We Are Not Doing Right

During the siege of Samaria, Elisha announced God's word: by this time tomorrow, fine flour and barley would sell for a shekel at the gate. The king's officer scoffed that even if the Lord made windows in heaven, this could not happen. Elisha told him he would see it with his own eyes but not eat of it.

Four men with leprosy at the gate reasoned that they would die whether they stayed or went. At twilight they went to the Syrian camp and found it empty. The Lord had made the Syrians hear the noise of chariots, horses, and a great army. They thought Israel had hired the Hittites and Egyptians, and they fled for their lives, leaving tents, horses, and donkeys.

The lepers ate, drank, and hid silver, gold, and clothing. Then they said to one another that they were not doing right. This was a day of good news, and they were keeping silent. They told the gatekeepers. The king feared a trap, but scouts found the road to the Jordan full of garments the Syrians had thrown away. The people plundered the camp, and food sold at the very price Elisha had said. The officer was trampled in the gate and died, as the man of God had said.