2 Kings 7:9

KJV

Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day [is] a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then they said {H559} one {H376} to another {H7453}, We do {H6213} not well: this day {H3117} is a day {H3117} of good tidings {H1309}, and we hold our peace {H2814}: if we tarry {H2442} till the morning {H1242} light {H216}, some mischief {H5771} will come {H4672} upon us: now therefore come {H3212}, that we may go {H935} and tell {H5046} the king's {H4428} household {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But finally they said to each other, "What we are doing is wrong. At a time of good news like this, we shouldn't keep it to ourselves. If we wait even till morning, we will earn only punishment; so come on, let's go and tell the king's household."

Berean Standard Bible

Finally, they said to one another, “We are not doing what is right. Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our sin will overtake us. Now, therefore, let us go and tell the king’s household.”

American Standard Version

Then they said one to another, We do not well; this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, punishment will overtake us; now therefore come, let us go and tell the king’s household.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[2 Kings 7:9](/2_kings/7-9 "2 Kings 7:9 - The Lepers' Moral Awakening") captures a pivotal moment in the dramatic deliverance of Samaria from a severe Aramean siege and devastating famine. This verse highlights the moral awakening of four desperate lepers who, having stumbled upon God's miraculous intervention and initially indulged themselves, recognized the profound injustice of withholding such life-saving news from their starving city. Their realization that silence in the face of such "good tidings" would lead to negative consequences propelled them to act as unlikely messengers, initiating the city's rescue.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the turning point in the narrative of Samaria's deliverance. Immediately preceding it, the four lepers, resigned to death, venture into the Aramean camp only to find it miraculously deserted, with all provisions left behind ([2 Kings 7:3-8](/2_kings/7-3 "2 Kings 7:3-8 - The Lepers Discover the Deserted Camp")). Their initial response is one of self-preservation and indulgence, as they feast and gather treasures. However, [2 Kings 7:9](/2_kings/7-9 "2 Kings 7:9 - The Lepers' Moral Awakening") marks a shift from self-interest to communal responsibility, setting the stage for their decision to inform the king's household and the subsequent verification of Elisha's prophecy of abundance ([2 Kings 7:10-16](/2_kings/7-10 "2 Kings 7:10-16 - Samaria's Deliverance Confirmed")). This verse is crucial as it bridges the miraculous divine act with the human response necessary for its full impact.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was enduring an unimaginable siege by the Arameans (Syrians), leading to a famine so severe that people resorted to cannibalism ([2 Kings 6:24-29](/2_kings/6-24 "2 Kings 6:24-29 - The Horrors of the Siege of Samaria")). This dire situation underscores the desperation of the city and the miraculous nature of the deliverance. Lepers, according to Mosaic Law, were ritually unclean and socially ostracized, forced to live outside the city gates ([Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Laws Concerning Leprosy")). Their outcast status makes their role as the bearers of good news profoundly ironic and highlights God's tendency to use the marginalized to accomplish His purposes. The constant military threat from Aram (Syria) was a recurring feature of Israelite history during this period, making divine intervention against such a powerful foe a significant theological statement.

* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings"). Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Deliverance and Providence**, showcasing God's active intervention to save His people even when they are at their lowest point. The miraculous flight of the Arameans, orchestrated by God, is the foundation of the "good tidings." Secondly, it highlights **Human Responsibility in Response to Divine Action**. While God performs the miracle, human agents are required to disseminate the news and facilitate the deliverance. The lepers' decision to act underscores the moral obligation to share life-saving information. Thirdly, the theme of **The Urgency of Sharing Good News** is paramount. Their fear of "mischief" if they delay reveals an understanding that withholding such vital information is not merely inconvenient but morally wrong and potentially disastrous. Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of **God Using the Unlikely**, as the outcasts of society become the instruments of salvation for the entire city, a motif seen throughout biblical narrative, from [Moses](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Call of Moses") to the [disciples](/acts/1 "Acts 1 - The Early Church").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good Tidings (Hebrew, בְּשֹׂרָה, _besorah_):** This noun, derived from the verb _basar_ (to bring news), signifies a joyful message, news of salvation, victory, or profound relief. It carries the connotation of a positive, life-altering announcement. In this context, it perfectly encapsulates the profound relief and hope that the news of the Aramean flight and the abundance of provisions would bring to the starving people of Samaria. The term is deeply significant as it is the same root from which the Greek word _euangelion_ (εὐαγγέλιον), meaning "gospel" or "good news," is derived, foreshadowing the ultimate message of salvation.
* **Mischief (Hebrew, אָוֶן, _'awen_):** This term is multifaceted, often translated as trouble, sorrow, wickedness, or iniquity. Here, it implies negative consequences or harm that would befall them if they delayed. It could refer to divine judgment for their selfishness, the wrath of the starving populace if the news was withheld too long, or even the potential for the Arameans to return if the delay allowed them to regroup. The lepers perceive a moral and existential threat tied to their inaction, suggesting that holding back such vital information is a form of "wickedness" or "iniquity" that would bring harm.
* **We do not well (Hebrew, לֹא־טוֹבָה, _lo'-tovah_):** This phrase is a direct moral assessment, literally translating to "not good." It signifies a recognition of their ethical failure in prioritizing personal gain and immediate gratification over the desperate needs of their community. It implies a sense of guilt or conviction, indicating that their conscience has been pricked. This self-reproach is the catalyst for their transformative decision to share the news, highlighting a moral awakening from apathy to responsibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they said one to another, We do not well:"** This opening clause reveals a moment of collective moral introspection among the lepers. After their initial self-indulgence, a shared conviction emerges that their current inaction is ethically wrong. It signifies a shift from self-preservation to a dawning sense of communal responsibility and perhaps even a fear of divine displeasure for hoarding such a blessing.
* **"this day [is] a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace:"** This clause highlights the stark contrast between the magnitude of the miraculous discovery ("a day of good tidings") and their current state of silence. The lepers recognize the profound irony and moral incongruity of possessing life-saving information while their city perishes in famine. Their "holding peace" is identified as the core of their moral failure.
* **"if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us:"** This statement introduces the element of urgency and consequence. The lepers understand that delay is not neutral; it carries a penalty. The "mischief" could be divine judgment for their selfishness, the natural consequence of the starving city's continued suffering, or even the risk of the Arameans returning. This fear acts as a powerful motivator, compelling them to act immediately.
* **"now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household."** This final clause presents the resolution and call to action. Having recognized their moral failing and the potential consequences of delay, they propose a concrete plan: to go and inform the highest authority, the king's household, ensuring the news reaches the entire city. This demonstrates a clear understanding of the proper channels for disseminating such critical information.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the four lepers, the most marginalized and ritually unclean members of society, become the unexpected bearers of salvation for the entire city. Their outcast status makes their role as messengers all the more striking. There is a strong **Contrast** between the initial self-serving actions of the lepers (feasting and gathering treasure) and their subsequent moral awakening and communal concern. This highlights a shift from personal survival to ethical responsibility. The verse also presents a clear **Moral Dilemma**: the choice between continued self-preservation in the face of abundance and the imperative to share life-saving news with a dying community. The resolution of this dilemma underscores the theme of ethical obligation. Finally, the phrase "good tidings" serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing to the ultimate "good news" of the Gospel, which brings spiritual salvation to a world in famine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The lepers' moral awakening in [2 Kings 7:9](/2_kings/7-9 "2 Kings 7:9 - The Lepers' Moral Awakening") provides a powerful theological lesson: God's miraculous provision often requires human agency to be fully realized and distributed. The divine act of causing the Arameans to flee was complete, but its life-saving impact on Samaria depended entirely on the lepers' decision to overcome their self-interest and proclaim the "good tidings." This highlights that while salvation is God's work, humans have a moral responsibility to share the news of that salvation. Their fear of "mischief" if they remained silent underscores the biblical principle that inaction in the face of profound need, especially when one possesses the solution, is a form of moral failing, potentially inviting divine displeasure or negative consequences. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that blessings are often given not just for personal enjoyment but for communal benefit and proclamation.

