2 Kings 7:5

KJV

And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, [there was] no man there.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they rose up {H6965} in the twilight {H5399}, to go {H935} unto the camp {H4264} of the Syrians {H758}: and when they were come {H935} to the uttermost part {H7097} of the camp {H4264} of Syria {H758}, behold, there was no man {H376} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

They got up during the twilight to go to the camp of Aram. But when they reached the outskirts of the camp of Aram, they saw no one!

Berean Standard Bible

So they arose at twilight and went to the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the outskirts of the camp, there was not a man to be found.

American Standard Version

And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians; and when they were come to the outermost part of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no man there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 7:5 describes the pivotal moment when four desperate lepers, facing certain death by starvation within the besieged city of Samaria, embark on a perilous journey at dusk towards the Aramean (Syrian) encampment with the intention of surrendering. This verse captures their audacious first step of faith and the astonishing discovery they make upon reaching the enemy's perimeter: the formidable camp is utterly deserted, setting the stage for God's miraculous deliverance and the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic turning point following the harrowing descriptions of Samaria's severe siege and famine in [2 Kings 6](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Siege and Famine in Samaria"), which escalated to cannibalism. The narrative immediately preceding [2 Kings 7:5](/2_kings/7-5 "2 Kings 7:5 - The Lepers' Discovery") includes Elisha's audacious prophecy of abundant food within 24 hours, a declaration met with cynical disbelief by a royal officer ([2 Kings 7:1-2](/2_kings/7-1 "2 Kings 7:1-2 - Elisha's Prophecy of Abundance")). The four lepers, introduced in [2 Kings 7:3-4](/2_kings/7-3 "2 Kings 7:3-4 - The Lepers' Desperate Decision"), are depicted as outcasts at the city gate, contemplating their inevitable demise. Their decision to venture into the enemy camp, rather than succumb to starvation, is an act born of sheer desperation, which miraculously aligns with God's already unfolding plan, as revealed in the subsequent verses explaining the divine panic that caused the Syrian flight ([2 Kings 7:6-7](/2_kings/7-6 "2 Kings 7:6-7 - God Causes the Syrians to Flee")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the brutal siege of Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, by the Aramean (Syrian) army. Sieges in ancient Near Eastern warfare were designed to inflict maximum suffering and starvation to force surrender, often leading to horrific conditions as detailed in [2 Kings 6:25-29](/2_kings/6-25 "2 Kings 6:25-29 - The Horrors of Samaria's Siege"). Lepers, according to the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13-14 - Laws Concerning Leprosy and Cleansing")), were ritually unclean and forced to live outside the city's walls, isolated from society. Their precarious position at the city gate, caught between a starving city and a hostile army, epitomizes utter human helplessness. Their decision to "fall unto the host of the Syrians" was not an act of bravery but a last, desperate gamble on the slim chance of mercy from an enemy, preferable to certain death by famine.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings "The Book of 2 Kings - Kings and Prophets"). Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence and Intervention**, as the lepers' discovery is not accidental but the direct result of God's unseen, prior action, causing the Syrian army to flee in panic ([2 Kings 7:6](/2_kings/7-6 "2 Kings 7:6 - God's Intervention Causes Syrian Flight")). It powerfully illustrates **God's Use of the Marginalized**, demonstrating that He frequently chooses the most unlikely and overlooked individuals – in this case, four ritually unclean outcasts – to accomplish His mighty purposes, thereby magnifying His own power and grace. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Faith in Desperation**, where a human act, born of extreme need and a "nothing to lose" mentality, becomes the very pathway through which divine deliverance is revealed, fulfilling the prophetic word of God spoken through Elisha in [2 Kings 7:1](/2_kings/7-1 "2 Kings 7:1 - Elisha's Prophecy of Abundance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Twilight (Hebrew, _nesheph_):** This term precisely denotes the period of dim light either at dusk (after sunset) or dawn (before sunrise). In this context, it refers to dusk or early evening. The choice of this time is highly significant; it is a liminal space, neither full light nor full darkness, offering a measure of concealment for the lepers' perilous journey while simultaneously heightening the sense of uncertainty and vulnerability. It sets a mood of quiet desperation and daring, where movements might be less observed, yet dangers can be more hidden.
* **Uttermost part (Hebrew, _qetseh_):** This word signifies the "edge," "end," or "extremity" of something. Here, it describes the very perimeter or outermost boundary of the Syrian camp. The lepers did not have to penetrate deep into enemy territory to make their discovery; the miraculous absence of the enemy was evident from the very first point of contact. This emphasizes the completeness and suddenness of the Syrian flight, as well as the immediate nature of the lepers' revelation.
* **No man there (Hebrew, _'ein sham 'ish_):** This simple yet profoundly impactful declaration is the climax of the verse. The phrase emphatically states a complete absence of human presence. It is not merely "few men" or "some had left," but an absolute void, indicating that the entire formidable army had vanished. This unexpected emptiness is the lynchpin of the entire narrative, revealing God's prior, invisible work and directly setting the stage for the city's deliverance and the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they rose up in the twilight,"**: This clause describes the lepers' decisive action, a desperate but determined movement. "They" refers to the four lepers introduced in [2 Kings 7:3](/2_kings/7-3 "2 Kings 7:3 - The Lepers' Resolve"). The timing, "in the twilight," adds to the dramatic tension, suggesting a clandestine, perilous venture under cover of dim light, indicative of their vulnerable position and the gravity of their decision to leave the perceived safety of the city gate.
* **"to go unto the camp of the Syrians:"**: This specifies the destination and purpose of their movement. Their intention was not to fight or spy, but to surrender, hoping for mercy or at least a quicker death than starvation. This act, born of utter hopelessness within Samaria, paradoxically becomes the vehicle for their salvation and, ultimately, the city's deliverance, as God had already prepared the way.
* **"and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria,"**: This marks the moment of arrival at the threshold of the enemy's domain. The phrase "uttermost part" emphasizes that their discovery was immediate upon reaching the camp's edge, not after a deep penetration. This proximity to the enemy's former position heightens the surprise of what they find, underscoring the sudden and complete nature of the Syrian departure.
* **"behold, [there was] no man there."**: This is the astonishing revelation that changes everything. The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) draws the reader's attention to the unexpected and miraculous nature of the discovery. The complete and utter absence of the formidable Syrian army signifies that God had already intervened, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy before the lepers even arrived, demonstrating His sovereign control over nations and circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Kings 7:5](/2_kings/7-5 "2 Kings 7:5 - The Lepers' Discovery") masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact and convey its theological message. **Suspense** is meticulously built through the description of the lepers' desperate journey "in the twilight," creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and danger. This tension culminates in the dramatic **discovery** of the empty camp, a moment of profound surprise for both the characters and the reader. The entire scene is imbued with powerful **irony**: those who are the most marginalized and desperate, venturing out of sheer hopelessness, become the unlikely instruments through whom the city's salvation is revealed. Their act of "surrender" to the enemy paradoxically leads to the discovery of the enemy's complete and miraculous retreat. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful moment of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the miraculous divine intervention that will be fully explained in the subsequent verses ([2 Kings 7:6-7](/2_kings/7-7 "2 Kings 7:7 - The Syrians' Panicked Flight")), where God is revealed as the true, unseen agent behind the empty camp.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 7:5 stands as a profound testament to God's sovereign providence and His often unexpected methods of deliverance. It beautifully illustrates that divine intervention frequently occurs in ways unseen by human eyes, often before we even perceive the need or take our first steps of faith. The lepers' desperate gamble, born of a "nothing to lose" mentality, became the very conduit through which God's pre-ordained plan for Samaria's salvation unfolded. This narrative affirms that God is not limited by human weakness, social standing, or the direst of circumstances; rather, He delights in using the humble and the outcast to display His magnificent power, turning human despair into divine triumph and demonstrating that His ways are higher than our ways.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the lepers in 2 Kings 7:5 offers a powerful and enduring message for believers facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. It reminds us that even when all human avenues are exhausted, and our circumstances appear utterly hopeless, a desperate step of faith towards the unknown can be the very path God uses to reveal His miraculous provision. The lepers, having nothing left to lose, chose action over passive despair, and in doing so, stumbled upon God's already-accomplished deliverance. This narrative challenges us to consider where we might be paralyzed by fear or hopelessness, and to ask if God might be calling us to take a similar "desperate step" – perhaps to trust Him with a difficult situation, to step out in obedience when the outcome is uncertain, or to seek Him when all other options have failed. Our perceived weakness or marginalization is never a barrier to God's work; often, it is precisely through such instruments that He chooses to display His glory, reminding us that His power is made perfect in our weakness and that He is always working, even when we cannot see it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What seemingly "hopeless" situation in your life might God be inviting you to take a desperate, faith-filled step towards?**
* **How does the story of the lepers challenge your understanding of who God uses to accomplish His purposes, particularly those whom society might overlook?**
* **In what ways might God be working "behind the scenes" in your life, preparing a way for you, even when you don't perceive His presence or action?**

