2 Kings 5:2

KJV

And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Syrians {H758} had gone out {H3318} by companies {H1416}, and had brought away captive {H7617} out of the land {H776} of Israel {H3478} a little {H6996} maid {H5291}; and she waited on {H6440} Naaman's {H5283} wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now on one of their raids into Isra'el's territory, Aram carried away captive a little girl, who became a servant for Na'aman's wife.

Berean Standard Bible

At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife.

American Standard Version

And the Syrians had gone out in bands, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maiden; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 5:2 introduces a pivotal, yet seemingly insignificant, character in the unfolding drama of Naaman's healing: a young Israelite girl. Captured by Syrian raiding parties and forced into servitude in Naaman's household, her seemingly unfortunate circumstances are revealed as a divinely orchestrated placement. This verse sets the stage for her courageous testimony, which will initiate the journey of a powerful Syrian general toward physical healing and, more importantly, spiritual revelation of the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of Naaman in [2 Kings 5:1](/2_kings/5-1 "2 Kings 5:1 - Naaman, Commander of the Syrian Army"), establishing his esteemed position and his debilitating leprosy. Verse 2 then shifts focus to an unexpected character, the "little maid," whose presence in Naaman's household is crucial to the narrative's progression. Her testimony in [2 Kings 5:3](/2_kings/5-3 "2 Kings 5:3 - The Maid's Testimony") directly leads to Naaman seeking Elisha, propelling the plot forward. The inclusion of this seemingly minor detail underscores the narrative's emphasis on God's sovereign hand working through unexpected channels, often in contrast to the grand figures and events typically highlighted in historical accounts. The story of Naaman's healing is a significant episode within the broader Elisha cycle, demonstrating God's power to heal and His willingness to extend His grace beyond the borders of Israel, even to an enemy commander.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Divided Monarchy (Israel and Judah) was marked by frequent conflicts and border skirmishes with neighboring Aram (Syria). The term "companies" (Hebrew: *gedudim*) refers to small, mobile raiding bands rather than full-scale armies. These groups would conduct opportunistic incursions into enemy territory to plunder resources, livestock, and, significantly, people, who would then be taken captive and sold into slavery or forced servitude. Such raids were a common and terrifying aspect of life in ancient Near Eastern border regions. The "little maid" was a victim of this harsh reality, plucked from her home and culture and thrust into a foreign household. Her position as a servant to Naaman's wife indicates a close, personal form of servitude, granting her intimate knowledge of the household's affairs and Naaman's affliction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the book of 2 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence Amidst Adversity**. The girl's horrific experience of captivity, a clear act of evil, is providentially used by God to position her for a redemptive purpose, echoing the theme seen in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Declaration of God's Intent") where Joseph declares that what his brothers intended for evil, God intended for good. Secondly, it underscores **The Power of the Unlikely Messenger**. The girl is young, female, a slave, and an enemy alien – embodying the lowest social status in her new environment. Yet, it is through her humble and compassionate witness that God's plan for Naaman begins, a consistent pattern in Scripture where God uses the weak and despised to shame the strong ([1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak and Humble")). Thirdly, it exemplifies **Faithfulness in Captivity**. Despite her traumatic displacement and servitude, the girl retains her faith in God and His prophet, demonstrating a remarkable lack of bitterness and a profound concern for her captor's well-being. This reflects a deep-seated trust in God's power even in the direst circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **companies (Hebrew, _gĕdûdîm_):** This plural noun refers to raiding bands or detachments of soldiers, typically smaller, mobile units engaged in plunder and taking captives. It distinguishes their activity from a full-scale military invasion, emphasizing the opportunistic and often brutal nature of these incursions. The use of this term highlights the constant threat of such raids on Israel's borders and underscores the random, yet ultimately providential, circumstances of the girl's capture.
* **little maid (Hebrew, _na'ărâ qĕṭannâ_):** The Hebrew phrase literally means "young girl" or "small girl," emphasizing her youth, vulnerability, and likely her diminutive stature. This description draws attention to her apparent insignificance in the grand scheme of international politics and military power, starkly contrasting with the immense impact she is about to have. Her youth also suggests a pure, unadulterated faith, unburdened by the cynicism or political considerations that might affect an adult.
* **waited on (Hebrew, _'āmad_):** The verb _'amad_ means "to stand," "to stand before," or "to serve." In this context, it implies personal attendance and close proximity. The maid was not merely a general household slave but was specifically assigned to Naaman's wife, suggesting a position of some trust and intimacy within the inner circle of the household. This close access to Naaman's wife, and by extension Naaman himself, was crucial for her to observe his condition and eventually offer her counsel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Syrians had gone out by companies,"**: This clause establishes the historical context of frequent, aggressive raids by Aram (Syria) into Israelite territory. It paints a picture of a volatile border region where such incursions were common, leading to disruption, plunder, and the taking of captives. The "companies" denote small, mobile units, emphasizing the opportunistic nature of these attacks.
* **"and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid;"**: This describes the specific outcome of one such raid – the capture of a young Israelite girl. The phrase highlights the trauma of forced displacement and the injustice of slavery. Her being "out of the land of Israel" underscores her foreignness in Syria and her status as an enemy national, making her subsequent compassion for Naaman even more remarkable. Her "littleness" emphasizes her vulnerability and apparent powerlessness.
* **"and she waited on Naaman's wife."**: This clause specifies her new role and placement within Naaman's household. Her service to Naaman's wife positioned her in a unique vantage point, allowing her to observe Naaman's suffering and to gain the trust necessary to speak freely. This seemingly mundane detail of her servitude is, in fact, the linchpin for the entire narrative of Naaman's healing, demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 5:2 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the Syrian raiders, intending harm and plunder, unwittingly become instruments of God's redemptive plan by bringing the very person who will initiate Naaman's healing into his household. This act of aggression ultimately leads to a revelation of the true God to a powerful Gentile. **Foreshadowing** is also evident; the introduction of this "little maid" hints at the significant role she is destined to play, signaling that the solution to Naaman's problem will come from an unexpected and humble source. There is a strong **Contrast** between Naaman's high status, power, and affliction, and the maid's low status, powerlessness, and spiritual insight. This juxtaposition highlights God's preference for using the weak and overlooked to accomplish His mighty purposes. Finally, the entire scenario is steeped in **Divine Providence**, showcasing God's sovereign hand working through seemingly random or even evil human actions to achieve His ultimate good.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The story of the little maid in 2 Kings 5:2 is a profound testament to God's sovereign control over all circumstances, even those born of human sin and violence. It reveals that God's redemptive purposes are not limited by human power structures, social status, or national boundaries. He can use the most marginalized and unexpected individuals to bring about His will, demonstrating His power to turn evil intentions into opportunities for good and to extend His grace to those outside the covenant community of Israel. This narrative challenges us to see God's hand at work in the mundane and the tragic, reminding us that no situation is beyond His redemptive reach.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Declaration of God's Intent")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak")
* [Psalm 76:10](/psalms/76-10 "Psalm 76:10 - God Restrains Human Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of the "little maid" in 2 Kings 5:2 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Her story challenges us to reconsider our notions of influence and significance, reminding us that God often chooses the least likely among us to accomplish His greatest works. Despite being a victim of war and forced into servitude, she did not allow bitterness or despair to silence her faith. Instead, she demonstrated remarkable compassion and courage, speaking up for her captor's healing. This prompts us to examine our own lives: Are we faithful witnesses in our "captive" circumstances, whether they be challenging workplaces, difficult family dynamics, or seemingly insignificant daily interactions? Do we recognize God's sovereign hand at work even in adversity, trusting that He can redeem any situation for His glory? The little maid's example calls us to cultivate a compassionate heart, a discerning spirit, and a readiness to speak truth and hope, regardless of our perceived status or the potential risks involved.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of the little maid challenge your assumptions about who God uses to accomplish His purposes?**
* **In what "captive" or challenging circumstances might God be positioning you to be a witness for Him?**
* **How can you cultivate a compassionate heart and a readiness to speak of God's power, even when it seems inconvenient or risky?**

