John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate , etc.] Of the city of Samaria; lepers, according to the law, being obliged to be without the city and camp, ( Leviticus 13:46) these might have a dwelling assigned them near the gate; or they might get as near to it as they could, partly to obtain relief from the city, and partly for fear of the Syrians; these, the Jews say f96 , were Gehazi and his three sons, (see Kings 5:27) and they said one to another, why sit we here until we die ? being ready to perish with hunger.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 3-11 - God can, when he pleases, make the stoutest heart to tremble; and a for those who will not fear God, he can make them fear at the shakin of a leaf. Providence ordered it, that the lepers came as soon as the Syrians were fled. Their consciences told them that mischief woul 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, wil not long delay to report the good tidings to others. From love to him not from selfish feelings, they will gladly share their earthly goo things with their brethren.
Original Hebrew וארבעה702 אנשׁים376 היו1961 מצרעים6879 פתח6607 השׁער8179 ויאמרו559 אישׁ376 אל413 רעהו7453 מה4100 אנחנו587 ישׁבים3427 פה6311 עד5704 מתנו׃4191
