2 Kings 5:15

KJV

¶ And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that [there is] no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he returned {H7725} to the man {H376} of God {H430}, he and all his company {H4264}, and came {H935}, and stood {H5975} before {H6440} him: and he said {H559}, Behold, now I know {H3045} that there is no God {H430} in all the earth {H776}, but in Israel {H3478}: now therefore, I pray thee, take {H3947} a blessing {H1293} of thy servant {H5650}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, with his whole retinue, he returned to the man of God, went and stood before him, and said, "Well, I've learned that there is no God in all the earth except in Isra'el; therefore, please accept a present from your servant."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

American Standard Version

And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him; and he said, Behold now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a present of thy servant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 5:15 marks the dramatic spiritual transformation of Naaman, the Syrian commander, immediately following his miraculous healing from leprosy. Having obeyed the prophet Elisha's instruction to wash in the Jordan River, Naaman returns to Elisha, no longer seeking a cure but expressing profound gratitude and, more significantly, a radical confession of faith. His declaration, "now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel," signifies a complete shift from polytheism to the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, culminating in an earnest offer of a gift as a token of his newfound devotion and respect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful climax to the narrative of Naaman's healing, which begins in [2 Kings 5:1](/2_kings/5-1 "2 Kings 5:1 - Naaman, Commander of the Syrian Army"). Naaman, a powerful Syrian general, is afflicted with leprosy. Through the testimony of a young Israelite servant girl, he learns of a prophet in Samaria who can heal him. After a diplomatic misunderstanding with the King of Israel and an initial display of pride and anger at Elisha's seemingly simplistic instructions ([2 Kings 5:11-12](/2_kings/5-11 "2 Kings 5:11-12 - Naaman's Initial Reaction")), Naaman is persuaded by his servants to humble himself and follow Elisha's command. His subsequent immersion seven times in the Jordan River results in his complete cleansing ([2 Kings 5:14](/2_kings/5-14 "2 Kings 5:14 - Naaman's Healing")). Verse 15 is the immediate, transformative aftermath, demonstrating that the healing was not merely physical but profoundly spiritual, leading to a public confession of faith and an act of reverence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Naaman was a high-ranking military commander from Aram (Syria), a nation often hostile to Israel. In the ancient Near East, national gods were typically associated with specific territories. Naaman, as a Syrian, would have worshipped the gods of Aram. His journey to Israel and his expectation of a grand, magical display from Elisha reflect the common understanding of divine power in that era. The act of offering a "blessing" or gift (Hebrew: *bĕrākāh*) was a widespread cultural custom, signifying respect, gratitude, and often a token of allegiance or submission from a vassal to a superior, or from one who received a great benefit. Naaman's insistence on Elisha taking a gift, despite Elisha's refusal in [2 Kings 5:16](/2_kings/5-16 "2 Kings 5:16 - Elisha Refuses the Gift"), highlights the deeply ingrained nature of this practice and Naaman's fervent desire to express his indebtedness.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Naaman's healing and conversion powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the **exclusive sovereignty and power of the God of Israel**. Naaman's declaration, "now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel," is a profound confession of monotheism, challenging the polytheistic worldview prevalent in his time and among his people. Secondly, the story highlights **God's universal reach and redemptive plan**, demonstrating that His power and grace are not confined to the geographical or ethnic boundaries of Israel but can extend to Gentiles, even enemies, who humble themselves. This foreshadows the broader inclusion of nations in God's covenant, a theme developed throughout the prophetic books and profoundly realized in the New Testament. Lastly, Naaman's journey exemplifies the theme of **humility leading to divine encounter and transformation**. His initial pride and anger ([2 Kings 5:11](/2_kings/5-11 "2 Kings 5:11 - Naaman's Initial Reaction")) give way to humble obedience, resulting in both physical healing and spiritual revelation, showcasing that God "resists the proud but gives grace to the humble" ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, _yada'_):** This verb signifies more than mere intellectual assent; it denotes an experiential, intimate, and transformative knowledge. Naaman's declaration is not a theoretical statement but a profound realization born from his personal encounter with God's power. He "knows" Yahweh through direct experience of His miraculous healing.
* **God (Hebrew, _'elohim'_):** While a generic term for deity, in this context, especially with the qualifier "in Israel," it refers specifically to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. Naaman's statement is a radical affirmation that Yahweh is the *only* true God, distinct from and superior to all the gods he previously worshipped.
* **Blessing (Hebrew, _bĕrākāh'_):** In this specific context, *bĕrākāh* refers to a tangible gift or present, often offered as a token of gratitude, respect, or homage. It is not a spiritual pronouncement but a material expression of Naaman's deep appreciation and recognition of Elisha's role as God's servant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him:"** This phrase emphasizes Naaman's humility and respect. Instead of simply departing after his healing, he makes a deliberate, public return with his entire entourage. His act of "standing before him" signifies a posture of reverence and submission to Elisha, the representative of the true God, a stark contrast to his initial haughty demeanor.
* **"and he said, Behold, now I know that [there is] no God in all the earth, but in Israel:"** This is the pivotal confession of the verse. Naaman, a polytheist from a pagan nation, now declares exclusive monotheism. His experiential healing has shattered his previous worldview, leading him to acknowledge Yahweh as the unique and supreme deity, whose power transcends national boundaries and surpasses all other gods. This is a profound theological statement from a Gentile.
* **"now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant."** This clause reveals Naaman's deep gratitude and desire to honor Elisha, and by extension, God. The offer of a "blessing" (a gift) is a customary act of thanksgiving and reverence, demonstrating his changed heart and his recognition of the immense, unpayable debt he feels for the divine intervention that restored his life.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 5:15 is rich in **Contrast** and **Transformation**. Naaman's initial pride, anger, and skepticism ([2 Kings 5:11](/2_kings/5-11 "2 Kings 5:11 - Naaman's Initial Reaction")) are sharply contrasted with his post-healing humility, reverence, and profound faith. His journey from a powerful, self-important general to a humble "servant" before Elisha showcases a complete **Character Arc**. The **Irony** is palpable: a Syrian general, an enemy of Israel, is healed by the God of Israel and becomes a worshipper of Yahweh, while many Israelites remained idolatrous. Naaman's explicit **Confession** ("now I know that there is no God...") is a powerful rhetorical device, serving as the theological climax of his personal narrative and affirming the unique sovereignty of Yahweh. The entire episode functions as a **Paradigm** for how God can reveal Himself to anyone, regardless of background, through miraculous intervention, leading to genuine repentance and faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Naaman's confession in 2 Kings 5:15 reverberates throughout biblical theology, affirming God's absolute sovereignty and His unique identity as the one true God. His conversion from polytheism to monotheism, a Gentile acknowledging Yahweh as the only God "in all the earth," is a powerful testament to God's universal reach and His desire to reveal Himself beyond the confines of Israel. This narrative foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that salvation is not limited by ethnicity or nationality but is available to all who humble themselves and believe. It underscores that true healing, whether physical or spiritual, leads to a recognition of God's unmatched power and a heartfelt response of worship and gratitude.