### FAQ

**What does "companies" mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: In 2 Kings 5:2, "companies" translates the Hebrew word *gedudim*, which refers to small, mobile raiding bands or detachments of soldiers. These were not full-scale armies engaged in pitched battles, but rather opportunistic groups that would conduct incursions into enemy territory to plunder goods, livestock, and people. This is significant because it highlights the constant threat of such marauding groups along the border between Israel and Aram (Syria). The "little maid" was not captured in a major war but in a random, brutal raid, underscoring the vulnerability of the populace and the seemingly arbitrary nature of her misfortune. Yet, it is precisely through this seemingly random act of violence that God's providential hand is revealed, positioning her in Naaman's household for a divine purpose.

**Why is the "little maid" given such prominence in the narrative if she is merely a slave?**

Answer: The "little maid" is given prominence precisely *because* she is a slave and seemingly insignificant, which aligns with a recurring biblical theme: God often chooses the humble, the weak, and the overlooked to accomplish His mighty purposes. Her low social status contrasts sharply with Naaman's high military and political standing, highlighting that God's power and wisdom operate independently of human hierarchies. Her faith and compassion, despite her traumatic circumstances, are presented as the catalyst for Naaman's journey to healing and knowledge of the true God. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their age, gender, social standing, or personal tragedy, to fulfill His divine plan. This echoes the sentiment found in [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Foolish"), where Paul states that God chooses "the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the "little maid" in 2 Kings 5:2, a seemingly insignificant captive who becomes an instrument of salvation for a powerful Gentile, beautifully foreshadows the expansive, inclusive, and counter-cultural nature of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Just as this young Israelite servant pointed Naaman to the prophet Elisha, who in turn pointed to the healing power of God, so too does the entire Old Testament narrative point to Jesus. Christ himself came not as a conquering king in earthly splendor but as a humble servant, taking on the very nature of a bond-servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), embodying the "least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")) while holding all divine authority. His ministry consistently embraced the marginalized, the sick, and the "outsiders," extending God's grace to Gentiles like the Syrophoenician woman ([Mark 7:24-30](/mark/7-24 "Mark 7:24-30 - The Syrophoenician Woman's Faith")) and the Roman centurion ([Matthew 8:5-13](/matthew/8-5 "Matthew 8:5-13 - The Centurion's Faith")). The little maid's witness, born of compassion despite her suffering, reflects the call for all believers, regardless of their status or circumstances, to be witnesses to the ultimate Healer and Deliverer, Jesus Christ, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), extending His healing and salvation to all nations, just as Naaman, a Syrian, found cleansing and faith.

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 6:23

And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.

2 Kings 13:20

¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.

1 Samuel 13:17

And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way [that leadeth to] Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:

1 Samuel 13:18

And another company turned the way [to] Bethhoron: and another company turned [to] the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

Psalms 123:2

Behold, as the eyes of servants [look] unto the hand of their masters, [and] as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes [wait] upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

Judges 9:34

And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that [were] with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.