2 Kings 7:3
Introduction
Israel had been divided into two kingdoms – Judah and Israel. From their first king Jeroboam, the rulers of the kingdom of Israel strayed away from the LORD. By the time of Ahab, there had been total degeneration. He had brought into Israel, the worship of the detestable Baal. Israel had become totally despicable to the LORD.
During the reign of Jehoram, there were countless problems within the kingdom. There was a famine for seven years and the Syrians (Arameans) were advancing against it – all because of the sins of the Israelites.
Yet, the LORD had compassion on them. Many of the attempts by Ben-hadad, to capture Israel were thwarted by the intervention of the LORD through Elisha.
Now, Ben-hadad had gathered all his forces and laid siege to Samaria, the capital of Israel. There was severe famine within the city. It was so severe that some of them even had to eat their children (2 Ki. 6:28-29).
“Why should we sit here until we die?”
Meanwhile, outside the city walls, there were four lepers. Just imagine what their plight would have been. They were outside the city, without any help. They did not have anyone to give them food, as the city itself was going hungry.
Let us briefly consider the status of lepers during those days. They were always looked down upon and were regarded unclean. This is the reason why they had to be outside the city walls. In short, they were outcasts. Leviticus 13 and 14 talk about how a leper should be treated. They had to be outside the city (Lev. 13:45-46; Num. 5:1-4; 12:10-15) and it was believed that they were sinners being punished by God (2 Ki. 5:2; 2 Chron. 26:20)..
Being outside the city, the lepers had three choices:
- To go into the city and die of hunger.
- To stay where they are and die of hunger.
- To go to the Arameans and be killed by them.
What an undesirable position they were in!
Probably assessing their dire situation, they chose the third option. Maybe they said, ‘If we are going to die anyway, let’s die with at least some honour!’ Maybe, maybe.
As they moved towards the Aramean position, the LORD had used them (they didn’t know!) in such a way that the Arameans heard the sound of chariots, horses and a great army as they approached. The Arameans fled the scene in haste abandoning everything they had. And when the lepers arrived at the edge of the Aramean camp, there was no one there. They drank, they ate, they carried off all the silver, gold and clothing and hid them.
Then, a thought struck them: “What we are doing is wrong. This is a day of good news; if we are silent and wait until the morning light, we will be found guilty; therefore let us go and tell the king’s household” (2 Ki. 7:9).
And so, as the prophet foretold, Samaria had become free once again.
Some points to consider
Let us take some moments to consider these points:
- God can, and often uses people of the periphery who are regarded as of little use. The status of the lepers was, at best, hopeless. But the LORD had prepared a way for them to be saved and for them to save others too. As God used them, they became more powerful than the actual army trapped inside.
There are people amongst us who we often regard with disdain. There are also those who are old and ‘useless’.
But, let us remember that God has uses for everyone. Just because others do not see us does not mean that God does not. He sees us and knows us, and often uses such people for His glory. - To be used by God, we also have to take our own steps. The lepers had few options. But they did something about it and they saved themselves and others. This shows that, doing something on our part is quite important, if we are to be used by God. To God, everything is possible, but God uses those who take their own steps.
If we refuse to do something even if we are highly qualified, well versed in the Bible or rich, God cannot work through us. A poor man willing to work for the LORD is better than a rich man who refuses to do anything. Ecclesiastes 9:4 also tells us that a living dog is better than a dead lion.
Whatever we are, wherever we are, if we take steps for the LORD, He will use us even beyond our capacities for His glory. We may not be known by many, we may be poor, we may not have much qualifications, but if we are willing to work for the LORD, He will use us.
Let us look at this from a different angle. The four lepers did not know that the LORD used them. They reached the Aramean camp to find it empty and they were surprised. Likewise, as we toil for the LORD, suffering, we may not receive praises for our works, we may not be recognised by others, but let us know that the LORD knows and remembers. - The good news is for everyone. As they celebrated, the lepers soon realised that the good news must be shared. As they shared the good news, everyone came to be saved.
The lepers were not only scorned, they were living outside the city. Had they wanted, they could have withheld the news saying, “They did not want us, let them suffer. Let us not tell them of this good news.” But they did no such thing.
We have a lot to learn from these lepers. In our lives, we may have come across people who do not think much of us. We may even come across people who will harass us and scourge us at every possible turn. Sometimes, we may hold grudges against them. But, we must remember to have a forgiving mind and love those who hate us (cf. Mat. 5:44; Lk. 6; Prov. 25:21-22; Rom. 12:20).
Conclusion
We are the recipients of the Good News of salvation. As the lepers said, “This is a day of good news” let us also share it to others too. We may have limitations like the four lepers, but if we are willing to take our own steps, the LORD will use is in ways we could not even imagine.
By Rev. Dr. James R. Ruolngul
