2 Kings 5:17

KJV

And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Naaman {H5283} said {H559}, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given {H5414} to thy servant {H5650} two {H6776} mules {H6505}' burden {H4853} of earth {H127}? for thy servant {H5650} will henceforth offer {H6213} neither burnt offering {H5930} nor sacrifice {H2077} unto other {H312} gods {H430}, but unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Na'aman said, "If you won't take it, then please let your servant be given as much earth as two mules can carry; because from now on, your servant will offer neither burnt offerings nor sacrifices to other gods, but only to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD.

American Standard Version

And Naaman said, If not, yet, I pray thee, let there be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth; for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt-offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following his miraculous healing from leprosy by the God of Israel through the prophet Elisha, Naaman, the Syrian commander, experiences a profound spiritual transformation. This verse captures his immediate response: a request for sacred earth from Israel and a solemn, unwavering vow to exclusively worship the LORD, the God of Israel, forsaking all other gods. It signifies a decisive turning point in his life, marking his conversion and commitment to monotheistic devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of the narrative concerning Naaman, a powerful Syrian general afflicted with leprosy. The preceding verses detail his journey to Israel, his initial pride and anger at Elisha's simple instruction to wash in the Jordan River, and his eventual obedience which led to a miraculous and complete healing ([2 Kings 5:10-14](/2_kings/5-10 "2 Kings 5:10-14 - Naaman's Healing")). Overwhelmed with gratitude and awe, Naaman returns to Elisha, offering lavish gifts, which the prophet steadfastly refuses ([2 Kings 5:15-16](/2_kings/5-15 "2 Kings 5:15-16 - Naaman's Gratitude and Elisha's Refusal")). It is in this moment of profound spiritual conviction, immediately after acknowledging the supremacy of Israel's God, that Naaman makes his extraordinary request and declaration in [2 Kings 5:17](/2_kings/5-17 "2 Kings 5:17 - Naaman's Vow"). The verse serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of God's grace, moving Naaman from physical ailment to spiritual allegiance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was a common belief that deities were localized and their power was intrinsically linked to specific lands or territories. People often carried cultic objects or even earth from their homeland when traveling, to maintain a connection to their gods. Naaman, as a Syrian, would have been accustomed to a polytheistic worldview, where various gods were worshipped, often associated with specific nations or natural phenomena. His request for "two mules' burden of earth" from Israel reflects this cultural understanding; he believed that to properly worship the God of Israel, he needed a consecrated space, literally built upon the soil of the land where Yahweh's presence was uniquely manifested. His subsequent vow to offer sacrifices only to "the LORD" (YHWH), the covenant God of Israel, is a radical departure from his polytheistic background and a profound embrace of Israelite monotheism.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Kings 5:17](/2_kings/5-17 "2 Kings 5:17 - Naaman's Vow") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings - History of Israel and Judah"): **The Sovereignty of Yahweh** is clearly demonstrated as Naaman, a Gentile, acknowledges that there is "no God in all the earth but in Israel" ([2 Kings 5:15](/2_kings/5-15 "2 Kings 5:15 - Naaman's Confession")). This highlights God's universal power extending beyond the borders of Israel. The theme of **Conversion and Exclusive Worship** is central, as Naaman's physical healing leads to a spiritual transformation, culminating in his vow of singular devotion to the LORD, a stark contrast to the idolatry often depicted among the Israelites themselves in [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings - History of Israel and Judah"). Furthermore, Naaman's story foreshadows the **Inclusion of Gentiles** into God's redemptive plan, a concept that becomes more explicit in the New Testament. His gratitude for divine grace leading to profound commitment also underscores the theme of **Faith and Obedience**, showing that true faith necessitates a decisive turning from past practices to new allegiance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Earth (Hebrew, _'eretz'_):** The Hebrew word אֶרֶץ (_'eretz'_) here refers to the land or ground. In the context of ancient Near Eastern thought, deities were often associated with specific territories. Naaman's request for earth from Israel signifies his belief that to properly worship Yahweh, the God of Israel, he needed a physical connection to the land where Yahweh's power and presence were uniquely manifest. It was an attempt to create a "holy ground" in Aram where his worship would be acceptable to the God of Israel, reflecting a cultural understanding of localized divinity, even as he grasped Yahweh's supreme power.