2 Kings 7:4

“If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.”

Context:2 Kings 7:4 is part of the account of the siege of Samaria by the Syrian army during the reign of King Jehoram. Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. The city was besieged, and there was a severe famine, causing great suffering among the people. In this verse, four lepers, who were outside the city gates, were deliberating on what action to take in the face of impending death.

The reality of the situation:The famine in Samaria had reached a critical point, and the people were facing certain death whether they stayed in the city or went out to seek help from the Syrians. This verse reflects the desperation and hopelessness that had gripped the people.

Weighing the options:The four lepers discussed the two choices they had. If they decided to stay in the city, they would die of starvation. If they went to the Syrian camp, they might be spared and have a chance to live. However, they were also aware that there was a risk of being killed by the Syrians. Despite the uncertainty, they recognised that doing nothing would lead to certain death.

Choosing the lesser evil:In the face of their dire circumstances, the lepers decided to take the risk and go to the enemy camp. They saw it as their only chance for survival, even though the outcome was uncertain. They reasoned that even if they were killed by the Syrians, it was still a better option than staying in the city and dying of famine.

Lessons for us:

• Faith in action:The lepers demonstrated an act of faith by taking a step of action. They didn’t simply resign themselves to their fate but made a decision to move forward, trusting that God could intervene in their situation.
• Courage in adversity:The lepers displayed courage by confronting their fear and embracing the unknown. They were willing to face the possibility of death rather than passively accepting their dire circumstances.
• Recognising the urgency:The lepers understood that inaction was not an option. They recognised the urgency of their situation and took decisive action. Similarly, in our lives, we should not procrastinate when it comes to responding to God’s calling or addressing critical matters.
• Trusting God’s sovereignty:Although the lepers didn’t explicitly mention God in this verse, their decision to go to the Syrian camp demonstrated their trust in God’s sovereignty. They recognised that even in the enemy camp, God could provide a way for their deliverance.

Overall, this verse reminds us of the importance of faith, courage, and taking action in the face of difficult circumstances. It encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty and to seek His guidance and deliverance even in the midst of seemingly impossible situations.