2 Kings 5
2 Kings 5 centers on the story of Naaman, the commander of the army of Aram (Syria). This chapter contains events that took place between Israel and a foreign nation. It goes on to describe Naaman's healing, the role of the prophet Elisha, and the story of Elisha’s servant, Gehazi. The story is divided into several key scenes: (1) Naaman’s introduction and the account of his skin disease, traditionally translated “leprosy”, (2) advice from an Israelite girl and the journey to find the prophet Elisha, (3) healing in the Jordan River and Naaman’s realization, and (4) Gehazi’s greed and judgment.
1verseNow Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria; he was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.
2verseThe Syrians had gone out in bands, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little girl, and she waited on Naaman’s wife.
3verseShe said to her mistress, “I wish that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would heal him of his leprosy.”
4verseSomeone went in and told his lord, saying, “The girl who is from the land of Israel said this.”
5verseThe king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” He departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of clothing.
6verseHe brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, “Now when this letter has come to you, behold, I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy.”
7verseWhen the king of Israel had read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends to me to heal a man of his leprosy? But please consider and see how he seeks a quarrel against me.”
8verseIt was so, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
9verseSo Naaman came with his horses and with his chariots, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.
10verseElisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean.”
11verseBut Naaman was angry, 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 wave his hand over the place, and heal the leper.’
12verseAren’t Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.
13verseHis servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had asked you do some great thing, wouldn’t you have done it? How much rather then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”
14verseThen went he down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
15verseHe returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him; and he said, “See now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel. Now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.”
16verseBut he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” He urged him to take it; but he refused.
17verseNaaman said, “If not, then, please let two mules’ load of earth be given to your servant; for your servant will from now on offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD.
18verseIn this thing may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon. When I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, may the LORD pardon your servant in this thing.”
19verseHe said to him, “Go in peace.” So he departed from him a little way.
20verseBut Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him, and take something from him.”
21verseSo Gehazi followed after Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “Is all well?”
22verseHe said, “All is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Behold, even now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’”
23verseNaaman said, “Be pleased to take two talents.” He urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants; and they carried them before him.
24verseWhen he came to the hill, he took them from their hand, and stored them in the house. Then he let the men go, and they departed.
25verseBut he went in, and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you come from, Gehazi?” He said, “Your servant went nowhere.”
26verseHe said to him, “Didn’t my heart go with you when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive groves and vineyards, and sheep and cattle, and male servants and female servants?
27verseTherefore the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and to your offspring forever.” He went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.
Naaman’s Illness and the Process of Healing
Naaman was a valiant warrior respected by the king of Aram, but he had a serious skin disease, traditionally translated “leprosy”. An Israelite girl who had been taken captive and brought into his household plays a decisive role in Naaman’s healing. The girl tells him that in Israel there is a man of God, and with the king of Aram’s permission, Naaman sets out for Israel with many offerings to be healed. Elisha does not come out in person; instead, he sends a message through a messenger telling him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. At first, Naaman is displeased, but when he ultimately obeys what was said, his illness is healed.
The Meaning of Faith and Obedience
One of the key things shown in this chapter is the value of 'obedience'. Naaman is saddened because Elisha’s command is different from what he expected, but after hearing the advice of the servants, he finally obeys. As a result, he experiences healing. This suggests that when we obey God’s word—not human expectations or methods—astonishing change can take place.
Gehazi’s Greed and the Lesson
After Naaman has received healing, he tries to offer a reward to the prophet Elisha, but Elisha refuses, saying that God’s work should not be compensated with material things. However, Gehazi—the servant of Elisha—cannot overcome his greed. He pursues Naaman, takes gifts by lying, and as a consequence, Naaman’s leprosy transfers to him. This provides an important lesson: God’s grace must not be used for human benefit or desire.
Meditation Points
- The fact that God gives grace to those who seek Him humbly, regardless of status, origin, or belief.
- Remembering that through the counsel of someone socially powerless (a captive Israelite girl), a great work can begin.
- That God’s work is accomplished according to His will and methods, not according to human ways or expectations.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Am I tied up in my own thoughts and ways, and not rejecting God’s commands?
- Am I practicing the truth that my small influence (words, actions) can become a channel of hope for someone?
- I should also reflect on whether I live with humility and honesty, not taking God’s grace and blessings for granted or treating them as my possessions.