* [Isaiah 52:7](/isaiah/52-7 "Isaiah 52:7 - How Beautiful Are the Feet")
* [Luke 2:10](/luke/2-10 "Luke 2:10 - Good News of Great Joy")
* [Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14 "Romans 10:14-15 - The Necessity of Preaching")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound realization of the lepers in [2 Kings 7:9](/2_kings/7-9 "2 Kings 7:9 - The Lepers' Moral Awakening") serves as a timeless challenge to believers today. Just as Samaria faced a physical famine, the world around us endures a spiritual famine, desperately needing the "good tidings" of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We, like the lepers, have stumbled upon an unimaginable treasure—the boundless grace, forgiveness, and eternal life offered through Christ's sacrifice. To hoard this news, to remain silent while others perish in spiritual destitution, is indeed "not well." The urgency felt by the lepers, fearing "mischief" if they delayed, should ignite a similar zeal within us. Our silence can lead to spiritual "mischief" for those who never hear, and for us, a missed opportunity to participate in God's redemptive plan. This verse calls us to move beyond self-interest and comfort, recognizing our moral obligation to share the life-transforming message with the "king's household"—the whole world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "good tidings" (spiritual or otherwise) have I received that I might be inadvertently "holding my peace" about?**
* **What "mischief" might come upon me or others if I delay in sharing the message of hope and salvation that God has entrusted to me?**
* **How can I overcome the apathy or fear that prevents me from actively proclaiming the Gospel to those in spiritual famine?**
* **In what practical ways can I "go and tell" the good news to my family, friends, community, and beyond?**

### FAQ

**Why were the lepers, who were outcasts, chosen to be the messengers of such vital news?**

Answer: The choice of the lepers as messengers is a powerful demonstration of divine irony and God's consistent pattern of using the marginalized and unlikely to accomplish His purposes. In ancient Israel, lepers were ritually unclean and socially ostracized, forced to live outside the city gates. Their desperate circumstances led them to the Aramean camp, where they uniquely discovered the miraculous deliverance. God often chooses the weak and despised of the world to shame the strong ([1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish")) to ensure that the glory belongs to Him alone. Their status as outcasts also highlights the universality of God's grace and the truth that anyone, regardless of their social standing or past, can be an instrument in His hands to bring salvation and hope.

**What kind of "mischief" did the lepers fear would come upon them if they delayed?**

Answer: The "mischief" (Hebrew: _'awen_) they feared was likely multifaceted. Primarily, it could refer to divine judgment. Having witnessed God's miraculous intervention and then selfishly hoarding the life-saving news while their people starved would be a grave moral offense, potentially incurring God's wrath. Secondly, it could be the wrath of the starving populace or the king's household if the news was withheld and people continued to die unnecessarily. The lepers might have feared being held accountable for their silence. Thirdly, there was a practical danger: if they delayed too long, the Arameans might realize their panic was unfounded and return, or other marauders could discover the abandoned camp and plunder it, negating the miraculous provision. Thus, "mischief" encompassed both moral and practical consequences of their inaction.

**How does this narrative relate to the Christian call to share the Gospel today?**

Answer: This narrative serves as a profound Old Testament parallel to the Christian call to evangelism. Just as Samaria faced a physical famine, humanity faces a spiritual famine due to sin, leading to spiritual death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Christians have discovered the ultimate "good tidings"—the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which offers spiritual life, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). The lepers' realization that it was "not well" to hold their peace mirrors the Christian's moral imperative to share this life-saving message. The urgency they felt, fearing "mischief" if they delayed, underscores the eternal consequences of spiritual silence. Just as the lepers were unlikely messengers, God uses ordinary believers today to be His ambassadors ([2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")), proclaiming the "good news" to a world in desperate need.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic account in [2 Kings 7:9](/2_kings/7-9 "2 Kings 7:9 - The Lepers' Moral Awakening") serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate "good tidings" found in Jesus Christ. The physical famine in Samaria, leading to death and despair, mirrors humanity's spiritual famine caused by sin, which results in eternal separation from God ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Just as God miraculously delivered Samaria from its besiegers, He has provided the ultimate deliverance from the tyranny of sin and death through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Jesus Himself came proclaiming the "good news" (gospel) to the poor, the captive, the blind, and the oppressed ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims His Mission")). The lepers, once outcasts, became the unlikely messengers of physical salvation; similarly, believers, once alienated from God, are now reconciled and commissioned to be ambassadors for Christ, bearing the message of spiritual reconciliation to a lost world ([2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - Ministry of Reconciliation")). The "mischief" the lepers feared if they remained silent pales in comparison to the eternal "mischief" (judgment) that awaits those who never hear the Gospel. Thus, the lepers' moral awakening and urgent call to proclaim the news serve as a profound Old Testament echo of the Great Commission, compelling believers to share the ultimate hope found in [Christ, who is our life and our hope of glory!](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")

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

Isaiah 52:7

¶ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Haggai 1:4

[Is it] time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house [lie] waste?

Haggai 1:5

Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

Isaiah 41:27

The first [shall say] to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.

Numbers 32:23

But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

2 Kings 7:3

¶ And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?