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Commentary on 2 Kings 5 verses 20–27
Naaman, a Syrian, a courtier, a soldier, had many servants, and we read how wise and good they were, Kg2 5:13. Elisha, a holy prophet, a man of God, has but one servant, and he proves a base, lying, naughty fellow. Those that heard of Elisha at a distance honoured him, and got good by what they heard; but he that stood continually before him, to hear his wisdom, had no good impressions made upon him either by his doctrine or miracles. One would have expected that Elisha's servant should be a saint (even Ahab's servant, Obadiah, was), but even Christ himself had a Judas among his followers. The means of grace cannot give grace. The best men, the best ministers have often had those about them that have been their grief and shame. The nearer the church the further from God. Many come from the east and west to sit down with Abraham when the children of the kingdom shall be cast out. Here is,
I. Gehazi's sin. It was a complicated sin. 1. The love of money, that root of all evil, was at the bottom of it. His master contemned Naaman's treasures, but he coveted them, Kg2 5:20. His heart (says bishop Hall) was packed up in Naaman's chests, and he must run after him to fetch it. Multitudes, by coveting worldly wealth, have erred from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 2. He blamed his master for refusing Naaman's present, condemned him as foolish in not taking gold when he might have it, envied and grudged his kindness and generosity to this stranger, though it was for the good of his soul. In short, he thought himself wiser than his master. 3. When Naaman, like a person of accomplished manners, alighted from his chariot to meet him (Kg2 5:21), he told him a deliberate lie, that his master sent him to him, and so he received that courtesy to himself that Naaman intended to his master. 4. He abused his master, and basely misrepresented him to Naaman as one that had soon repented of his generosity, that was fickle, and did not know his own mind, that would say and unsay, swear and unswear, that would not do an honourable thing but he must presently undo it again. his story of the two sons of the prophets was as silly as it was false; if he would have begged a token for two young scholars, surely less than a talent of silver might serve them. 5. There was danger of his alienating Naaman from that holy religion which he had espoused, and lessening his good opinion of it. he would be ready to say, as Paul's enemies suggested concerning him (Co2 12:16, Co2 12:17), that, though Elisha himself did not burden him, yet being crafty he caught him with guile, sending those that made a gain of him. We hope that he understood afterwards that Elisha's hand was not in it, and that Gehazi was forced to restore what he had unjustly got, else it might have driven him to his idols again. 6. His seeking to conceal what he had unjustly got added much to his sin. (1.) He hid it, as Achan did his gain, by sacrilege, in the tower, a secret place, a strong place, till he should have an opportunity of laying it out, Kg2 5:24. Now he thought himself sure of it, and applauded his own management of a fraud by which he had imposed, not only upon the prudence of Naaman, but upon Elisha's spirit of discerning, as Ananias and Sapphira upon the apostles. (2.) He denied it: He went in, and stood before his master, ready to receive his orders. None looked more observant of his master, though really none more injurious to him; he thought, as Ephraim, I have become rich, but they shall find no iniquity in me, Hos 12:8. His master asked him where he had been, "Nowhere, sir" (said he), "out of the house." Note, One lie commonly begets another: the way of that sin is down-hill; therefore dare to be true.
