(The Lord speaking is red text)
And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.
Elisha said to him, "Go in peace." Na'aman had gone only a short distance from him,
“Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance,
And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.
And he said{H559} unto him, Go{H3212} in peace{H7965}. So he departed{H3212} from him a little{H3530} way{H776}.
2 Kings 5:19 falls within the narrative of Naaman, a highly esteemed Syrian military commander who suffered from leprosy. The verse itself is part of the interaction between Naaman and the prophet Elisha after Naaman has been healed of his leprosy. The broader story begins with Naaman seeking a cure for his affliction, and through a series of events, he is directed to Elisha in Israel. Initially, Naaman is disappointed when Elisha simply instructs him to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be cleansed, as he expected a more dramatic and grandiose display of prophetic power. However, upon following Elisha's instructions, Naaman is miraculously healed.
In 2 Kings 5:19, after Naaman's healing, he returns to Elisha to express his gratitude and offer a gift, which Elisha refuses. The verse captures the conclusion of their encounter with Elisha sending Naaman away with a blessing of peace. This moment highlights several themes:
1. **Humility and Obedience**: Despite his initial skepticism, Naaman humbles himself and obeys the prophet's command, demonstrating the power of faith and obedience in God's instructions, even when they seem simple or beneath one's dignity.
2. **God's Power Over Worldly Status**: Naaman's healing shows that God's power transcends human social and political boundaries. Although a foreigner and an enemy commander, Naaman receives God's mercy and healing through the ministry of an Israelite prophet.
3. **The Prophet's Integrity**: Elisha's refusal to accept any reward for the healing emphasizes the gratuitous nature of God's grace. It also illustrates the integrity of the prophet, who does not seek personal gain from performing God's work.
4. **Peace as a Divine Blessing**: The phrase "Go in peace" is significant, as it is not just a casual farewell but a bestowal of divine favor and protection upon Naaman as he departs.
Historically, this account reflects the complex relationship between Israel and its neighboring kingdoms during the period of the divided monarchy. It also underscores the reputation of Israel's prophets as possessors of divine authority and power, which could extend beyond the borders of Israel itself.
In summary, 2 Kings 5:19 encapsulates the conclusion of Naaman's transformative experience, where he encounters the God of Israel through the prophet Elisha. The verse emphasizes themes of humility, obedience, the universality of God's grace, and the importance of prophetic integrity, all set within the broader context of Israel's interaction with foreign nations during a time of prophetic activity and divine intervention.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)