The Syrians Flee

II Kings 7:1–11
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When the king’s messenger arrived, Elisha announced a prophecy. He said that within 24 hours the siege would be over and there would be plenty to eat (vv. 1-2). This officer sent by Joram found this prophecy to be incredible and expressed his utter disbelief that God could or would do this. Elisha told him that he would see for himself but because of his unbelief, he would not experience the blessing.

The scene shifts to four lepers who may have been living in huts just outside the city gates (v. 3). Since they were starving to death, they decided to head for the Syrian camp realizing they could be killed. When they entered the camp, they found that the enemy soldiers had fled (vv. 4-5). They had fled because God had caused them to hear the sound of a mighty army of chariots and horses (vv. 6-7). The soldiers had fled fearing they were being attacked.

At first the lepers filled their own pockets and stomachs (v. 8). However, they decided they should return to the city to tell the king (v. 9). Fearing this was some trick of the enemy, the king sent  scouts to survey the situation (vv. 10-11). When they returned to confirm that the lepers had spoken the truth, the news spread like wildfire. The king threw open the gates and the multitude streamed out to find food and booty. The traffic was so heavy that the officer who had said God couldn’t fulfill Elisha’s prophecy was trampled to death. The fate that Elisha had predicted was fulfilled.

Application

The King’s officer was convinced that the city was doomed and Elisha could not convince him otherwise. It is easy for me to become preoccupied with problems and lose hope. I need to be looking for ways to spread the (Gospel) good news and not focusing on the negatives. With God nothing is impossible.