2 Kings 5:11

Commentary on 2 Kings 5:11

In 2 Kings 5:11, we witness the immediate and indignant reaction of Naaman, the esteemed Syrian general, to the prophet Elisha's unconventional instructions for healing. Naaman, afflicted with a severe skin disease, likely leprosy, had traveled from Syria to Israel with great expectations, anticipating a grand and personal healing ritual from the prophet of God.

Context and Naaman's Expectations

Naaman, a powerful and respected commander in the Aramean army, was directed to Elisha by a young Israelite servant girl who had been captured during a raid (2 Kings 5:3). Upon his arrival, Elisha did not even come out to meet him personally but sent a messenger with the simple instruction: "Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean" (2 Kings 5:10).

This verse captures Naaman's profound disappointment and anger. He had a clear, preconceived notion of how a man of God should perform such a significant healing. His "thought" process, as described, involved Elisha:

• Coming out to him personally, acknowledging his high status.
• Standing and calling "on the name of the LORD his God," invoking divine power with proper reverence.
• Striking his hand over the diseased place, a common gesture of healing or blessing in the ancient world.
• Performing a dramatic, visible act that befitted the gravity of his condition and Naaman's own prominence.

The simplicity and perceived indignity of washing in the Jordan River, a seemingly ordinary and muddy stream compared to the "rivers of Damascus" (2 Kings 5:12), deeply offended Naaman's pride. His reaction highlights the clash between human expectations and God's chosen methods.

Key Themes and Messages

• Pride vs. Humility: Naaman's anger stems directly from his pride. He was too proud to accept a healing method that seemed beneath his dignity or too simple for his understanding. This narrative powerfully illustrates how pride can hinder one from receiving God's blessings.
• God's Ways are Not Our Ways: This verse underscores the biblical truth that God often works in ways that defy human logic, expectations, or conventional wisdom. His power is not limited by grand displays but can be manifest through humble obedience.
• The Nature of True Faith: Genuine faith often requires humble obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem counter-intuitive or undignified. Naaman's initial reaction was one of rejection, but his eventual healing came through simple, trusting obedience (2 Kings 5:14).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "wroth" simply means angry or indignant. Naaman's emotional state was one of intense displeasure and resentment. His declaration, "Behold, I thought," reveals his preconceived notions and the disappointment of his expectations being shattered. The phrase "call on the name of the LORD his God" refers to invoking God's authority and power, a common practice in prophetic or priestly acts.

Practical Application

Naaman's story in 2 Kings 5:11 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today.

• Examine Our Expectations: Do we dictate to God how He should work in our lives, or are we open to His often surprising and humble methods? God's power is not dependent on human showmanship or our preferred rituals.
• Embrace Humility: Like Naaman, we can sometimes let our pride, status, or intellect prevent us from receiving God's grace. True spiritual growth often begins with a humble submission to God's will, even when it seems simple or illogical (James 4:6 reminds us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble).
• Trust in Obedience: The path to blessing is often found in simple, consistent obedience to God's Word, rather than waiting for dramatic manifestations.

Naaman's initial anger paved the way for a crucial lesson in humility and faith, leading ultimately to his miraculous healing and a profound encounter with the true God of Israel.