to sharing the Gospel with others?

2. In what ways can we see God using unexpected people or situations in our lives to accomplish His purposes?

3. What are some areas in our lives where we might be "keeping silent" about the good news, and how can we change that?

4. How does the account of the lepers encourage us to trust in God's provision during difficult times?

5. Reflect on a time when you realized you were not doing what was right. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the lepers' example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 52:7
This verse speaks of the beauty of those who bring good news, paralleling the lepers' role in sharing the news of salvation and provision.

Luke 4:18-19
Jesus speaks of bringing good news to the poor, echoing the lepers' announcement of deliverance to the starving city.

Matthew 5:14-16
The call to be the light of the world and not hide it, similar to the lepers' realization that they must share the good news.