2 kings 7:5 - They rose up in the twilight, to go to the camp of the Syrians. When they had come to the outermost part of the camp of the Syrians, behold, no man was there.

Generated Verse: 2 kings 7:5

What does "2 kings 7:5" mean?


This verse describes the beginning of a pivotal moment in the siege of Samaria in 2 Kings 7. Let's break it down:

"They": Refers to four lepers who were starving and desperate. Lepers were social outcasts and were not allowed to live within the city walls.
"Rose up in the twilight": They decided to take a chance during the late afternoon or early evening (twilight). Driven by hunger, they reasoned they had nothing to lose.
"To go to the camp of the Syrians": The Syrian army had surrounded Samaria, causing a severe famine within the city. The lepers decided to risk their lives by going to the enemy camp. Their reasoning was that the Syrians might kill them, but it would be a quick death compared to slow starvation. Or, the Syrians might show them mercy and give them food.
"When they had come to the outermost part of the camp of the Syrians, behold, no man was there.": When the lepers reached the edge of the Syrian camp, they discovered it was completely deserted. This was a shocking and unexpected discovery.

Meaning and Context:

This verse sets the stage for the miraculous deliverance of Samaria. The Syrians had been besieging the city, causing widespread starvation. The lepers' decision to venture into the camp of the enemy seems like a desperate act of desperation, yet it leads to the discovery that God has intervened. The next verses explain that God had caused the Syrians to hear the sound of a vast army approaching, leading them to believe that other kingdoms were coming to attack them. They fled in terror, abandoning their camp and leaving behind all their supplies.

In essence, this verse describes the moment when the lepers, facing starvation and outcast from society, stumble upon the deserted Syrian camp, setting in motion the end of the siege and a miraculous provision for the people of Samaria.

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