2 kings 7:8 - When these lepers came to the outermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and ate and drink, and carried away silver, gold, and clothing, and went and hid it. Then they came back, and entered into another tent, and carried things from there also, and went and hid them.

Generated Verse: 2 kings 7:8

What does "2 kings 7:8" mean?


This verse from 2 Kings 7:8 is a key part of the larger narrative about the siege of Samaria and God's miraculous deliverance. Let's break down what it means:

"When these lepers came to the outermost part of the camp..." This refers to the four lepers who, desperate from starvation, decided to risk their lives by going to the Aramean camp, hoping to find food or be killed quickly rather than starve. Lepers were outcasts and forbidden to enter the city due to their disease.

"...they went into one tent, and ate and drank..." The first thing the lepers did upon finding the Aramean camp deserted was to satisfy their hunger and thirst. This highlights their desperate state and the immediacy of their needs.

"...and carried away silver, gold, and clothing, and went and hid it." After addressing their immediate physical needs, the lepers then succumbed to temptation. They began to plunder the abandoned tents, taking valuable items (silver, gold, and clothing) and hiding them. This reveals a human element: even in extraordinary circumstances, people are prone to self-interest and taking advantage of opportunities.

"Then they came back, and entered into another tent, and carried things from there also, and went and hid them." The lepers repeated the process, further demonstrating their desire for personal gain and their initial focus on accumulating wealth for themselves. This action suggests a growing awareness of the abundance of riches available in the deserted camp.

In essence, this verse shows:

The unexpected abundance left by the fleeing Arameans: The Arameans left behind a vast quantity of supplies and riches when they fled in terror, believing they were under attack.
The human element of greed and self-preservation: Even in the face of a miraculous situation, the lepers initially focused on their own needs and desires, hoarding wealth before considering the plight of others in the starving city.
A turning point in the story: The lepers' discovery of the abandoned camp and its wealth is the catalyst that leads to the city's deliverance. Their eventual decision to inform the city is what brings the good news to the starving people of Samaria.

The verse emphasizes that while God's deliverance was miraculous, it was also realized through the actions of ordinary people who were motivated by both self-interest and a growing sense of responsibility. The contrast between their initial greed and their later decision to share the news is a significant aspect of the story.

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