2 Kings 5:18

KJV

In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, [that] when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing.

KJV (with Strong's)

In this thing {H1697} the LORD {H3068} pardon {H5545} thy servant {H5650}, that when my master {H113} goeth {H935} into the house {H1004} of Rimmon {H7417} to worship {H7812} there, and he leaneth {H8172} on my hand {H3027}, and I bow {H7812} myself in the house {H1004} of Rimmon {H7417}: when I bow down {H7812} myself in the house {H1004} of Rimmon {H7417}, the LORD {H3068} pardon {H5545} thy servant {H5650} in this thing {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Except this, and may ADONAI forgive your servant for it: when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon - when I bow down, may ADONAI forgive your servant for this."

Berean Standard Bible

Yet may the LORD forgive your servant this one thing: When my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my arm, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant in this matter.”

American Standard Version

In this thing Jehovah pardon thy servant: when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, Jehovah pardon thy servant in this thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Naaman, the Syrian commander, having experienced miraculous healing and declared his exclusive allegiance to the God of Israel, seeks divine pardon for a specific future action. His high-ranking position necessitates his accompaniment of the King of Syria into the temple of the pagan deity Rimmon, where he must physically support the king and, in doing so, bow down with him. Naaman's earnest plea reveals the immediate and profound challenge of integrating his newfound monotheistic faith with his unavoidable civic duties in a polytheistic culture, demonstrating his sincere desire to maintain a clear conscience before the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after Naaman's profound encounter with the God of Israel. Having been miraculously healed of leprosy through Elisha's instruction to dip seven times in the Jordan River, Naaman returns to the prophet, declaring, "Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel" [2 Kings 5:15](/2_kings/5-15 "2 Kings 5:15 - Naaman's Confession of Faith"). This confession marks a pivotal turning point, establishing his conversion to monotheism. His subsequent request for two mule-loads of earth, with the intention of building an altar to the LORD in Syria and vowing to offer sacrifices only to the God of Israel [2 Kings 5:17](/2_kings/5-17 "2 Kings 5:17 - Naaman's Request for Earth"), further solidifies his commitment. Naaman's request for pardon in [2 Kings 5:18](/2_kings/5-18 "2 Kings 5:18 - Naaman's Dilemma") directly addresses the practical and ethical implications of his new faith within his existing life circumstances, setting the stage for Elisha's concise and often debated response in [2 Kings 5:19](/2_kings/5-19 "2 Kings 5:19 - Elisha's 'Go in Peace'").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Naaman was a high-ranking military commander in Aram (Syria), a powerful kingdom situated north of Israel. In the ancient Near East, the worship of various gods, including storm deities like Hadad-Rimmon (often simply referred to as Rimmon), was pervasive. Kings were frequently regarded as divine representatives or even deities themselves, and their public religious rituals were fundamental to national identity and political stability. As a trusted aide and chief military officer, Naaman's role in supporting the king during public worship in the temple of Rimmon was an integral and non-negotiable part of his official duties. This was a matter of state protocol and personal loyalty to the king, not a personal act of devotion to Rimmon. This cultural expectation placed Naaman in a unique and challenging predicament, where his outward actions, dictated by his civic role, might contradict his newly embraced inward conviction, a common dilemma for monotheists living within polytheistic societies.
* **Key Themes:** Naaman's plea profoundly highlights the **transition of faith and conscience** for a new convert, as he grapples with the practicalities of living out his monotheistic belief in a deeply polytheistic environment. It underscores the inherent **tension between spiritual conviction and civic obligation**, a dilemma that believers have faced across history and cultures. The passage implicitly emphasizes that **true worship is ultimately a matter of the heart and intention**, not merely outward conformity, as Naaman's heartfelt concern for divine pardon demonstrates his earnest desire for authenticity before the God of Israel. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **God's grace and understanding** for those navigating complex ethical situations, particularly new believers, a theme further developed by Elisha's subsequent response in [2 Kings 5:19](/2_kings/5-19 "2 Kings 5:19 - Elisha's 'Go in Peace'"). This narrative also subtly foreshadows the broader biblical theme of God's redemptive work extending beyond Israel's borders, reaching Gentiles like Naaman, as seen in the broader narrative of [2 Kings 5](/2_kings/5 "2 Kings 5 - Naaman's Healing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pardon (Hebrew, _çâlach'_):** This verb (סָלַח, H5545) specifically means "to forgive" or "to pardon." In the Old Testament, it is consistently used to describe divine forgiveness, particularly for sins committed against God. Naaman's use of this word indicates his understanding that his compelled action, though a civic duty, could be considered an offense against the LORD, to whom he has just pledged exclusive allegiance. His earnest request for divine pardon underscores his newfound reverence for God's holiness and his desire to maintain a clear conscience.
