NOTES for Ki2 7:1-20

Once again the Lord saved the people, not only from hunger but also from an enemy invasion. Everything happened according to the word spoken by the prophet.

The news that the siege had been lifted was brought to Samaria by the most outcast of its inhabitants—the lepers. Cast outside society, instead of returning to the city gates they could have feasted among the spoils to their hearts’ content for a long time. But they returned to bring the king the good news, and hardly only because they feared that guilt might fall upon them. Their behavior showed a responsible attitude toward their neighbors, from whom the lepers did not separate themselves even in their rejection.

Days will come when the Son of Man will come to heal lepers and restore their place among people. More than that, He will give them, as He will everyone else, the possibility of eternal salvation. But many still had to understand and accept that lepers are people just like everyone else. A change in the attitude toward these unfortunate people on the part of those spared this affliction was necessary, and by their action the four Samaritan lepers also helped prepare it a little.