The Cleansing of Naaman – (2 Kings 5)

The Israelites found themselves in a constant state of conflict with the Arameans, and in their latest encounter, the LORD granted the Arameans victory over their long-standing adversaries. Naaman, as the commander of the Arameans, was recognized for his role in orchestrating the battles that secured the Syrian empire’s triumph over their ancient foe. This elevated Naaman’s standing among his fellow countrymen and his king. Yet, unbeknownst to many, it was God who held ultimate control and was about to use Naaman as His witness in both nations.

Due to the victories he had secured for his king, Naaman was highly regarded in the sight of his master. He was a brave warrior with admirable qualities, but he suffered from leprosy, a disease dreaded not only in the ancient world but up until recently, would result in the expulsion of the affected to a leper colony. Having tried all means of healing in his own land, he was about to take heed to the suggestion of a Hebrew slave girl to go visit the man of God who lived in Samaria.

The Hebrew Slave

“If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”

2 Kings 5:3 (NIV)

Like in the instances of Joseph and Daniel, another Hebrew slave under a foreign regime played a pivotal role in influencing her master’s beliefs towards the God of the Heavens and the Earth. It appears unlikely that the girl, who was forcibly separated from her family, would assist her captor in finding a cure for his lifelong ailment. This behaviour could be attributed to what people call today Stockholm syndrome, as her innocence and willingness to help her master without holding any grudge against him seems incomprehensible.

Despite her circumstances, she appears loyal to her captors, which might suggest that she was treated well in the house of Naaman. Beyond all else, it is evident that God was using this young girl, who was isolated from her parents, to demonstrate His grace to her master and his family. It is possible that she had heard of the numerous wonders performed by the man of God in her homeland and conveyed this information to Naaman’s wife. Seeking a cure for his leprosy, Naaman receives permission from the king of Aram to visit the king of Israel.

The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”
As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!”

2 Kings 5:6-7 (NIV)

While the servant girl was confident of her master’s healing, Joram, the king of Israel, tore his clothes when he read the letter sent by the king of Aram. It just goes to show how bad Joram’s relationship with God had become that he could not fathom the healing of a leprous man under our LORD’s jurisdiction. Joram witnessed God’s deliverance firsthand in his battle with the Moabite king when the LORD disarmed the enemies at the sight of water flowing out from the valley (2 Kings 3:22-23). It seems Joram never had faith in God or even trusted His word that came from the prophet Elisha.

When someone holds power, it is easy to overlook the presence of a greater power presiding over us – God. Surrounded by affirming voices, we can become disoriented in the face of new challenges, forgetting the grace of God that has sustained us thus far. Unbeknownst to Joram, it was God who directed the commander of the opposing army to seek healing in Samaria, ultimately leading him to bear witness not only in Israel but also in his own homeland of Aram.

Namaan Seeks the Man of God

When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.”

2 Kings 5:8 (NIV)

Elisha was not particularly fond of the king of Israel given his disregard for Joram when he last met him. However, in this instance, Elisha is eager to help out the troubled king. It is because it was not Elisha but God who wanted to heal Naaman in the waters of the Jordan. Naaman’s disease and its cure would serve as a reminder to Joram about God’s power and authority over everything. On hearing Elisha’s message, Joram instructed that the man be sent to him so that he may realize there is a prophet in Israel. Naaman arrived with his entourage and halted at Elisha’s residence. Elisha conveyed a message, stating,

“Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.

2 Kings 5:10-11 (NIV)

Elisha’s attitude towards the commander of the army of Aram might have seemed cold and calloused especially given it was he who had invited Naaman. What we must remember is that Elisha was simply doing the bidding of God when he told Naaman to dip himself in Jordan seven times. Understandably, anyone who has suffered from such a stigmatising disease would have been grateful to the person who took away their affliction. However, Elisha wanted no part of Naaman’s gratitude when God would heal him of his leprosy.

Oftentimes, we hang around with the recipients of God’s blessings hoping they would credit our prayers as the cause for their upturn. When God is the sole owner of healing and miracles, we still want to be acknowledged for our intervening efforts. Our work in someone’s life ends when we have connected them to God as there can be no greater moral guide in their life. Holding on to them even after they have established a relationship with God will only cause our presence to be a barrier in their walks with Christ.