II. The punishment of this sin. Elisha immediately called him to an account for it; and observe,
1.How he was convicted. he thought to impose upon the prophet, but was soon given to understand that the Spirit of prophecy could not be deceived, and that it was in vain to lie to the Holy Ghost. Elisha could tell him, (1.) What he had done, though he had denied it. "Thou sayest thou wentest nowhere, but went not my heart with thee?" Kg2 5:26. Had Gehazi yet to learn that prophets had spiritual eyes? or could he think to hide any thing from a seer, from him with whom the secret of the Lord was? Note, It is folly to presume upon sin in hopes of secresy. When thou goest aside into any by-path does not thy own conscience go with thee? Does not the eye of God go with thee? He that covers his sin shall not prosper, particularly a lying tongue is but for a moment, Pro 12:19. Truth will transpire, and often comes to light strangely, to the confusion of those that make lies their refuge. (2.) What he designed, though he kept that in his own breast. He could tell him the very thoughts and intents of his heart, that he was projecting, now that he had got these two talents, to purchase ground and cattle, to leave Elisha's service, and to set up for himself. Note, All the foolish hopes and contrivances of carnal worldlings are open before God. And he tells him also the evil of it: "Is it a time to receive money? Is this an opportunity of enriching thyself? Couldst thou find no better way of getting money than by belying thy master and laying a stumbling-block before a young convert?" Note, Those that are for getting wealth at any time, and by any ways and means whatsoever, right or wrong, lay themselves open to a great deal of temptation. Those that will be rich (per fas, per nefas; rem, rem, quocunque modo rem - by fair means, by foul means; careless of principle, intent only on money) drown themselves in destruction and perdition, Ti1 6:9. War, and fire, and plague, and shipwreck, are not, as many make them, things to get money by. It is not a time to increase our wealth when we cannot do it but in such ways as are dishonourable to God and religion or injurious to our brethren or the public.
2.How he was punished for it: The leprosy of Naaman shall cleave to thee, Kg2 5:27. If he will have his money, he shall take his disease with it, Transit cum onere - It passes with this incumbrance. He was contriving to entail lands upon his posterity; but, instead of them, he entails a loathsome disease on the heirs of his body, from generation to generation. The sentence was immediately executed on himself; no sooner said than done: He went out from his presence a leper as white as snow. Thus he is stigmatized and made infamous, and carries the mark of his shame wherever he goes: thus he loads himself and family with a curse, which shall not only for the present proclaim his villany, but for ever perpetuate the remembrance of it. Note, The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of those that seek death, Pro 21:6. Those who get wealth by fraud and injustice cannot expect either the comfort or the continuance of it. What was Gehazi profited, though he gained his two talents, when thereby he lost his health, his honour, his peace, his service, and, if repentance prevented not, his soul for ever? See Job 20:12, etc.
Gehazi was a covetous man to the bottom of his heart. He had pretended to reject his hidden greed but saw, through the betrayal of his mouth, what his soul was trying to hide.
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SUMMARY
Second Kings 5:22 captures Gehazi's pivotal act of deception against Naaman, the Syrian commander recently healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha. Driven by unbridled covetousness, Gehazi fabricates an urgent request from Elisha for a significant sum of silver and two changes of garments, purportedly for two "sons of the prophets" who had just arrived from Mount Ephraim. This verse meticulously details Gehazi's calculated lie, setting the stage for his severe divine judgment and serving as a stark moral contrast to Elisha's integrity and the freely given grace of God.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage in 2 Kings 5:22 is rich with several literary devices that enhance its dramatic tension and thematic impact. Dramatic Irony is prominently featured, as the reader is fully aware of Gehazi's cunning deception and his true motives, while Naaman remains entirely oblivious, genuinely believing he is honoring Elisha's request. This creates a palpable tension and underscores Gehazi's manipulative nature. Deception is the central plot device, meticulously crafted and executed by Gehazi to achieve his greedy aims. His precise and seemingly plausible details about the "sons of the prophets" and their origin from Mount Ephraim exemplify his skill in fabricating a believable narrative. The verse also employs Foreshadowing, as Gehazi's audacious lie immediately signals that severe consequences are inevitable for his actions, setting the stage for his later affliction with leprosy. Finally, there is a powerful Contrast drawn between Elisha's unwavering integrity and selfless refusal of gifts in the preceding verses and Gehazi's immediate, self-serving pursuit of wealth. This stark juxtaposition powerfully highlights the moral decay of the servant against the spiritual purity and principled stance of the master.