2 Kings 5:4

KJV

And [one] went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that [is] of the land of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one went in {H935}, and told {H5046} his lord {H113}, saying {H559}, Thus and thus said {H1696} the maid {H5291} that is of the land {H776} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Na'aman went in and told his lord, "The girl from the land of Isra'el said such-and-such."

Berean Standard Bible

And Naaman went and told his master what the girl from the land of Israel had said.

American Standard Version

And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maiden that is of the land of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Naaman, the esteemed Aramean commander, as his unnamed servant relays the hopeful, faith-filled message from the young Israelite captive girl to her master. This seemingly minor interaction serves as the critical catalyst, transforming a desperate situation into an extraordinary journey of healing and revelation, underscoring how God's sovereign plan often unfolds through the most humble and unexpected instruments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the opening narrative of [2 Kings chapter 5](/2_kings/5 "2 Kings 5 - Naaman's Healing"). The preceding verses ([2 Kings 5:1-3](/2_kings/5-1 "2 Kings 5:1-3 - Naaman's Condition and the Maid's Suggestion")) introduce Naaman as a man of great stature and military success in Aram, yet afflicted with leprosy, a debilitating and socially isolating disease. Into this grim reality steps a young Israelite girl, captured during a raid, who, out of compassion and unwavering faith, suggests that Naaman seek healing from "the prophet that is in Samaria." [2 Kings 5:4](/2_kings/5-4 "2 Kings 5:4 - The Maid's Message") then describes the crucial act of relaying this message to Naaman, setting in motion the entire sequence of events that will culminate in his miraculous cure and profound confession of faith. It acts as the bridge between the maid's hopeful declaration and Naaman's subsequent journey to Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the ninth century BCE, a period of frequent conflict and interaction between the kingdom of Aram (Syria) and the northern kingdom of Israel. Naaman is a high-ranking general of Aram, a formidable military power. Leprosy (Hebrew: _tzara'at_) in ancient Israelite culture was not only a physical ailment but also carried significant social and ritualistic implications, often leading to isolation (see [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Leprosy")). The Israelite girl's status as a captive slave in a foreign land highlights her vulnerability and low social standing. Yet, despite her circumstances, her words are heard and acted upon, a testament to the unusual nature of this divine intervention. The fact that Naaman, a powerful Gentile, would even consider a suggestion from a slave girl from a conquered nation speaks to his desperation and perhaps a prevailing openness to various forms of healing in the ancient world, but ultimately points to God's orchestrating hand.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Kings 5:4](/2_kings/5-4 "2 Kings 5:4 - The Maid's Message") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **God's use of unconventional and humble instruments** to accomplish His divine purposes. The captive maid, seemingly insignificant, becomes the primary catalyst for a national leader's encounter with the true God, echoing themes found in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak"). Secondly, it underscores the **power of a simple, faithful testimony**. The maid's words, born of genuine faith in God's prophet, carried immense weight and hope, demonstrating that God can use anyone, anywhere, to spread His truth. Thirdly, the narrative highlights **God's sovereign grace extending beyond Israel's borders**, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, a theme explicitly referenced by Jesus in [Luke 4:27](/luke/4-27 "Luke 4:27 - Jesus Mentions Naaman"). This verse initiates the journey from despair to hope, revealing God's compassion for all humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"one went in" (Hebrew, _vayyavo'_):** This phrase uses an impersonal or indefinite masculine singular verb, often translated as "he went in" or "one went in." While the KJV translates it as "one," the Hebrew does not specify _who_ went in. This ambiguity is significant. It could refer to Naaman himself, indicating the maid's message was relayed directly to him by his wife, or to a trusted servant or aide who brought the message to Naaman's attention. Regardless of the specific individual, the use of this general term emphasizes that the maid's words, despite her low status, were deemed important enough to be conveyed to the highest authority, highlighting the immediate and serious consideration given to her suggestion.
* **"Thus and thus said" (Hebrew, _koh vakhoh amrah'_):** This idiomatic phrase signifies a direct and faithful reporting of someone's exact words. It emphasizes that the maid's message was relayed accurately and without embellishment or dilution. The repetition of "thus" (כֹּה) underscores the earnestness and precision with which her hopeful declaration was delivered, indicating that the messenger understood the critical nature of the maid's statement and its potential impact on Naaman's desperate situation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one went in":** This opening clause immediately shifts the scene from the maid's compassionate suggestion to the action of relaying it. The unnamed individual, likely Naaman's wife or a trusted servant, takes the maid's words seriously enough to bring them before the powerful general. This act demonstrates the maid's credibility and the urgency of Naaman's condition, prompting immediate attention to even an unconventional remedy.
* **"and told his lord, saying":** This phrase confirms that the message was delivered directly to Naaman. The messenger acts as a conduit, faithfully transmitting the maid's words. The act of "telling" implies a formal report, indicating that the maid's suggestion was not dismissed as idle chatter but presented as a legitimate piece of information worthy of Naaman's consideration.
* **"Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel":** This is the core of the verse, highlighting the content and source of the message. The phrase "Thus and thus said" emphasizes the faithful and direct quotation of the maid's words, underscoring their importance. The identification of the messenger as "the maid that is of the land of Israel" is crucial. It reminds the audience of her identity as a captive from the nation where God's prophet resides, imbuing her words with an unexpected authority and divine potential, despite her social standing.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Kings 5:4](/2_kings/5-4 "2 Kings 5:4 - The Maid's Message") employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the mighty Aramean general, Naaman, is dependent on the wisdom and compassion of a nameless, captive Israelite slave girl for his healing. Her low social status stands in stark contrast to his high military rank, yet her words hold the key to his deliverance. There is also an element of **Understatement** in the maid's simple declaration, "would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy." This seemingly modest statement initiates a chain of events of immense theological and historical significance. The entire narrative also functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at God's universal concern and His plan to extend salvation beyond the boundaries of Israel, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. Finally, the swift and direct relaying of the message ("Thus and thus said") contributes to the **Pacing** of the narrative, building immediate anticipation for Naaman's response and the unfolding miracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Kings 5:4](/2_kings/5-4 "2 Kings 5:4 - The Maid's Message") serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty and His unconventional methods of operation. It demonstrates that God is not limited by human hierarchies, social status, or national boundaries. He can use the most humble and overlooked individuals—a captive slave girl—to initiate His divine plan and bring about miraculous intervention. This verse underscores the power of a simple, faith-filled testimony, highlighting that God often chooses the weak and despised things of the world to confound the wise and mighty, thereby ensuring that all glory redounds to Him alone. It is a powerful reminder that every believer, regardless of their position, has the potential to be an instrument of God's grace and truth in the lives of others, even those in positions of power or influence.

* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - Hannah's Prayer: God Raises the Poor")
* [Psalm 113:7-8](/psalms/113-7 "Psalm 113:7-7 - God Lifts the Needy")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Kings 5:4](/2_kings/5-4 "2 Kings 5:4 - The Maid's Message") offers a powerful and enduring challenge for contemporary believers. It compels us to consider the profound impact of our words and actions, particularly in environments where we might feel insignificant or powerless. The Israelite maid, stripped of her freedom and living in a foreign land, did not allow her circumstances to diminish her faith or compassion. Her simple, yet profound, testimony became the catalyst for a miracle that touched a nation. This reminds us that God can use anyone, anywhere, to advance His kingdom. We are called to be faithful witnesses, sharing the hope we have in Christ with those around us, regardless of their status or our own perceived limitations. Our seemingly small acts of faith or words of truth can be the very spark God uses to ignite spiritual transformation in the lives of others, demonstrating His omnipotence and our vital role as His humble messengers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I underestimate the potential impact of my simple acts of faith or words of truth?**
* **How does the maid's compassion for Naaman, despite her captivity, challenge my own willingness to extend grace and hope to others, especially those who might be considered "enemies" or "outsiders"?**
* **Who in my sphere of influence might be desperate for a word of hope that I, as a believer, am uniquely positioned to offer?**

### FAQ

**Who was "one" who went in and told Naaman, and why is their identity not specified?**

Answer: The text uses an indefinite pronoun (Hebrew: _vayyavo'_, "he went in" or "one went in"), which does not specify the individual. While some traditions suggest it was Naaman's wife or a trusted servant, the ambiguity serves a literary and theological purpose. It highlights that the message itself, rather than the messenger's identity, is paramount. The focus remains on the maid's powerful testimony and the fact that it was deemed significant enough to reach the highest authority. This underscores God's ability to work through any channel, emphasizing the divine orchestration of events rather than human agency. The important detail is that the message reached Naaman, setting the miracle in motion.

**What is the significance of the maid being "of the land of Israel"?**

Answer: Her origin is crucial because it connects her testimony directly to the God of Israel and His prophet, Elisha. As a captive from Israel, she carries with her the knowledge of the one true God and His power, which contrasts sharply with the pagan deities of Aram. Her status as an Israelite, though enslaved, authenticates her message as coming from the land where God's miraculous power is known to operate. This detail subtly introduces the theme of God's grace extending beyond Israel, as a foreign general is pointed to the God of Israel for healing, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, a theme later echoed in the New Testament (e.g., [Luke 4:27](/luke/4-27 "Luke 4:27 - Jesus Mentions Naaman")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Naaman's healing, initiated by the humble maid's testimony in [2 Kings 5:4](/2_kings/5-4 "2 Kings 5:4 - The Maid's Message"), powerfully foreshadows the expansive nature of God's grace revealed in Jesus Christ. Just as Naaman, a Gentile, was directed to the prophet of Israel for physical cleansing, so too is salvation offered to all humanity, Jew and Gentile alike, through the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King—Jesus Christ. Naaman's journey to Israel and his eventual dipping in the Jordan River for cleansing ([2 Kings 5:14](/2_kings/5-14 "2 Kings 5:14 - Naaman's Cleansing")) can be seen as a type of baptism, pointing to the spiritual cleansing and new life found in Christ. Jesus Himself, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not only for the lost sheep of Israel but also to gather those from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")). The maid's simple, faith-filled words are a testament to how God uses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His grand purposes, a truth perfectly embodied in Christ's humble birth and sacrificial death, which brought about the greatest miracle of all—redemption for all who believe ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). Naaman's subsequent confession of faith ([2 Kings 5:15](/2_kings/5-15 "2 Kings 5:15 - Naaman's Confession")) echoes the call for all to confess Jesus as Lord and believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead to be saved ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief")).

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

1 Corinthians 1:26

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]:

1 Corinthians 1:27

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Mark 16:9

¶ Now when [Jesus] was risen early the first [day] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Mark 16:10

[And] she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

John 4:28

The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

John 4:29

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

Mark 5:19

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.