### FAQ
**Why did the lepers go to the Syrian camp in the first place, given the inherent danger?**

Answer: The lepers were driven by extreme desperation and the certainty of death if they remained in Samaria. [2 Kings 7:4](/2_kings/7-4 "2 Kings 7:4 - The Lepers' Reasoning") explicitly states their grim reasoning: "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." They faced a stark choice between certain death by starvation within the city or outside its walls, and the slim possibility of survival (or at least a quicker end) by surrendering to the enemy. Their decision was a calculated risk born of utter necessity, demonstrating the profound depths of the famine's impact and their "nothing to lose" mindset.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 2 Kings 7:5, with its theme of desperate outcasts discovering an unexpected deliverance and abundant provision, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as the lepers, marginalized and facing certain death, ventured out to find an empty camp and a feast of abandoned supplies, so too does humanity, spiritually diseased by sin and facing eternal death, find salvation through the "empty tomb" of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate provision, the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger. Christ Himself identified deeply with the outcasts and marginalized, not only ministering to actual lepers during His earthly ministry ([Matthew 8:2-3](/matthew/8-2 "Matthew 8:2-3 - Jesus Heals a Leper")) but also becoming "unclean" for us, bearing our sin and shame outside the city gate ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). His death on the cross was the ultimate act of "going out" from the safety of heaven, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), and His resurrection left the tomb "empty," signifying the complete defeat of sin, death, and the devil. Through faith in Him, we, like the lepers, discover an abundance of spiritual life, forgiveness, and an inheritance that was prepared for us before we even knew to seek it ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing a feast of grace and eternal life where there was only famine and desolation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 28:7

The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

Deuteronomy 32:30

How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

Ezekiel 12:12

And the prince that [is] among them shall bear upon [his] shoulder in the twilight, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with [his] eyes.

Ezekiel 12:6

In their sight shalt thou bear [it] upon [thy] shoulders, [and] carry [it] forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, that thou see not the ground: for I have set thee [for] a sign unto the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 12:7

And I did so as I was commanded: I brought forth my stuff by day, as stuff for captivity, and in the even I digged through the wall with mine hand; I brought [it] forth in the twilight, [and] I bare [it] upon [my] shoulder in their sight.

1 Samuel 30:17

And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled.

Deuteronomy 32:25

The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling [also] with the man of gray hairs.