2 Kings 5:8

KJV

And it was [so], when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was so, when Elisha {H477} the man {H376} of God {H430} had heard {H8085} that the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} had rent {H7167} his clothes {H899}, that he sent {H7971} to the king {H4428}, saying {H559}, Wherefore hast thou rent {H7167} thy clothes {H899}? let him come {H935} now to me, and he shall know {H3045} that there is {H3426} a prophet {H5030} in Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Isra'el had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: "Why did you tear your clothes? Just have him come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Isra'el."

Berean Standard Bible

Now when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why have you torn your clothes? Please let the man come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.”

American Standard Version

And it was so, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 5:8 captures a pivotal moment of divine intervention, contrasting the profound despair and perceived helplessness of the King of Israel with the calm, authoritative confidence of Elisha, the man of God. Upon hearing of the king's distress over his inability to heal Naaman, the Syrian commander, Elisha sends a message that reorients the crisis from a political dilemma to a spiritual opportunity. His declaration, "Let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel," powerfully asserts God's active presence and sovereign power, signaling that true solutions lie not in human might but in divine revelation through His chosen servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the King of Israel's dramatic display of despair in [2 Kings 5:7](/2_kings/5-7 "2 Kings 5:7 - The King of Israel's Despair"). Naaman, the Syrian army commander, has arrived in Israel with a letter from his king, requesting healing for his leprosy. The King of Israel, likely Joram, misinterprets this as a deliberate provocation for war, believing the Syrian king is testing his power by asking him to perform a miracle only God can do. His act of tearing his clothes signifies extreme distress and a profound sense of helplessness. Elisha's message in [2 Kings 5:8](/2_kings/5-8 "2 Kings 5:8 - Elisha's Intervention") directly responds to this royal crisis, shifting the focus from political maneuvering and human limitations to the active presence of God's power in Israel through His prophet. It sets the stage for Naaman's encounter with Elisha and the subsequent demonstration of God's miraculous power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the ongoing, often tense, relationship between the northern kingdom of Israel and its powerful neighbor, Aram (Syria). King Joram ruled Israel during a period of frequent conflict and uneasy truces with Syria, making the Syrian king's letter a highly sensitive diplomatic incident. Leprosy in the ancient Near East was not only a debilitating physical disease but also carried significant social and religious stigma, rendering individuals unclean and isolated (see [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases")). The act of "tearing one's clothes" was a widely recognized cultural expression of intense grief, horror, or indignation, often in response to blasphemy, great loss, or profound helplessness. For a king to do so publicly underscored the gravity of the situation and his perceived inability to resolve it, especially when faced with a request that seemed to mock his divine authority or human limitations.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Kings 5:8](/2_kings/5-8 "2 Kings 5:8 - Elisha's Response") profoundly contributes to several key themes within the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader prophetic narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God over Human Authority**. The king's despair sharply contrasts with Elisha's calm confidence, demonstrating that true power and solutions come from God, not from earthly rulers or their armies. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Revelation of God's Presence and Power through His Prophets**. Elisha's primary concern is not merely Naaman's healing but that both the King of Israel and Naaman "know that there is a prophet in Israel," thereby acknowledging the living God at work. This serves as a powerful witness to both Israel and the surrounding nations. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Initiative and Compassion**, as God, through Elisha, reaches out to a foreign dignitary, demonstrating His universal concern and ability to work beyond the boundaries of Israel to reveal His glory, setting the stage for Naaman's journey of faith and eventual conversion in [2 Kings 5:15](/2_kings/5-15 "2 Kings 5:15 - Naaman's Confession").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rent (Hebrew, _qāraʿ_):** This verb signifies "to tear, to rend, to rip." In the context of tearing clothes, it is a powerful non-verbal expression of extreme distress, grief, horror, or indignation. The King of Israel's act of tearing his clothes here indicates his profound despair and sense of powerlessness, believing the Syrian king's request was a pretext for war, as he could not possibly heal leprosy. It underscores the depth of the human crisis that Elisha's divine intervention addresses.
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nāḇîʾ_):** This noun denotes one who is called by God to speak on His behalf, a spokesperson or messenger. The phrase "there is a prophet in Israel" is not merely about Elisha's personal identity but about the active presence of God through His chosen instrument. It asserts that despite the nation's spiritual decline and the king's helplessness, God's voice and power are still manifest in Israel, distinguishing the God of Israel from the impotent deities of surrounding nations.