* **Rimmon (Hebrew, _Rimmôwn'_):** The name (רִמּוֹן, H7417) refers to a prominent Syrian storm god, often identified with Hadad, the chief deity of the Aramean pantheon. Temples dedicated to Rimmon were common throughout Syria. Naaman's explicit mention of "the house of Rimmon" highlights the specific context of his moral dilemma: he is not personally worshipping this pagan deity, but his official duties require his physical presence and participation in a public ritual dedicated to Rimmon, which could be misconstrued as an act of homage or compromise of his new faith.
* **Bow (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** This primitive root (שָׁחָה, H7812) means "to depress," or "to prostrate," especially reflexively, in homage to royalty or God. It implies an act of deep reverence, obeisance, or worship. Naaman's concern revolves around this specific physical action. While his heart's allegiance is now to the LORD, his position requires him to perform an action that, outwardly, appears to be an act of worship to Rimmon. His request for pardon is precisely for this unavoidable outward posture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant,"**: Naaman initiates his plea with a direct and urgent appeal to the LORD for forgiveness. The phrase "in this thing" immediately identifies the specific, singular issue causing him profound spiritual distress, indicating his deep concern for his integrity before the God he has come to know.
* **"that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there,"**: This clause establishes the setting and the primary actor, the king. It clarifies that the king's regular practice involves entering the temple of Rimmon for worship. Naaman is not going there of his own volition for personal worship, but as an attendant to his sovereign.
* **"and he leaneth on my hand,"**: This detail specifies Naaman's crucial and intimate role as a high-ranking official. As the king's trusted aide, he would physically support the monarch, perhaps due to the king's age or infirmity, or as a symbol of royal dignity and reliance during the ritual. This makes Naaman's physical presence and proximity an integral, unavoidable component of the king's worship. The word for "hand" (H3027, _yâd_) here implies not just a physical limb, but also power, means, and support.
* **"and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon:"**: This is the crux of Naaman's ethical dilemma. Because he is physically supporting the king, when the king bows in worship to Rimmon, Naaman must also bow in tandem. He recognizes that this outward act, regardless of his inward intention, could be perceived as idolatry or a direct compromise of his newfound exclusive faith in the LORD.
* **"when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing."**: The repetition of the specific action ("when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon") and the repeated plea for pardon ("the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing") powerfully emphasizes Naaman's earnestness and the immense weight of the ethical challenge he faces. It underscores his profound desire for God's understanding and grace in a situation where his professional duty directly conflicts with his newly established spiritual allegiance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Dilemma** to highlight Naaman's immediate and acute ethical challenge as a new convert. He finds himself caught between his profound and recently declared commitment to the LORD and his non-negotiable civic duty to the King of Syria. The striking **Repetition** of the phrase "when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing" underscores the depth of Naaman's spiritual concern and his earnest, almost desperate, desire for divine understanding and forgiveness. There is a subtle yet profound **Irony** in a pagan military commander, recently healed by the God of Israel, now seeking pardon from that very God for an act related to a pagan deity. This highlights the transformative power of his encounter with YHWH, as his conscience is now keenly attuned to God's standards, a sensitivity he previously lacked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Naaman's heartfelt plea for pardon illuminates the complex interplay between outward action and inward intention, a perennial challenge for believers navigating their faith in a fallen world. It suggests that God, in His infinite grace and wisdom, understands the unique pressures and unavoidable circumstances that may lead to outward conformity while the heart remains true and exclusively devoted to Him. This passage does not, by any means, condone idolatry or compromise of faith, but rather offers a nuanced perspective on the sincerity of a new convert's heart and God's compassionate response to those genuinely striving to honor Him amidst difficult and ethically ambiguous realities. It underscores the profound biblical principle that while God demands exclusive worship and devotion, He also extends abundant grace to those who are genuinely seeking to follow Him, especially when faced with situations beyond their immediate control or that arise from unavoidable civic duties.

