3 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?
3 Now there were four men with leprosy
3 Now there were four men who were lepers
3 It happened that four lepers were sitting just outside the city gate. They said to one another, "What are we doing sitting here at death's door?
3 Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, "Why are we sitting here until we die?
3 Now there were four men with leprosy sitting at the entrance of the city gates. "Why should we sit here waiting to die?" they asked each other.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 7:3
Commentary on 2 Kings 7:3-11
(Read 2 Kings 7:3-11)
God can, when he pleases, make the stoutest heart to tremble; and as for those who will not fear God, he can make them fear at the shaking of a leaf. Providence ordered it, that the lepers came as soon as the Syrians were fled. Their consciences told them that mischief would befall them, if they took care of themselves only. Natural humanity, and fear of punishment, are powerful checks on the selfishness of the ungodly. These feelings tend to preserve order and kindness in the world; but they who have found the unsearchable riches of Christ, will not long delay to report the good tidings to others. From love to him, not from selfish feelings, they will gladly share their earthly good things with their brethren.