“We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now, therefore, come, let us go and tell the King’s household” (2 Kings 7:9).

There was a severe famine in the land of Israel (2 Kings 4:38; 6:25; 7:3-4; 8:1). Samaria was besieged by Syria (2 Kings 6:24-25). The famine was so severe that some would eat anything and prices for food were exorbitant. Consider these examples: (1) A donkey’s head sold for 80 shekels of silver (2 Kings 6:25). This doesn’t sound like the best cut. This was unclean to Israelites (Leviticus 11:2-8; Deuteronomy 14:3-8). The price was more than half of what Solomon paid for an imported horse (1 Kings 10:29). (2) Dove’s droppings sold for 5 shekels for 1/4 Kab or about 1/2 pint (2 Kings 6:25). This does not sound too tasty. The NIV doesn’t say “dove’s droppings” but “seed pods.” “Some claim that dove dung is a euphemism for edible seed pods” (Footnote in Michael Whitworth’s How to Lose a Kingdom in 400 Years, p. 292). (3) Two women even resorted to cannibalism (2 Kings 6:26-30).

Four lepers discovered an abandoned Syrian camp. God had caused the Syrians to flee. The siege of Samaria was no longer. The Syrians left behind food, drink, clothes, and even silver and gold. These lepers enjoyed their find (2 Kings 7:3-8).

Then they realized that they should not keep this good news to themselves. Others needed to know (2 Kings 7:9-11).

They delivered this message calling out to the city gatekeepers. Their actions, unquestionably, saved others. This find of food was so abundant that food prices began to fall immediately (2 Kings 7:1 cf. 7:18).

Christians have received the good news of Jesus Christ. Dare we keep this to ourselves? Paul said, “I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:26-27). Again, “I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also” (Romans 1:14-16). “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).