The Four Lepers Who Saved a City

Samaria was under siege by the Syrians. The famine was so severe that a donkey's head sold for eighty shekels of silver and dove droppings were used for food. Women were eating their own children.

Elisha prophesied: 'Tomorrow about this time a measure of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.' A royal officer scoffed: 'If Yahuah Himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?' Elisha replied: 'You shall see it with your eyes, but you shall not eat of it.'

At the city gate sat four lepers — men with nothing. They reasoned: 'Why are we sitting here until we die? If we go into the city, the famine is there and we shall die. If we sit here, we die also. Let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die.'

They rose at twilight and walked toward the Syrian camp. But Yahuah had caused the Syrians to hear the sound of a great army — chariots, horses, and troops. The Syrians fled in terror, abandoning everything: tents, horses, donkeys, food, silver, gold, and clothing.

The four lepers found the camp empty and overflowing with provision. They ate, drank, and hid silver and gold. Then their conscience struck: 'We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent.'

They reported to the city. Samaria was saved. The prophecy was fulfilled exactly. And the officer who doubted? He was trampled to death in the gate as the people rushed out — he saw the provision but never tasted it.

Four outcasts with nothing became the instruments of an entire city's salvation. Yahuah had already won the battle; they just had to show up.