* [Romans 14:23](/romans/14-23 "Romans 14:23 - Whatever is not from faith is sin")
* [1 Corinthians 8:4-6](/1_corinthians/8-4-6 "1 Corinthians 8:4-6 - Idols are nothing, there is one God")
* [Daniel 3:17-18](/daniel/3-17-18 "Daniel 3:17-18 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's Faith and Deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Naaman's profound dilemma in [2 Kings 5:18](/2_kings/5-18 "2 Kings 5:18 - Naaman's Dilemma") resonates deeply with believers today who find themselves navigating their faith in secular, pluralistic, or even overtly hostile environments. His concern reminds us that true faith is not merely a private conviction to be compartmentalized, but a transformative force that seeks to permeate every aspect of life, even when it presents significant ethical and practical challenges. This passage encourages us to cultivate a sensitive and discerning conscience before God, always striving to honor Him in all our ways, while simultaneously trusting in His boundless grace and understanding for the complexities of our human experience. It prompts us to consider the crucial distinction between active, willful participation in sin and an unavoidable, passive presence or action compelled by external circumstances, and to discern where our primary allegiance truly lies. Ultimately, Naaman's sincerity, his immediate concern for God's perspective, serves as a powerful reminder that God looks beyond mere outward appearance to the heart, and His patience extends to those genuinely seeking to walk in integrity, even as they grow in their understanding and application of His divine truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between a necessary compromise for civic or professional duty and a true compromise of my core faith and convictions?**
* **In what ways might my outward actions or professional obligations be misconstrued by others regarding my faith, and how does Naaman's example inform my response or attitude?**
* **How does Naaman's earnest concern for a clear conscience before the LORD challenge my own walk with God in my daily life and professional sphere?**

### FAQ
**Did Elisha condone Naaman's bowing in the temple of Rimmon?**

Answer: Elisha's response to Naaman's plea is found in [2 Kings 5:19](/2_kings/5-19 "2 Kings 5:19 - Elisha's 'Go in Peace'"), where he simply says, "Go in peace." This concise statement is not an explicit endorsement of Naaman's action, nor is it a condemnation. Rather, it is widely interpreted by scholars as an expression of divine grace, understanding, and perhaps even a pastoral blessing for a new convert navigating an incredibly complex and unavoidable situation. Elisha recognizes Naaman's sincere desire to honor the LORD exclusively and the unique constraints of his high-ranking position. The emphasis is on Naaman's heart and intention, which is to worship only the God of Israel, even if his physical presence and posture are dictated by his civic duty to his king. It highlights God's compassion and patience for those in difficult circumstances, trusting in His ability to discern the true intent of the heart over mere outward conformity in such a unique case.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Naaman's profound dilemma, caught between his new allegiance to the LORD and his unavoidable civic duty involving a pagan deity, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate freedom and comprehensive grace found in Christ. While Naaman sought pardon for a specific, future act, Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection provide a complete and final pardon for all sins—past, present, and future—thereby reconciling us fully to God [Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21-22 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood"). In Christ, believers are definitively freed from the need to appease any other gods, powers, or even the fear of human judgment regarding outward actions, for He is "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation," holding all authority [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"). Our primary allegiance shifts from earthly masters or cultural demands to the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ, who enables us to live with integrity and singular devotion even in the most challenging environments, knowing that "no one can serve two masters" [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters"). Furthermore, Christ, as our sympathetic High Priest, truly understands our weaknesses and the immense pressures we face, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest"). He offers not just pardon, but also the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to navigate such complexities, empowering us to live a life of worship that is truly "in spirit and truth" [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), regardless of outward circumstances or societal expectations.

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

2 Kings 7:2

Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, [if] the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see [it] with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.

2 Kings 7:17

And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.

2 Kings 17:35

With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:

1 Kings 19:18

Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Jeremiah 50:20

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and [there shall be] none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

2 Chronicles 30:18

For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one