II Kings 5: A Story of Healing, Humility, and Divine Grace
Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.
And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.
And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.
And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.
And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.
And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.
So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.
And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.
But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord.
In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing.
And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.
So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.
And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.
And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.
But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.
And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?
The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.
II Kings 5 tells a powerful story, not just of physical healing, but of spiritual transformation. It’s a narrative that transcends national boundaries, reminding us that God's grace extends to all who seek Him, regardless of their background. II Kings 5 serves as a potent reminder of God's sovereignty and the universality of His love.
Naaman's Leprosy and the Promise of Healing (II Kings 5:1-7)
Until this chapter, Elisha's miracles had primarily benefited Israelites. II Kings 5 opens with Naaman, a highly respected and powerful commander of the Aramean army. Though a Gentile, God had granted him victories. However, Naaman suffered from leprosy, a debilitating skin disease considered incurable at the time. This immediately broadens the scope of God's potential outreach. The Lord had promised Abraham that through him all peoples on earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3), and this story exemplifies that promise in action.
During one of Aram's raids on Israel, a young Israelite girl was taken captive and became a servant to Naaman's wife. This seemingly insignificant detail becomes pivotal. This young girl, despite her circumstances, possessed a deep faith in the God of Israel and believed that the prophet in Samaria could heal Naaman (II Kings 5:2-3). Her simple faith and courageous suggestion set in motion the events that would transform Naaman's life.
Naaman, acting on the girl's information, sought help from the king of Israel, carrying a letter from the king of Aram requesting a cure. The king of Israel, Joram, a wicked and faithless ruler, misinterpreted the request as a provocation, fearing a military conflict (II Kings 5:4-7). He lacked faith in God's power and saw only political machinations. His reaction stands in stark contrast to the faith of the young servant girl. Instead of seeking God's guidance, he panicked.
Elisha's Unconventional Instructions and Naaman's Pride (II Kings 5:8-12)
Elisha, hearing of the king's distress, intervened, instructing the king to send Naaman to him so that Naaman might know that there is a prophet in Israel (II Kings 5:8). Elisha's primary concern was to reveal God's power, not to engage in political games.
When Naaman arrived at Elisha's house, expecting a grand reception, he was met with a surprising lack of fanfare. Elisha didn't even greet him personally but sent a messenger with instructions: wash seven times in the Jordan River (II Kings 5:9-10). This seemingly simple instruction was a test of Naaman's humility and faith.
Naaman's pride was immediately offended. He expected a more elaborate and impressive ritual. He questioned why he couldn't simply wash in the rivers of Damascus, which he considered superior to the waters of Israel (II Kings 5:11-12). His initial reaction reveals a common human tendency: to prefer complicated solutions and resist simple obedience, especially when it challenges our preconceived notions. He valued the rivers of his homeland over the promise of healing from the God of Israel.
The Wisdom of Servants and Naaman's Obedience (II Kings 5:13-14)
Fortunately, Naaman's servants, displaying greater wisdom than their master, reasoned with him. They pointed out that if Elisha had asked him to do something difficult, he would have done it. Why, then, refuse such a simple request that promised healing? (II Kings 5:13). Their gentle persuasion highlights the importance of listening to wise counsel, regardless of its source.
Humbled by their words, Naaman relented and followed Elisha's instructions. He dipped himself in the Jordan River seven times, and his skin was miraculously restored, becoming like that of a young boy (II Kings 5:14). This moment marks not only physical healing but also the beginning of Naaman's spiritual transformation.
A Transformed Heart and a Confession of Faith (II Kings 5:15-19)
Naaman, now healed and humbled, returned to Elisha, acknowledging the God of Israel as the only true God (II Kings 5:15). He offered Elisha a gift as a token of his gratitude, but Elisha refused, emphasizing that God's grace is not for sale (II Kings 5:16). Elisha wanted to ensure that Naaman understood that his healing was a gift from God, freely given.
Naaman then requested to take some soil from Israel back to his homeland so that he could build an altar and worship the Lord (II Kings 5:17). This demonstrates his desire to worship God in a tangible way, recognizing the significance of the land God had blessed.
He also sought forgiveness for a future dilemma: his duty to accompany his king to the temple of Rimmon, where he would have to bow in respect (II Kings 5:18). Elisha, understanding the complexities of Naaman's situation, simply told him to "Go in peace" (II Kings 5:19), extending grace and trust to this new believer.
Gehazi's Greed and Its Consequences (II Kings 5:20-27)
The story takes a tragic turn with the introduction of Gehazi, Elisha's servant. Driven by greed, Gehazi secretly pursued Naaman and, through lies, obtained silver and clothing (II Kings 5:20-24). His actions stand in stark contrast to Elisha's integrity and Naaman's newfound faith.
When Gehazi returned, Elisha, aware of his deceit, confronted him (II Kings 5:25). As a consequence of his greed and dishonesty, Gehazi was cursed with Naaman's leprosy, which would afflict him and his descendants (II Kings 5:27). This serves as a stark warning against the dangers of greed and the importance of integrity in serving God. The faithlessness of Gehazi, an Israelite, is contrasted sharply with the faith of Naaman, a Gentile, highlighting the tragic irony of misplaced priorities.
The story of II Kings 5 is a timeless reminder that God's grace is available to all, regardless of their background or past. It underscores the importance of humility, obedience, and the dangers of pride and greed. It is a story of transformation, healing, and the universal reach of God's love.
Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.
And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.
And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.
And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.
And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.
And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.
So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.
And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.
But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord.
In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing.
And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.
So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.
And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.
And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.
But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.
And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?
The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.
II Kings 5 tells a powerful story, not just of physical healing, but of spiritual transformation. It’s a narrative that transcends national boundaries, reminding us that God's grace extends to all who seek Him, regardless of their background. II Kings 5 serves as a potent reminder of God's sovereignty and the universality of His love.
Naaman's Leprosy and the Promise of Healing (II Kings 5:1-7)
Until this chapter, Elisha's miracles had primarily benefited Israelites. II Kings 5 opens with Naaman, a highly respected and powerful commander of the Aramean army. Though a Gentile, God had granted him victories. However, Naaman suffered from leprosy, a debilitating skin disease considered incurable at the time. This immediately broadens the scope of God's potential outreach. The Lord had promised Abraham that through him all peoples on earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3), and this story exemplifies that promise in action.
During one of Aram's raids on Israel, a young Israelite girl was taken captive and became a servant to Naaman's wife. This seemingly insignificant detail becomes pivotal. This young girl, despite her circumstances, possessed a deep faith in the God of Israel and believed that the prophet in Samaria could heal Naaman (II Kings 5:2-3). Her simple faith and courageous suggestion set in motion the events that would transform Naaman's life.
Naaman, acting on the girl's information, sought help from the king of Israel, carrying a letter from the king of Aram requesting a cure. The king of Israel, Joram, a wicked and faithless ruler, misinterpreted the request as a provocation, fearing a military conflict (II Kings 5:4-7). He lacked faith in God's power and saw only political machinations. His reaction stands in stark contrast to the faith of the young servant girl. Instead of seeking God's guidance, he panicked.
Elisha's Unconventional Instructions and Naaman's Pride (II Kings 5:8-12)
Elisha, hearing of the king's distress, intervened, instructing the king to send Naaman to him so that Naaman might know that there is a prophet in Israel (II Kings 5:8). Elisha's primary concern was to reveal God's power, not to engage in political games.
When Naaman arrived at Elisha's house, expecting a grand reception, he was met with a surprising lack of fanfare. Elisha didn't even greet him personally but sent a messenger with instructions: wash seven times in the Jordan River (II Kings 5:9-10). This seemingly simple instruction was a test of Naaman's humility and faith.
Naaman's pride was immediately offended. He expected a more elaborate and impressive ritual. He questioned why he couldn't simply wash in the rivers of Damascus, which he considered superior to the waters of Israel (II Kings 5:11-12). His initial reaction reveals a common human tendency: to prefer complicated solutions and resist simple obedience, especially when it challenges our preconceived notions. He valued the rivers of his homeland over the promise of healing from the God of Israel.
The Wisdom of Servants and Naaman's Obedience (II Kings 5:13-14)
Fortunately, Naaman's servants, displaying greater wisdom than their master, reasoned with him. They pointed out that if Elisha had asked him to do something difficult, he would have done it. Why, then, refuse such a simple request that promised healing? (II Kings 5:13). Their gentle persuasion highlights the importance of listening to wise counsel, regardless of its source.
Humbled by their words, Naaman relented and followed Elisha's instructions. He dipped himself in the Jordan River seven times, and his skin was miraculously restored, becoming like that of a young boy (II Kings 5:14). This moment marks not only physical healing but also the beginning of Naaman's spiritual transformation.
A Transformed Heart and a Confession of Faith (II Kings 5:15-19)
Naaman, now healed and humbled, returned to Elisha, acknowledging the God of Israel as the only true God (II Kings 5:15). He offered Elisha a gift as a token of his gratitude, but Elisha refused, emphasizing that God's grace is not for sale (II Kings 5:16). Elisha wanted to ensure that Naaman understood that his healing was a gift from God, freely given.
Naaman then requested to take some soil from Israel back to his homeland so that he could build an altar and worship the Lord (II Kings 5:17). This demonstrates his desire to worship God in a tangible way, recognizing the significance of the land God had blessed.
He also sought forgiveness for a future dilemma: his duty to accompany his king to the temple of Rimmon, where he would have to bow in respect (II Kings 5:18). Elisha, understanding the complexities of Naaman's situation, simply told him to "Go in peace" (II Kings 5:19), extending grace and trust to this new believer.
Gehazi's Greed and Its Consequences (II Kings 5:20-27)
The story takes a tragic turn with the introduction of Gehazi, Elisha's servant. Driven by greed, Gehazi secretly pursued Naaman and, through lies, obtained silver and clothing (II Kings 5:20-24). His actions stand in stark contrast to Elisha's integrity and Naaman's newfound faith.
When Gehazi returned, Elisha, aware of his deceit, confronted him (II Kings 5:25). As a consequence of his greed and dishonesty, Gehazi was cursed with Naaman's leprosy, which would afflict him and his descendants (II Kings 5:27). This serves as a stark warning against the dangers of greed and the importance of integrity in serving God. The faithlessness of Gehazi, an Israelite, is contrasted sharply with the faith of Naaman, a Gentile, highlighting the tragic irony of misplaced priorities.
The story of II Kings 5 is a timeless reminder that God's grace is available to all, regardless of their background or past. It underscores the importance of humility, obedience, and the dangers of pride and greed. It is a story of transformation, healing, and the universal reach of God's love.