2 Kings 7:4

If 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."

Study Bible

If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city;
The context of this phrase is the severe famine in Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, during the siege by the Arameans (Syrians). The famine was so dire that people resorted to extreme measures for survival, as described earlier in 2 Kings 6:25-29. The city represents a place of safety and provision under normal circumstances, but due to the siege, it has become a place of death. This reflects the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, as famine was one of the curses for covenant unfaithfulness (Deuteronomy 28:52-53).

but if we sit here, we will also die.
The lepers, who are the speakers in this passage, are outside the city gates due to their condition, which made them ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13:45-46). Their situation is desperate, as remaining where they are offers no hope of survival. This highlights the theme of human helplessness and the need for divine intervention, a recurring theme in the Bible. It also reflects the broader spiritual truth that inaction in the face of spiritual death is not a viable option.

So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans.
The Arameans, also known as Syrians, were a significant military power and frequent adversaries of Israel. Their camp represents a potential source of food and survival, albeit with great risk. This decision to approach the enemy camp is an act of desperation but also of faith, as it involves stepping into the unknown. Theologically, it can be seen as a type of repentance, turning away from certain death towards the possibility of life, reminiscent of the prodigal son's return in Luke 15:17-20.

If they let us live, we will live;
This phrase expresses a glimmer of hope amidst despair. The lepers acknowledge the possibility of mercy from the Arameans, which is ironic given that they are the enemy. This reflects the biblical theme that God can use unexpected means and people to provide deliverance, as seen in the story of Rahab in Joshua 2. It also underscores the sovereignty of God in using even adversaries to fulfill His purposes.

if they kill us, we will die.”
The lepers recognize the risk of death, but it is a risk they are willing to take given their dire circumstances. This acceptance of potential martyrdom can be seen as a foreshadowing of the Christian call to take up one's cross and follow Christ (Matthew 16:24-25). It also highlights the biblical principle that sometimes faith requires stepping into situations where the outcome is uncertain, trusting in God's providence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Four Lepers
These individuals are the central figures in this verse. They are outcasts due to their leprosy and are situated at the city gate, facing a dire situation due to the famine in Samaria.

2. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which is under siege by the Arameans, leading to a severe famine within the city.

3. The Arameans
The enemy army besieging Samaria, causing the famine and desperation among the people inside the city.

4. The Famine
A severe lack of food in Samaria due to the Aramean siege, leading to extreme desperation among the inhabitants.

5. The City Gate
The location where the lepers are situated, symbolizing a place of decision and transition.

Teaching Points

Decision in Desperation
The lepers' decision highlights the importance of taking action in desperate situations. When faced with dire circumstances, faith can lead us to make bold decisions.

Faith Over Fear
The lepers chose to act despite the fear of death. This teaches us to trust God and step out in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain.

God's Providence
The lepers' decision ultimately leads to the deliverance of Samaria, illustrating how God can use unlikely individuals and situations to fulfill His purposes.

The Power of Initiative
Taking initiative, even when options seem limited, can lead to unexpected blessings and breakthroughs.

Hope in Hopelessness
The lepers' situation seemed hopeless, yet their decision brought hope and salvation. This reminds us that God can bring hope in our darkest moments.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the lepers' decision-making process when faced with life-threatening circumstances?

2. How does the lepers' account encourage us to act in faith rather than succumb to fear in our own lives?

3. In what ways does this passage demonstrate God's ability to use unexpected people and situations for His purposes?

4. How can we apply the principle of taking initiative in our spiritual lives, especially when facing difficult decisions?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a seemingly hopeless situation. How did God provide a way forward, and how does this passage reinforce that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 6:24-33
Provides context for the famine in Samaria, detailing the severity of the situation and the desperation of the people.

Luke 15:17-20
The prodigal son's moment of realization and decision to return to his father parallels the lepers' decision to take action despite the risks.

Esther 4:16
Esther's resolve to approach the king, despite the risk of death, mirrors the lepers' decision to approach the Aramean camp.