2 Kings Chapter 5 — The Healing of Naaman
Naaman, a Syrian military leader, is healed of leprosy after following the prophet Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River, while Elisha's servant Gehazi is punished for his greed.
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Notable Verses
2 Kings 5:13
“His 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’?””
This verse highlights the human tendency to seek complex solutions when simple obedience is what is required.
2 Kings 5:15
“He 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.””
This represents Naaman's conversion and his public acknowledgement of the sovereignty of the God of Israel.
Chapter Summary
2 Kings 5 recounts the miraculous healing of Naaman, a prominent Syrian commander suffering from leprosy. Acting on the advice of a captive Israelite girl, Naaman seeks help from the prophet Elisha in Samaria. Though initially offended when Elisha sends a messenger instructing him to wash seven times in the Jordan River rather than meeting him personally, Naaman eventually obeys and is fully restored. Recognizing the power of Israel's God, Naaman offers gifts, which Elisha refuses. The chapter concludes with a cautionary tale involving Elisha’s servant, Gehazi. Driven by greed, Gehazi secretly pursues Naaman to take the refused gifts under false pretenses. Upon his return, Elisha reveals he knows of the deception and pronounces that Naaman's leprosy will now cling to Gehazi and his descendants as a consequence of his dishonesty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Naaman expected a dramatic ritual and felt that the rivers of Damascus were superior to the Jordan River. He felt insulted that Elisha only sent a messenger instead of meeting him in person.
A young Israelite girl who had been taken captive during a Syrian raid and served Naaman’s wife suggested that the prophet in Samaria could heal him.
Elisha refused the gifts to demonstrate that God’s healing is a work of grace that cannot be purchased, ensuring that all honor was directed toward God alone.
For lying to Naaman and Elisha to obtain silver and garments, Gehazi was cursed with the leprosy that had previously afflicted Naaman.
Study Note
Naaman's request for two mules' load of earth reflects the ancient belief that a deity was tied to their specific land and could only be worshipped on that soil.
Related Chapters
1 Kings 17
Like Elisha, the prophet Elijah also performed miracles for those outside the nation of Israel.
Luke 4
Jesus references the healing of Naaman the Syrian when preaching in his hometown of Nazareth.
2 Kings 2
This chapter establishes Elisha as the successor to Elijah, possessing a double portion of his spirit.
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