2 kings 7:9 - Then they said to one another, “We aren’t doing right. Today is a day of good news, and we keep silent. If we wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come, let’s go and tell the king’s household.”

Generated Verse: 2 kings 7:9

What does "2 kings 7:9" mean?


This verse, 2 Kings 7:9, is part of the story where the Aramean army has inexplicably fled from their siege of Samaria, leaving behind all their supplies and wealth. A group of four lepers, starving and desperate, ventured into the abandoned camp and discovered the truth. Let's break down the verse:

"Then they said to one another, “We aren’t doing right." This is the key realization. The lepers recognized that they had a responsibility to share the good news. They understood that keeping such vital information to themselves was morally wrong.

"Today is a day of good news, and we keep silent." They understood the significance of the situation. The siege was crippling Samaria, causing extreme famine. The news of the Aramean retreat was a message of salvation, a chance for the city to be saved from starvation and death. Their silence meant allowing their fellow citizens to continue suffering needlessly.

"If we wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us." This could be interpreted in a couple of ways:

Divine Punishment: They might fear God's judgment for hoarding such crucial information and allowing people to suffer.
Human Punishment: They might fear the consequences if their silence was discovered. If the city found out they knew about the food and did nothing, they could face severe repercussions. Either way, this phrase shows the urgency of the situation.

"Now therefore come, let’s go and tell the king’s household.” This is their call to action. They decide to overcome their initial selfishness and share the good news with those in authority, knowing that the king's household can then spread the word to the rest of the city.

In essence, the verse highlights:

Moral Responsibility: The importance of sharing good news, especially when it can alleviate suffering.
Urgency: The need to act quickly when lives are at stake.
Overcoming Selfishness: The power of compassion to overcome personal gain and fear.

The lepers' realization and their decision to act is a powerful example of how even those considered outcasts can demonstrate great moral courage and have a significant impact on their community. It also emphasizes that information that has the potential to improve many lives, should be shared.