2 Kings 7:7

Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives.

Study Bible

So they got up
This phrase indicates a sudden and decisive action. The Hebrew root for "got up" is "קוּם" (qum), which often signifies rising or standing up, but in this context, it implies a hasty departure. This action reflects the urgency and fear that gripped the Arameans, suggesting a divine intervention that caused them to flee without hesitation.

and fled
The word "fled" comes from the Hebrew "נָס" (nas), meaning to escape or run away. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe a retreat in the face of overwhelming fear or danger. The Arameans' flight was not a strategic withdrawal but a panicked escape, highlighting the miraculous nature of God's deliverance for Israel.

at twilight
Twilight, or "נֶשֶׁף" (neshef) in Hebrew, refers to the dim light at the end of the day. This time of day is significant as it symbolizes a transition from light to darkness, often used in Scripture to denote a change or divine intervention. The timing of their flight underscores the suddenness and unexpectedness of God's intervention.

abandoning their tents
The act of abandoning their tents, which were their temporary homes and places of security, indicates a complete and utter panic. In ancient Near Eastern culture, tents were essential for nomadic life, representing stability and provision. Leaving them behind suggests a total loss of composure and trust in their own strength.

and horses and donkeys
Horses and donkeys were valuable assets in ancient times, used for transportation and carrying goods. The Hebrew words "סוּס" (sus) for horses and "חֲמוֹר" (chamor) for donkeys emphasize the wealth and resources the Arameans left behind. Their abandonment signifies a relinquishment of power and mobility, further illustrating the depth of their fear.

The camp was left just as it was
This phrase highlights the completeness of the Arameans' departure. The Hebrew word "מַחֲנֶה" (machaneh) for camp indicates a military encampment, which would typically be well-organized and guarded. The fact that it was left intact suggests a supernatural cause for their flight, as no human threat could have prompted such a thorough evacuation.

and they ran for their lives
The expression "ran for their lives" conveys a sense of desperation and urgency. The Hebrew verb "בָּרַח" (barach) means to flee or escape, often used in contexts of life-threatening danger. This phrase encapsulates the terror that God instilled in the Arameans, leading to their complete and hasty retreat.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Arameans (Syrians)
A group of people who were enemies of Israel and had besieged Samaria, causing a severe famine in the city.

2. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was under siege by the Arameans at this time.

3. The Lepers
Four leprous men who discovered the deserted Aramean camp and brought the news to the starving city of Samaria.

4. Elisha
The prophet of God who had prophesied the end of the famine and the deliverance of Samaria from the Aramean siege.

5. The Camp
The location where the Arameans had set up their siege, which they abandoned in fear, leaving behind all their supplies.

Teaching Points

Divine Intervention
God can intervene in seemingly impossible situations. Just as He caused the Arameans to flee, He can bring deliverance in our lives when we least expect it.

Faith in God's Promises
Elisha's prophecy was fulfilled despite the skepticism of others. We should trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire.

God's Provision
The abandoned Aramean camp became a source of provision for the starving Israelites. God can provide for our needs in unexpected ways.

Courage to Act
The lepers took a step of faith by going to the Aramean camp. Sometimes, God calls us to take bold steps in faith to experience His provision.

Sharing Good News
The lepers shared the good news of the abandoned camp with the city. We are called to share the good news of God's salvation with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the sudden departure of the Arameans demonstrate God's sovereignty over the nations?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our lives, similar to how He provided for the Israelites through the abandoned camp?

3. How can we apply the lepers' courage to step out in faith to our own lives and situations?

4. What are some promises of God that we can hold onto during difficult times, as Elisha did?

5. How can we be more intentional about sharing the "good news" of God's deliverance and provision with those around us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 6
Provides context for the siege of Samaria and the dire conditions within the city, setting the stage for the miraculous deliverance.

Exodus 14
The Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, where God caused the Egyptians to flee, parallels the Arameans' sudden departure, showcasing God's power to deliver His people.

Psalm 46
Speaks of God as a refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, reflecting the divine intervention seen in 2 Kings 7.