2 Kings 7:1-9

Flour for a Shekel

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1Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the LORD says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel.’”

2But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.”

3Now 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?

4If 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.”

5So 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.

6For 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.”

7Thus 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.

8When 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.

9Finally, 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.”

Berean Standard Bible

Read aloud

Elisha announces that by the next day flour and barley will be sold cheaply at Samaria's gate. An officer of the king hears the promise and says that even if the LORD opened windows in heaven, it could not happen. Elisha replies that the officer will see the food but will not eat it.

Four men with leprosy sit at the entrance of the gate. They know they will die if they stay, and they may die if they go to the Aramean camp. They choose to go, reasoning that surrender offers at least a possibility of life.

When they reach the camp, no one is there. The LORD has caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so they flee and leave their tents, horses, donkeys, and supplies behind. The lepers enter one tent, eat and drink, and carry away silver, gold, and clothing.

Then they stop and recognize that keeping silent is wrong. Good news has reached them, and it must reach the starving city. Their movement from fear to discovery to responsibility prepares the way for the promise's public fulfillment.

Questions

1 What does Elisha predict about the next day?

AnswerHe predicts that flour and barley will be sold cheaply at Samaria's gate by the following day.

2 Why do the four lepers go to the Aramean camp?

AnswerThey know staying at the gate means death, so they go to the camp hoping surrender might preserve their lives.

3 Why is the Aramean camp empty?

AnswerThe LORD makes the Arameans hear an approaching army, so they flee and leave their supplies behind.

4 What can help us remember others when our own need has just been met?

AnswerPause to ask who still needs the help or news we have received. The four men realize that eating and hiding valuables while Samaria starves is wrong. Their relief gives them a responsibility to tell the city.

What This Means for Us

Before the four men reach the camp, the LORD has already driven the army away. Their desperate journey does not cause the rescue; it brings them to a provision God has made. At first they eat and hide valuables. Then they recognize the starving city's need.

Relief can make us forget people who are still waiting for help. If we learn where a needed resource is available or receive more than we need, we can pass on the information or share. The men decide that good news should reach the people inside Samaria, not stay with those who found it first.

Prayer

Lord, meet people who are waiting at the edge of hope. Give us courage to take wise steps, humility to recognize unexpected provision, and generosity that carries good news toward people who are still hungry. Amen.

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