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _ʾîš hā-ʾĕlōhîm_):** This title, frequently applied to Elisha and Elijah, signifies an individual specially chosen and empowered by God, acting as His representative and mediator of His will and power. It highlights Elisha's unique spiritual authority, which transcends the political authority of the king. When Elisha is identified as "the man of God," it immediately signals that his actions and words carry divine weight and authority, contrasting sharply with the king's human limitations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was [so], when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes":** This opening clause establishes the immediate cause-and-effect relationship. Elisha, identified by his authoritative title "the man of God," is presented as being divinely aware of the king's public display of despair. This highlights Elisha's spiritual discernment and his active engagement with the affairs of the kingdom, even when not directly consulted by the king. His hearing of the king's actions implies a reputation for spiritual insight and a connection to the divine realm that extends beyond the royal court.
* **"that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes?":** Elisha's initiative is striking. He does not wait to be summoned but proactively sends a message to the king. His rhetorical question, "Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes?" is not born of ignorance but serves to gently rebuke the king's lack of faith and to redirect his focus. It implies that such a display of despair is unnecessary given God's active presence in Israel through His prophet, challenging the king's perception of utter helplessness.
* **"let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.":** This is the core of Elisha's message, carrying both a direct command and a profound theological statement. "Let him come now to me" is a confident directive, asserting Elisha's authority as God's representative. The purpose clause, "and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel," reveals the ultimate goal: not merely Naaman's healing, but the demonstration of God's reality and power. This revelation is intended for Naaman, for the King of Israel, and implicitly for the surrounding nations, underscoring God's active presence and unique identity in contrast to pagan deities.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [2 Kings 5:8](/2_kings/5-8 "2 Kings 5:8 - Elisha's Bold Declaration") effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Contrast** is central, starkly juxtaposing the King of Israel's human despair and political impotence with Elisha's divine authority and calm confidence. The king's tearing of clothes, a visible sign of utter helplessness, is immediately met by Elisha's decisive action and declarative statement, highlighting the difference between earthly and heavenly power. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows Elisha possesses the power to heal through God, while the king is consumed by fear and ignorance of this divine resource within his own kingdom. Elisha's rhetorical question, "Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes?" functions as a subtle **Rebuke**, challenging the king's lack of faith and reminding him of God's active presence. Finally, the verse serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Naaman's miraculous healing and subsequent confession of faith, which will indeed prove "that there is a prophet in Israel" and, by extension, that the God of Israel is the one true God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Kings 5:8](/2_kings/5-8 "2 Kings 5:8 - Elisha's Divine Intervention") serves as a powerful theological statement about God's sovereignty and His chosen method of revealing Himself to a world often lost in human despair and false worship. Elisha's intervention demonstrates that God is not limited by political boundaries, human frailties, or the perceived impossibility of a situation. Rather, He actively intervenes through His appointed servants to manifest His power and truth, not just for the benefit of His people, but also for those outside the covenant. This act underscores that true authority and ultimate solutions reside with God alone, challenging the world's reliance on human might and wisdom. It is a testament to God's desire for all to "know that there is a prophet in Israel"—that He is real, active, and capable of miracles.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge")
* [Isaiah 45:5-6](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5-6 - God is Lord Alone")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Trust in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The King of Israel's reaction in [2 Kings 5:7](/2_kings/5-7 "2 Kings 5:7 - The King's Despair")—tearing his clothes in despair—is a deeply human response to an overwhelming problem that seems to have no solution. We often face our own "leprosy" moments: crises in health, finances, relationships, or societal challenges that feel beyond our control, leading to anxiety, fear, and a sense of helplessness. Elisha's message in [2 Kings 5:8](/2_kings/5-8 "2 Kings 5:8 - Elisha's Assurance") offers a profound counter-narrative: even when human leaders are at their wits' end, God remains sovereign and active. This passage calls us to shift our gaze from the limitations of human power to the limitless power of God. It encourages us to remember that God often works through unexpected channels and that our challenges can become platforms for Him to reveal His presence and power, not just to us, but to those around us. Our response to despair should not be to tear our clothes in resignation, but to turn to the "prophet in Israel"—to God Himself, through His Word and His Spirit, trusting that He is fully capable of intervening and demonstrating His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations in your life currently cause you to feel like tearing your clothes in despair?**
* **How does Elisha's confident intervention challenge your default response to overwhelming problems?**
* **In what ways can your current challenges become an opportunity for God to reveal Himself to you and to others, demonstrating that "there is a prophet in Israel" (i.e., God is active and present)?**

