2 Kings 7:9

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

2 Kings 7:9 captures a pivotal moment in the dramatic deliverance of Samaria from a severe Aramean (Syrian) siege and devastating famine. This verse highlights the moral awakening of four desperate lepers who stumbled upon God's miraculous intervention.

Context

The city of Samaria was enduring unimaginable suffering, with a famine so severe that people resorted to cannibalism (2 Kings 6:29). Prophet Elisha had boldly declared that by the next day, abundance would replace scarcity (2 Kings 7:1). Meanwhile, four lepers, resigned to death due to their outcast status and the dire conditions, decided to surrender to the Syrian camp, thinking they had nothing left to lose (2 Kings 7:3-4). Upon reaching the camp, they found it deserted; the Lord had caused the Syrians to hear a great noise, leading them to flee in panic, leaving all their provisions behind. After initially feasting and gathering treasures, the lepers came to a profound realization reflected in this verse.

Key Themes

  • The Urgency of Sharing Good News: The lepers recognized that withholding such life-saving information from their starving city was morally wrong ("We do not well"). Their initial self-preservation gave way to a powerful sense of communal responsibility.
  • Consequences of Inaction: The phrase "if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us" indicates an awareness that failing to act on this vital discovery could bring negative consequences, perhaps even divine judgment, given the miraculous nature of the deliverance.
  • Divine Providence and Human Response: While God had already performed the miracle, it required human action to communicate this "good tidings" (besorah) to the suffering population. The lepers, previously symbols of impurity and despair, became unlikely messengers of hope.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "good tidings" here is besorah (בְּשֹׂרָה). This word carries the meaning of a joyful message, news of salvation or victory. It is the same root from which the Greek word euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), meaning "gospel" or "good news," is derived. In this context, it perfectly encapsulates the profound relief and hope that this news would bring to the besieged people of Samaria.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today. Just as the lepers realized they could not hoard the good news of physical salvation, Christians are called to share the ultimate good news of spiritual salvation through Jesus Christ. We have a responsibility to communicate God's grace and provision to a world in spiritual famine, understanding that withholding this message is "not well." The urgency felt by the lepers to go and tell the king's household should inspire a similar zeal in fulfilling the Great Commission, recognizing the spiritual "mischief" that can come from silence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 52:7 (8 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

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

  • Haggai 1:4 (3 votes)

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

  • Haggai 1:5 (3 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 41:27 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 32:23 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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?