Topical Encyclopedia The account of the lepers of Samaria is found in 2 Kings 7:3-20. This narrative provides a profound insight into the workings of conscience, particularly in the context of divine providence and human responsibility. The account unfolds during a severe famine in Samaria, which was under siege by the Arameans. The city was in dire straits, and the people were desperate.The Lepers' Predicament The account begins with four leprous men at the entrance of the city gate. As outcasts due to their condition, they were in a particularly vulnerable position, facing starvation. In 2 Kings 7:3-4 , they reason among themselves: "Why should we sit here until we die? If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there because the famine is in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So now, come, 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." Divine Intervention and Discovery In a bold move, the lepers decide to surrender to the Arameans, hoping for mercy. Upon reaching the enemy camp, they discover it abandoned. The Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading them to flee in panic, leaving behind their tents, horses, donkeys, and provisions (2 Kings 7:6-7). The Conscience Awakens Initially, the lepers begin to plunder the camp, eating and drinking and taking silver, gold, and clothing. However, their conscience soon stirs. In 2 Kings 7:9 , they say to one another, "We are not doing right. This is a day of good news, but we are keeping silent. If we wait until morning light, we will be punished. Now therefore come, let us go and tell the king’s household." This moment marks a significant turning point. Despite their marginalized status, the lepers recognize their moral obligation to share the good news with the starving city. Their conscience compels them to act selflessly, prioritizing the welfare of others over their immediate gain. Impact of Their Decision The lepers' decision to inform the city leads to the salvation of Samaria. The news of the abandoned camp is relayed to the king, who, after verifying the report, allows the people to plunder the Aramean camp. This results in the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy that food would be plentiful and affordable in Samaria (2 Kings 7:1). Theological Implications The narrative of the lepers of Samaria highlights several theological themes. First, it underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for the deliverance of His people. The miraculous intervention that led to the Arameans' flight demonstrates God's power and faithfulness. Second, the account illustrates the role of conscience in guiding moral decisions. The lepers' realization of their duty to share the good news reflects the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and acting justly, even when it requires personal sacrifice. Lastly, the account serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways God can use individuals, regardless of their social status or condition, to fulfill His purposes. The lepers, though marginalized, become instruments of God's deliverance, showcasing His grace and the transformative power of a conscience aligned with divine will. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 7:8-10And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried there silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried there also, and went and hid it. Nave's Topical Index Library Silent Christians A Little Maid The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest. Miracles of Healing Solicited by the Sufferers. Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy. C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28 Naaman's Imperfect Faith The Good Samaritan. Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls The Five Books Against Marcion Resources What is the dispensation of Conscience? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about eating food/meat that has been sacrificed to idols? | GotQuestions.org Who were Hymenaeus and Alexander, and what does it mean that their faith was shipwrecked? | GotQuestions.org Conscience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conscience for Having Cut off Saul's Skirt Conscience for Having Numbered the People of Israel Conscience for his Adultery and the Murder of Uriah Conscience Money: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience of Adam and Eve, After They Sinned Conscience of Herod for Beheading John the Baptist Conscience of Jacob, After he Defrauded Esau Conscience of Joab, for Numbering Israel Conscience of Joseph's Brethren Conscience of Judas, After Betraying the Lord Jesus Conscience of Micah, After Stealing Conscience of Others, not to be offended Conscience of Peter, After Denying the Lord Conscience of Pharaoh, After the Plagues Conscience of Saints, Pure and Good Conscience of the Lepers of Samaria Conscience of the Old Prophet of Beth-El Conscience of the Wicked, Defiled Conscience of the Wicked, Seared Conscience without Spiritual Illumination, a False Guide Conscience: Faithful of Abimelech, when he Took Isaac's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: Faithful of Daniel, in Refusing to Eat of the King's Meat and Wine Conscience: Faithful of Jacob, in his Care of Laban's Property Conscience: Faithful of Joseph, when Potiphar's Wife Tried to Seduce Him Conscience: Faithful of Nehemiah, in the Matter of Taxes Conscience: Faithful of Peter, in Declaring the Whole Counsel of God Conscience: Faithful of Pharaoh, when he Took Abraham's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience: Keep the Faith in Purity of Conscience: Ministers should Commend Themselves to That of Their People Conscience: Submit to Authority For Conscience: Suffer Patiently For Conscience: Testimony of, a Source of Joy Conscience: The Accusers of the Woman Taken in Adultery Conscience: The Blood of Christ Alone Can Purify Conscience: we should Have the Approval of Related Terms Conscience-stricken (2 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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