2 Kings 7:8
And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.
2 Kings 7:8 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 2 Kings narrates the story of four lepers who find themselves in a time of great famine in the land of Samaria. Due to their affliction, they were considered outcasts and were forced to live outside the city gates. In a moment of desperation, they decide to take a chance and approach the enemy camp of the Arameans in search of food. What they discover is a deserted camp, as the Arameans had fled in fear after hearing what they thought was the sound of a vast army approaching. The lepers enter the tents, eat, drink, and collect silver, gold, and clothing before hiding their loot. They repeat this process in another tent. This passage reveals the themes of unexpected blessings, divine provision, and the consequences of greed. The lepers' actions lead to the discovery of the abandoned camp by the people of Samaria, who are then able to access the provisions left behind by the Arameans. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, courage, and trusting in God's provision even in the most dire circumstances.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse is that it highlights the theme of unexpected blessings and divine provision. The lepers, who were outcasts and marginalized in society, were miraculously provided for by God when they discovered the abandoned camp of the enemy. This can be seen as a reminder that God's blessings often come in surprising ways and from unexpected sources. The lepers' actions also raise ethical questions about how we handle the blessings we receive. By first satisfying their own hunger and then hiding the valuable items they found, the lepers may be seen as acting selfishly or lacking in gratitude. However, their actions can also be understood as a response to their marginalized status and a means of securing their future. Word studies on the terms "silver," "gold," and "raiment" can shed light on the cultural and economic context of the narrative, revealing the significance of these items in ancient society and providing further insights into the story's themes.
2 Kings 7:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when these lepers came to the outermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and they came back, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.
World English Bible
When these lepers came to the outermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and ate and drink, and carried there silver, and gold, and clothing, and went and hid it. Then they came back, and entered into another tent, and carried there also, and went and hid it.
Douay-Rheims
So when these lepers were come to the beginning of the camp, they went into one tent, and ate and drank: and they took from thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went, and hid it: and they came again, and went into another tent, and carried from thence in like manner, and hid it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when these lepers came to the vtmost part of the campe, they entred into one tent, and did eate and drinke, and caryed thence siluer and golde, and raiment, and went and hid it: after they returned, and entred into another tent, and caryed thence also, and went and hid it.