The Syrians Flee
June 19, 2022
Commentary
When the king’s messenger arrived, Elisha announced a prophecy. He said that within 24 hours the siege would be over and there would be plenty to eat (vv. 1-2). This officer sent by Joram found this prophecy to be incredible and expressed his utter disbelief that God could or would do this. Elisha told him that he would see for himself but because of his unbelief, he would not experience the blessing.
The scene shifts to four lepers who may have been living in huts just outside the city gates (v. 3). Since they were starving to death, they decided to head for the Syrian camp realizing they could be killed. When they entered the camp, they found that the enemy soldiers had fled (vv. 4-5). They had fled because God had caused them to hear the sound of a mighty army of chariots and horses (vv. 6-7). The soldiers had fled fearing they were being attacked.
At first the lepers filled their own pockets and stomachs (v. 8). However, they decided they should return to the city to tell the king (v. 9). Fearing this was some trick of the enemy, the king sent scouts to survey the situation (vv. 10-11). When they returned to confirm that the lepers had spoken the truth, the news spread like wildfire. The king threw open the gates and the multitude streamed out to find food and booty. The traffic was so heavy that the officer who had said God couldn’t fulfill Elisha’s prophecy was trampled to death. The fate that Elisha had predicted was fulfilled.
Application
God promised to refine His people similar to the way metal is purged in a smelting pot. I must be willing to submit to God and allow Him to remove my sin so that I might reflect His image.
Isaiah 1:18– 31 (NET)
18 Come, let’s consider your options,” says the Lord. “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool.
19 If you have a willing attitude and obey, then you will again eat the good crops of the land.
20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.
21 How tragic that the once-faithful city has become a prostitute! She was once a center of justice; fairness resided in her— but now only murderers!
22 Your silver has become scum, your beer is diluted with water.
23 Your officials are rebels, they associate with thieves. All of them love bribery, and look for payoffs. They do not take up the cause of the orphan, or defend the rights of the widow.
24 Therefore, the Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the Powerful One of Israel, says this: “Ah, I will seek vengeance against my adversaries, I will take revenge against my enemies.
25 I will attack you; I will purify your metal with flux. I will remove all your slag.
26 I will reestablish honest judges as in former times, wise advisers as in earlier days. Then you will be called, ‘The Just City, Faithful Town.’”
27 Zion will be freed by justice, and her returnees by righteousness.
28 All rebellious sinners will be shattered, those who abandon the Lord will perish.
29 Indeed, they will be ashamed of the sacred trees you find so desirable; you will be embarrassed because of the sacred orchards where you choose to worship.
30 For you will be like a tree whose leaves wither, like an orchard that is unwatered.
31 The powerful will be like a thread of yarn, their deeds like a spark; both will burn together, and no one will put out the fire.