7:1, 2 When Elisha prophesied God’s deliverance, the king’s officer said it couldn’t happen. The officer’s faith and hope were gone, but God’s words came true anyway (7:14-16)! Sometimes we become preoccupied with problems when we should be looking for opportunities. Instead of focusing on the negatives, we should develop an attitude of expectancy. To say that God cannot rescue someone or that a situation is impossible demonstrates a lack of faith.
7:2 “A lord on whose hand the king leaned” could also be translated, “An army officer who assisted the king.”
7:3 According to the law, lepers were not allowed in the city but were to depend on charity outside the gate (Leviticus 13:45, 46; Numbers 5:1-4). Because of the famine and the presence of the Syrian army, their situation was desperate.
7:3-10 The lepers discovered the deserted camp and realized that their lives had been spared. At first they kept the good news to themselves, forgetting their fellow citizens who were starving in the city. The Good News about Jesus Christ must be shared, too, for no news is more important. We must not forget those who are dying without it. We must not become so preoccupied with our own faith that we neglect sharing it with those around us. Our “good tidings,” like that of the lepers, will not “tarry till the morning light.”
7:19, 20 God, not worthless idols, provides our daily food. Although our faith may be weak or very small, we must avoid becoming skeptical of God’s provision. When our resources are low and our doubts are the strongest, remember God can open the windows of heaven.