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _'olah'_):** The term עֹלָה (_'olah'_) refers to a sacrifice that is entirely consumed by fire on the altar, ascending to God. It was a primary form of worship in ancient Israel, often associated with atonement, dedication, or thanksgiving. Naaman's explicit vow to offer this type of sacrifice, along with "sacrifice" (זֶבַח, _zevach_, a general term for animal sacrifice, often involving a shared meal), solely to the LORD indicates his full adoption of Israelite cultic practices as a means of expressing his newfound devotion and gratitude.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the sacred, personal name of the God of Israel, יְהוָה (_YHWH_), often rendered "the LORD" in English translations. Naaman's use of this specific name, rather than a generic term for "god," demonstrates a clear recognition and acceptance of the unique identity of Israel's God. It signifies a profound shift from the polytheism of Aram to an exclusive, personal relationship with the one true God, Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth?"**: Following his miraculous healing and Elisha's refusal of gifts, Naaman, overwhelmed with gratitude and conviction, makes this seemingly unusual request. His desire for "two mules' burden of earth" reflects a cultural understanding that deities were tied to specific lands. He believed that to worship the God of Israel authentically in Aram, he needed a physical piece of Israel, effectively creating a consecrated space for Yahweh on foreign soil. This demonstrates the depth of his desire to continue worshipping the LORD, even if his understanding of God's omnipresence was still evolving.
* **"for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD."**: This clause constitutes Naaman's solemn vow and declaration of exclusive worship. It is a decisive and public commitment to monotheism, explicitly rejecting the polytheistic practices of his homeland. By pledging to offer sacrifices only to "the LORD" (YHWH), the covenant God of Israel, Naaman declares his allegiance and submission to Yahweh as the one true God, acknowledging His supreme power and uniqueness demonstrated through his healing. This marks a profound spiritual conversion.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Naaman's conversion in [2 Kings 5](/2_kings/5 "2 Kings 5 - Naaman's Healing") is rich with literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the revered Syrian commander, initially proud and resistant to the prophet's simple instructions, ultimately finds healing and spiritual truth in the humble land of Israel, not through his own powerful gods or rituals. The "two mules' burden of earth" serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing Naaman's attempt to bring a piece of God's holy land, and by extension, God's presence, back to his own country. It symbolizes his desire to establish a legitimate place of worship for Yahweh outside of Israel, even if his understanding was still culturally bound. There is also a strong **Contrast** between Naaman's initial arrogance and his subsequent humility and profound gratitude, which leads to his unequivocal declaration of exclusive worship. This transformation highlights the power of God to humble the proud and draw all peoples to Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Naaman's conversion in [2 Kings 5:17](/2_kings/5-17 "2 Kings 5:17 - Naaman's Vow") is a profound theological statement. It underscores the universal sovereignty of Yahweh, demonstrating that His power and redemptive grace are not confined to Israel but extend to all nations and peoples. Naaman, a Gentile, acknowledges the supremacy of the God of Israel, illustrating that God is not merely a tribal deity but the one true God of all the earth. His decisive vow of exclusive worship serves as a powerful example of true conversion, where gratitude for divine intervention leads to a complete reorientation of life and allegiance. This narrative foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God's plan to include Gentiles in His covenant people, breaking down the barriers between Jew and Gentile through faith.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Look to Me and Be Saved")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Naaman's story in [2 Kings 5:17](/2_kings/5-17 "2 Kings 5:17 - Naaman's Vow") offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. His transformation from a powerful, proud man to a humble, devoted worshiper of the LORD demonstrates that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a radical reorientation of one's life and loyalties. His request for earth, though culturally specific, symbolizes a universal human desire to create a dedicated space for God, whether physical or spiritual. For us, this means dedicating our lives, our homes, and our hearts as sacred spaces for God's presence and worship. Naaman's vow of exclusive worship challenges us to examine our own allegiances: what "other gods" (idols of money, success, pleasure, self) might compete for our devotion? His gratitude, which propelled him to this decisive commitment, reminds us that a deep appreciation for God's grace in our lives should naturally lead to a passionate and exclusive desire to honor and serve Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "two mules' burden of earth" do you need to bring into your life to create a more consecrated space for God's worship and presence?**
* **In what areas of your life might "other gods" still be competing for the exclusive devotion you owe to the LORD?**
* **How does Naaman's immediate and public vow of allegiance challenge your own expression of faith and commitment?**
* **How does gratitude for God's grace in your life fuel your desire for exclusive worship and service?**

