May 13, 2024

The army of Syria's encampment had cut off Samaria from the outside world, causing famine within the city. Elisha told them their hunger was about to end and the price of flour and barley, would become affordable. The king's right-hand man didn't believe him, so Elisha told him he would see it with his eyes but not taste it. It was nightfall, and four lepers, outside the city gate because it was the law that they stay away, were bantering among themselves that if they entered the city, they would die of hunger. Still, if they stayed outside, they would be at the mercy of the army of Syria. They decided they would take their chances with the army; if they die, they die because they would die one way or the other. When they approached the camp, they found it empty, except the army had left all their belonging: the horses, donkeys, food, gold, and silver. God had caused sounds of horses and chariots in the night to spook them, thinking Samaria had hired the king of Egypt or Hittites to help them, and they fled. When the four lepers found the camp empty, they entered the tents, ate, and began plundering them. However, they began to feel guilty about their actions and sent word to the king. He was hesitant at first, thinking it was a trap, but eventually found out it was true. He sent his right-hand man to coordinate the plundering; he saw the food but was trampled by the people and died, thus making Elisha's prediction about him come true. 

Elisha was God's spokesman, and the man knew it and should have believed him. Many people will see the goodness of God through Jesus but will never enter God's kingdom because of their unbelief. Strengthen your faith and walk in God's way, sealing your eternal life in Jesus.

Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. 2 Kings 7:1