(5) In the twilight--i.e., at nightfall. (See 2Kings 7:9; 2Kings 7:12.) They waited till then, that their departure might not be noticed from the walls. The uttermost part--i.e., the outskirts or verge of the camp nearest to Samaria. Verse 5. - And they rose up in the twilight. Most certainly in the evening twilight, as soon as the sun was down (see ver. 9). Had they set off in the daytime, the garrison would have shot at them from the walls. To go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part - i.e. the most advanced part, that which was nearest to Samaria - of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there. The camp was empty, deserted. Not a soul was anywhere to be seen. 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.And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians,...., The dusk of the evening, or the evening twilight, as appears from 2 Kings 7:9,and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria; not the further part of it, but the edge or border of it nearest to them: behold, there was no man there; no sentinel or guard, which they expected, and to whom they would have surrendered themselves. |