### FAQ
**Why did Naaman ask for "two mules' burden of earth"?**

Answer: Naaman's request for earth was rooted in the ancient Near Eastern belief that deities were localized and their power was tied to specific lands. He likely believed that to properly worship the God of Israel (Yahweh) in Aram, he needed to do so on "holy ground" from Israel. This was his attempt to create a consecrated space for Yahweh's worship, acknowledging the God of Israel's supremacy even while still operating within his cultural understanding of localized divinity. It was a tangible expression of his desire to maintain his newfound devotion.

**Was Naaman's conversion to the God of Israel complete and perfect?**

Answer: Naaman's conversion was undoubtedly genuine and profound. His vow to "henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD" ([2 Kings 5:17](/2_kings/5-17 "2 Kings 5:17 - Naaman's Vow")) is a clear declaration of exclusive monotheistic worship. While his request for earth suggests some lingering cultural understanding of localized deities, his heart's allegiance had decisively shifted to Yahweh. The text presents his conversion as authentic, a testament to God's power to transform even those from outside the covenant community. His subsequent question about bowing in the house of Rimmon ([2 Kings 5:18](/2_kings/5-18 "2 Kings 5:18 - Naaman's Dilemma")) indicates a practical challenge he faced, but Elisha's response ("Go in peace") implies a gracious understanding of his difficult position, not a rejection of his sincerity.

**What is the significance of Naaman's vow to offer sacrifices only "unto the LORD" and not "unto other gods"?**

Answer: This vow is highly significant because it marks a complete break from Naaman's polytheistic past and a decisive embrace of Israelite monotheism. In his Syrian culture, worship of multiple deities was common. By specifically naming "the LORD" (YHWH), the covenant name of Israel's God, and explicitly rejecting "other gods," Naaman declares his exclusive allegiance to the one true God. This demonstrates his recognition of Yahweh's unique power, as evidenced by his miraculous healing, and his commitment to a singular devotion, which is a foundational principle of biblical faith ([Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Naaman's story, particularly his conversion and vow in [2 Kings 5:17](/2_kings/5-17 "2 Kings 5:17 - Naaman's Vow"), serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of God's redemptive plan in Christ. Naaman, a Gentile, receives miraculous healing and spiritual transformation not through his own power or the gods of his nation, but through the God of Israel. This prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people through Jesus Christ, the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as Naaman's physical leprosy was cleansed, so too does Christ offer spiritual cleansing from the leprosy of sin ([Matthew 8:2-3](/matthew/8-2 "Matthew 8:2-3 - Jesus Heals a Leper")). Naaman's desire for "earth" from Israel to worship God points to a longing for God's presence, a longing fully met in Christ, who is [God with us](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel"). Believers in Christ no longer need physical earth from a specific land to worship, for through the indwelling Holy Spirit, our bodies become [temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple"), making every place holy ground where true worship can occur ([John 4:21-24](/john/4-21 "John 4:21-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Naaman's exclusive vow to the LORD finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Christian's exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ, for [there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name"). His story beautifully illustrates God's sovereign grace reaching beyond ethnic boundaries, culminating in the Great Commission to [make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission").

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.

Cross-References

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

2 Kings 5:12

[Are] not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

Exodus 20:24

An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

Romans 14:1

¶ Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.

1 Peter 4:3

For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

1 Thessalonians 1:9

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;