For ages, Israel had fought with her neighbors; particularly, the Philistines and Syrians. Such wars were devastating and sorrowfully destructive. Once, Samaria was besieged by Syria. The war lasted for weeks until there was nothing to eat in Israel. Hence, people began eating dead and starved animals, grass, and finally, doves’ dung, which was even sold.
As the siege wore on, two women decided to eat their kid. So, one first killed and boiled hers for the two women to eat. However, when it was time for the second to also boil hers for them to eat, she refused. Hearing this story, the King of Israel rent his clothes and put on mourning clothes. He became so sad and infuriated that he sent a soldier to go and kill Elishah!!
Why should the people of God suffer like this when a great prophet was among them? Why was Elisha careless about the plight and suffering of Israel…why was he eating and bedding whilst Israel perished, didn’t he care? If he couldn’t help Israel, then he was good as dead! The King had faith that Elishah could pray to God to turn Israel’s predicament around. He was thus incensed that Elisha, being a prophet, turned a blind eye to Israel’s distress…
And God agreed with the King, as Elishah himself acknowledged that the death sentence from the King was from God. The faith of the King in God’s mercy and ability made him dare kill Elisha, who was eating and drinking whilst Israel perished (2 Kings 6:24–7:20).
This story rightly tells us how God hates those who look unconcerned about the suffering of others, especially when they can do something about it. We are to be our brothers’ keepers 🫂. Just as the good Samaritan who took care of the robbed and dying Jew between the ravines of Jerusalem and Jericho, did.
There were four lepers at the gate of Samaria during the siege, who were also dying from hunger. Seeing their death approaching, they decided to venture out in faith unto the Syrians and die there than from hunger. However, to their surprise, God had driven the Syrians away, leaving behind all their wealth, clothes, food, etc, The lepers ate to their satisfaction and took as much clothes and money as they could. Suddenly, they stopped and reprimanded themselves thus:
“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…”
The lepers realised that should they selfishly keep the booty and good news to themselves, God would let another person come see it and they will die for it. Thus, just like Elishah, they were prompted from their carelessness, to save Israel from hunger, which they did.
Here, we see how the faith and anger of the King triggered Elisha to prophesy Israel’s redemption, and how the faith of the lepers also saved both they and Israel from perishing. Further, we also see how a nonchalant disregard for others could have led to the death of either Elisha or the lepers. Indeed, the lack of faith by one of the King’s aides in God’s Word led to his death.
I ask you, dear reader, what’s keeping you from taking a leap of faith like the lepers? The lepers and the king of Israel realised that they had nothing to lose, and took bold steps. Friends, if we do not take bold steps, we shan’t see the glory of God. For if we keep to our current state, we will lose everything anyway? So why not take a bold step today?
Why keep the good news to yourself whilst others perish? Why sit indifferently when God waits to answer someone’s prayer through you? Beware, lest mischief befalls you. May the loving-kindness, mercy, and grace of God fill our hearts this Sabbath…a happy blessed Sabbath to all the saints of God…may this Sabbath bring us good news!!
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