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Gehazi's actions in 2 Kings 5:22 serve as a potent biblical warning against the insidious nature of greed and the perilous path of deception, particularly within the sacred context of spiritual service. His covetousness not only led him to lie and betray the trust placed in him but also to tarnish the reputation of God's miraculous work and Elisha's integrity. This narrative underscores the profound truth that God sees and judges hidden motives and secret actions, and that attempts to profit dishonestly from divine blessings will inevitably lead to severe and often public consequences. It serves as a timeless reminder that true service to God is characterized by selflessness, integrity, and a complete reliance on His provision, rather than by the pursuit of material gain through dishonest means.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Gehazi is a timeless and sobering cautionary tale for all believers, especially those entrusted with positions of ministry or leadership within the church. It powerfully illustrates how unchecked desires for wealth, status, or personal gain can corrupt the heart, leading to dishonesty, betrayal, and a profound spiritual fall. Gehazi's sin was not merely a pragmatic lie to Naaman; it was a deep betrayal of Elisha's trust, a misrepresentation of God's character and the nature of His freely given grace, and ultimately, a grievous sin against God Himself. His actions serve as a stark reminder that integrity is absolutely paramount in all aspects of life, particularly when we are called to represent Christ and His kingdom. We are consistently called to cultivate a spirit of contentment, trusting implicitly in God's faithful provision rather than resorting to manipulative or dishonest means to acquire wealth or status. The temptation to profit from spiritual gifts, ministry opportunities, or the generosity of others can be subtle and insidious, but Gehazi's tragic fate serves as a stark warning that such actions carry severe spiritual consequences. Our witness for Christ, the credibility of the Gospel, and the purity of the church are deeply impacted by our financial integrity and our unwavering commitment to truthfulness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Gehazi lie, and what was his motivation?
Answer: Gehazi lied primarily out of greed and covetousness. He had witnessed Elisha's steadfast refusal of Naaman's lavish gifts (2 Kings 5:16) and perceived this as a squandered opportunity for personal enrichment. He desired the silver and garments for himself, seeing them as a direct means to improve his own financial standing and social status. His motivation was entirely selfish, standing in stark contrast to Elisha's selfless demonstration of God's grace.
Did Elisha know about Gehazi's deception immediately?
Answer: Elisha did not physically witness Gehazi's deception as it occurred, as Gehazi secretly pursued Naaman after Elisha had dismissed him. However, upon Gehazi's return, Elisha, through profound prophetic discernment and divine revelation, became fully aware of Gehazi's actions. When Gehazi attempted to deny having gone anywhere, Elisha confronted him with piercing insight, saying, "Did not my spirit go with you when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and clothes...?" (2 Kings 5:26). This demonstrates Elisha's spiritual sensitivity and God's revelation of Gehazi's hidden sin.
What was the consequence of Gehazi's actions?
Answer: The consequence for Gehazi's deception and greed was immediate and severe: he was afflicted with Naaman's leprosy. Elisha declared, "Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever" (2 Kings 5:27). This immediate and visible judgment served as a powerful and undeniable testament to the seriousness of his sin, demonstrating that God will not tolerate corruption and dishonesty, especially among those who are called to represent Him and His holiness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Gehazi's self-serving greed and calculated deception, sharply contrasted with Elisha's integrity and selfless refusal of material gain, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect resolution in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Gehazi sought personal profit from God's miraculous work, Jesus, the true Prophet and the very Son of God, consistently and unequivocally refused earthly riches, worldly power, and personal acclaim. Instead, He embraced a path of profound selfless service and ultimate sacrifice. He came into the world not "to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Unlike Gehazi, who coveted a "talent of silver" and changes of garments, Jesus, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). His entire ministry was characterized by unmerited grace, offering healing, forgiveness, and eternal salvation without any price, perfectly embodying the divine generosity and freeness that Elisha sought to uphold. Jesus' life was marked by perfect integrity, absolute truthfulness, and a complete, unwavering submission to the Father's will, even unto the ignominious death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). He is the spotless Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world, not for any personal gain, but out of infinite, self-giving love, providing a perfect and eternal salvation that no amount of silver or changes of garments could ever purchase or earn.