Naaman was offended by Elisha’s callous statement and even considered the waters of Jordan filthy compared to the pure rivers back home. He made the long journey from Aram to Samaria with great expectations because of the hype that was built for this prophet from the mouth of his servant. Much like the tales he had heard about Elisha, he expected a grand gesture from the prophet and wanted to receive his healing in a supernatural way.

The inherent flaw in humanity lies in our simultaneous desire to reach our destination while craving a magnificent journey. We yearn not only for blessings from God but also seek them in the exact manner as our peers. Our longing for divine healing extends beyond mere rehabilitation, as we seek extraordinary, miraculous interventions that will be witnessed by other believers. Consider the blind man in John 9, who did not receive supernatural healing in the presence of his loved ones, but rather when they had abandoned hope and left him to beg on the streets. Likewise, let us fix our gaze upon our ultimate destination, trusting in God’s guidance through whatever path He chooses for us.

Dipping in Jordan

Naaman’s attendants tried reasoning with him saying that there was no harm in trying out what the prophet said and taking a quick dip in the river Jordan. Naaman proceeded to the Jordan River and immersed himself seven times, as prescribed by the man of God and his skin was restored and became as pure as that of a young child.

Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.”

2 Kings 5:15 (NIV)

Naaman offered gifts to Elisha in return for the gift of healing that he had received. However, Elisha would not accept anything from the Aramean commander. Naaman agreed but requested that he be allowed to carry soil from the land where he received his healing back to his homeland. He probably believed that the God of Elisha could only be worshipped on the land of Israel so he wanted to create a virtual connection with the One who had cleansed him. He even asked for preemptive forgiveness for helping his master during his rituals and asked that those not be held against him. Elisha responded to both in the affirmative and asked him to depart in peace.

Elisha did not correct Naaman in his misinterpretation of how he could worship the LORD nor did he reprimand him for continuing to bow before the pagan gods. Elisha knows that God has taken charge of Naaman’s life and that He would lead him according to His will. Unlike Elisha, we mistakenly try to get people under the purview of the law and stunt their spiritual growth. However, Jesus brings them under the wings of His grace and makes each one of us worthy to be called children of God.

Greedy Gehazi

After Naaman had journeyed for some time, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha thought that he should take advantage of the generosity of the commander for his own benefit. With haste, Gehazi pursued Naaman, who, upon seeing him approach, alighted from his chariot to meet him. “Is everything all well?” he inquired.

“Everything is all right,” Gehazi answered. “My master sent me to say, ‘Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’”

2 Kings 5:22 (NIV)

Naaman offered Gehazi two talents of silver in two bags, along with two sets of clothing, and directed two of his servants to carry them before Gehazi. Upon reaching the hill, Gehazi retrieved the items from the servants, stowed them in the house, and dismissed the men. When he came before Elisha, he was questioned by his master about his whereabouts. Not realising that Elisha already knew the answer to his question, Gehazi straight up lied to his master.

But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow.

2 Kings 5:26-27 (NIV)

Elisha remained vigilant in refusing any gifts from Naaman, as he sought to attribute all glory to God rather than himself. However, his principled stance was compromised by the covetousness of his servant, surely casting doubt on Elisha’s intentions. We often take credit for the things God does in other’s lives. People exploit the grace that God has given them to glorify their own names.

Countless organizations in the name of ministering for Christ are exploiting the desperate and the downtrodden for their own benefit. Everything has a price tag now, be it Bible studies, Christian concerts/conferences or simply being part of a mega-church. Let us take caution from Gehazi’s account and not be in the self-promoting business while ministering for God.

Discussion Questions

1. What makes the little slave girl have compassion for her captors?
2. Why does Joram not have the same faith as the little girl even though she was held captive away from her homeland?
3. What were Naaman’s expectations from the man of God?
4. Naaman had won countless battles because of the LORD but why was his personal healing the reason for his belief in the God of Israel?
5. How is Elisha not condoning Naaman’s worship of other gods even after his miraculous healing?
6. Gehazi was condemned for profiting off of God’s Grace but has this become a business model for some leaders today?