### FAQ

**Why was the King of Israel so distressed by the Syrian king's letter?**

Answer: The King of Israel (likely Joram) was distressed because the letter from the King of Syria requested him to heal Naaman of his leprosy. In ancient times, leprosy was considered an incurable disease, and healing it was seen as a divine act. The King of Israel interpreted this request not as a genuine plea for help, but as a deliberate provocation, believing the Syrian king was seeking a pretext for war by asking him to perform a miracle that only God could accomplish. His tearing of clothes, as described in [2 Kings 5:7](/2_kings/5-7 "2 Kings 5:7 - The King's Distress"), symbolized his profound despair, fear, and sense of powerlessness in the face of such an impossible demand and potential international conflict.

**What is the significance of Elisha being called "the man of God" in this context?**

Answer: The title "man of God" (Hebrew: _ʾîš hā-ʾĕlōhîm_) signifies that Elisha is God's special representative, endowed with divine authority and power. In this context, it is highly significant because it immediately contrasts Elisha's spiritual authority with the King of Israel's earthly, limited power. While the king is helpless and distraught, "the man of God" steps in with calm confidence, demonstrating that the true power and solution reside with God, who works through His chosen servant. This title underscores that Elisha's intervention is not merely human initiative but a direct manifestation of God's active presence in Israel.

**Why was it important for Naaman (and others) to "know that there is a prophet in Israel"?**

Answer: The phrase "he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel" carries profound theological weight. Firstly, it asserts the reality and active presence of the God of Israel in contrast to the false gods of Syria and other nations. Naaman, a worshiper of Rimmon, needed to encounter the living God. Secondly, it was a crucial reminder to the King of Israel and the people that despite their spiritual failings and political vulnerabilities, God had not abandoned them; His power was still manifest through His prophet. Thirdly, it set the stage for a demonstration of God's universal sovereignty, showing that His power extends even to a foreign commander, ultimately leading Naaman to confess 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 of Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Kings 5:8](/2_kings/5-8 "2 Kings 5:8 - Elisha Points to God's Prophet") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "Man of God," Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the divine presence and power that Elisha merely channeled. Elisha's calm authority in the face of the king's despair points to Christ's serene sovereignty over all human limitations and the chaos of sin and sickness. Just as Elisha's intervention revealed that a true prophet of God was in Israel, Jesus's ministry unequivocally demonstrated that God Himself had visited His people, fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Immanuel Prophecy") as "God with us." Elisha's invitation, "Let him come now to me," echoes the gracious invitation of Jesus, who calls all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest and healing ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me")). The healing of Naaman, a Gentile, through the prophet of Israel, prefigures the universal scope of Christ's salvation, extending beyond Israel to all nations ([Luke 2:32](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - A Light for the Gentiles")). Ultimately, Elisha's mission to reveal God's active presence and power finds its complete and perfect fulfillment in Christ, through whom we not only "know that there is a prophet in Israel" but that God has fully revealed Himself and provided the ultimate cure for the leprosy of sin through His atoning sacrifice ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Lamb of God")).

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 5:3

And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord [were] with the prophet that [is] in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

Romans 11:13

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Hosea 12:13

And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.

2 Kings 5:15

¶ And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that [there is] no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.

1 Kings 18:36

And it came to pass at [the time of] the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou [art] God in Israel, and [that] I [am] thy servant, and [that] I have done all these things at thy word.

1 Kings 18:37

Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou [art] the LORD God, and [that] thou hast turned their heart back again.

2 Samuel 3:31

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that [were] with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David [himself] followed the bier.