Naaman

Naaman was a commander of the army of the king of Aram, a kingdom often called Syria in older English translations of the Bible. According to the Second Book of Kings, Naaman was a distinguished military leader who was highly regarded by his king. Despite his position and military success, he suffered from a skin disease traditionally translated as leprosy (2 Kings 5:1).

Biblical Account

Naaman Seeks Healing

Naaman's wife had an Israelite servant girl who had been taken captive during an Aramean raid into the land of Israel. The girl told her mistress that a prophet in Samaria could heal Naaman of his disease. Naaman reported this information to his king, who sent him to Israel with a letter for the king of Israel requesting that Naaman be healed.

Naaman travelled with gifts of silver, gold, and clothing. When the king of Israel read the letter, he became distressed, believing that the request might be intended to provoke a conflict. He asked whether he had the power of God to kill and make alive, or to cure a serious disease.

The prophet Elisha heard of the king's distress and instructed him to send Naaman to the prophet. Elisha wished to demonstrate that a prophet of God was present in Israel (2 Kings 5:2-8).

Healing in the Jordan River

Naaman arrived at Elisha's house with his horses and chariots. Instead of meeting him personally, Elisha sent a messenger instructing Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River. He was promised that his flesh would be restored and that he would be cleansed.

Naaman became angry. He had expected Elisha to come out, invoke the name of the Lord, and perform an impressive act of healing. He also argued that the rivers Abana and Pharpar near Damascus were better than the waters of Israel.

Naaman initially refused to follow the instruction, but his servants reasoned with him that he would have undertaken a difficult task had the prophet demanded one. They encouraged him to follow the simple instruction he had received.

Naaman then washed seven times in the Jordan, as Elisha had commanded. His flesh was restored, and he was cleansed (2 Kings 5:9-14).

Naaman's Confession of Faith

After his healing, Naaman returned to Elisha and acknowledged that there was no God in all the earth except in Israel. He offered a gift to the prophet, but Elisha refused to accept it.

Naaman then requested two mule-loads of earth to take back to his homeland. He declared that he would no longer offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to other gods, but would worship the Lord.

Naaman also raised the difficulty he would face when accompanying his king into the temple of Rimmon. Because the king relied upon Naaman's support when bowing there, Naaman asked that the Lord pardon him in this circumstance. Elisha answered him, "Go in peace" (2 Kings 5:15-19).

Gehazi's Greed

After Naaman departed, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, decided to pursue him and obtain gifts dishonestly. Gehazi falsely claimed that Elisha required silver and clothing for visitors who had arrived.

Naaman provided the requested goods, which Gehazi secretly carried away and concealed. When Gehazi returned, Elisha confronted him about his conduct.

Elisha declared that the leprosy from which Naaman had been cleansed would afflict Gehazi and his descendants. Gehazi departed from Elisha's presence with leprosy (2 Kings 5:20-27).

Significance

The account of Naaman emphasizes the power of God to heal and the importance of humility and obedience. Naaman initially resisted Elisha's instruction because it did not meet his expectations, but he received healing when he followed the command given through the prophet.

The account also contrasts Naaman's gratitude with Gehazi's greed. Elisha refused payment for God's healing, while Gehazi attempted to profit dishonestly from the event and was punished for his actions.

Naaman's story is also significant in the New Testament. In Luke 4:27, Jesus Christ refers to Naaman the Syrian when explaining that, although there were many lepers in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha, none of them was cleansed except Naaman. Jesus used this example while speaking at Nazareth.

Biblical References

Second Book of Kings 5:1-27
Gospel of Luke 4:27