* [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The Lord is God; there is no other")
* [Isaiah 45:5-6](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5-6 - God's Sole Sovereignty")
* [Psalm 103:2-3](/psalms/103-2 "Psalm 103:2-3 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Naaman's story in 2 Kings 5:15 offers a profound blueprint for spiritual transformation and a call to authentic faith. His journey from prideful resistance to humble obedience, culminating in a radical confession of God's unique sovereignty, challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we truly acknowledge that there is "no God in all the earth" but Yahweh, allowing this truth to shape every aspect of our lives, or do we subtly allow other "gods"—idols of success, comfort, or self-reliance—to compete for His rightful place? Naaman's immediate return and desire to offer a "blessing" speak to the natural outpouring of gratitude that should flow from a heart touched by divine grace. His transformation reminds us that genuine encounters with God lead to a profound reorientation of our lives, marked by humility, worship, and a desire to honor Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to humble yourself and surrender control to God, much like Naaman did by washing in the Jordan?**
* **How has a personal experience of God's power or grace deepened your conviction that "there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel"?**
* **Beyond words, what tangible "blessing" or expression of gratitude can you offer to God in response to His transformative work in your life?**

### FAQ

**Why did Naaman return to Elisha after being healed?**

Answer: Naaman's return was not merely a polite gesture of thanks, but a profound expression of his spiritual transformation. His physical healing was accompanied by a radical shift in his worldview. He returned to confess his newfound faith in the God of Israel, acknowledging Him as the one true God above all others. This public declaration was a testament to the miraculous work God had done in his life, both physically and spiritually. He recognized Elisha as God's true prophet and sought to honor the source of his healing.

**What is the significance of Naaman's declaration, "there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel"?**

Answer: This declaration is incredibly significant because it represents a Gentile, a high-ranking official from a rival nation, abandoning his polytheistic beliefs and confessing exclusive monotheism in Yahweh, the God of Israel. In a world where each nation had its own gods, Naaman's statement asserts Yahweh's universal sovereignty and unique power. It foreshadows God's redemptive plan for all nations, demonstrating that His grace and power are not confined to Israel but extend to anyone who humbles themselves and believes, a theme echoed in the New Testament (e.g., [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")).

**Why did Elisha refuse Naaman's "blessing" or gift?**

Answer: Elisha refused Naaman's generous gift to make it unequivocally clear that divine healing and God's power cannot be bought or earned. His refusal prevented any suggestion that he was profiting from God's work or that the miracle was a transaction. It emphasized that God's grace is freely given, and the glory belongs solely to Him, not to the prophet or to any human effort. This act stands in stark contrast to the greed of Elisha's servant Gehazi, who later pursued Naaman for a portion of the rejected gift and suffered the consequences ([2 Kings 5:20-27](/2_kings/5-20 "2 Kings 5:20-27 - Gehazi's Greed and Punishment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Naaman's leprosy, a debilitating and isolating disease, serves as a powerful Old Testament type for the pervasive and defiling nature of sin, which separates humanity from God. His miraculous cleansing, achieved not through grand rituals or human merit but through simple, humble obedience to the prophet's word, beautifully foreshadows the salvation offered through Christ. Just as Naaman was healed by washing in the Jordan, so too are believers cleansed from sin through the "washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")), made possible by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. Naaman's radical confession, "now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel," points directly to Jesus as the ultimate revelation of the one true God, the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). His conversion as a Gentile anticipates the universal scope of the Gospel, where "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ")). The "blessing" Naaman offered, though refused by Elisha, is ultimately surpassed by the immeasurable spiritual blessings we receive in Christ, who has "blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Jesus, the true "man of God," is the one who heals, transforms, and brings all nations to the knowledge and worship of the Father, fulfilling the promise implicit in Naaman's profound encounter.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.