Naaman, a Syrian captain afflicted with leprosy, was directed by a captive Israelite maid to the prophet Elisha in Samaria. Initially offended by Elisha's simple command to wash seven times in the Jordan, Naaman eventually obeyed and was miraculously cleansed. He returned to confess faith in the God of Israel, but Elisha's servant Gehazi, driven by greed, deceitfully obtained gifts from Naaman, for which he was cursed with Naaman's leprosy.
Na'aman, commander of the king of Aram's army, was highly respected and esteemed by his master; because through him ADONAI had brought victory to Aram. But although he was a brave warrior, he also suffered from tzara'at.
The king of Aram said, "Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Isra'el." He set out, taking with him 660 pounds of silver, 6,000 pieces of gold and ten changes of clothes.
He brought the king of Isra'el the letter, which said, "When this letter reaches you, you will see that I have sent my servant Na'aman to you, so that you can heal his tzara'at."
When the king of Isra'el finished reading the letter, he tore his clothes. "Am I God, able to kill and make alive," he asked, "so that he sends me a man to heal of tzara'at? You can see that he is only seeking an excuse to quarrel with me."
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."
But Na'aman became angry and left, saying, "Here now! I thought for certain that he would come out personally, that he would stand, call on the name of ADONAI his God and wave his hand over the diseased place and thus heal the person with tzara'at.
Aren't Amanah and Parpar, the rivers of Dammesek, better than all the water in Isra'el? Why can't I bathe in them and be clean?" So he turned and went off in a rage.
But his servants approached him and said, "My father! If the prophet had asked you to do something really difficult, wouldn't you have done it? So, doesn't it make even more sense to do what he says, when it's only, 'Bathe, and be clean'?"
So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Yarden, as the man of God had said to do; and his skin was restored and became like the skin of a child; and he became clean.
Then, with his whole retinue, he returned to the man of God, went and stood before him, and said, "Well, I've learned that there is no God in all the earth except in Isra'el; therefore, please accept a present from your servant."
So Na'aman said, "If you won't take it, then please let your servant be given as much earth as two mules can carry; because from now on, your servant will offer neither burnt offerings nor sacrifices to other gods, but only to ADONAI.
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."
when Geichazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, "Here, my master has made it easy on this Arami Na'aman by not accepting from him what he brought. As ADONAI lives, I'll run after him and get at least something from him."
So Geichazi hurried off after Na'aman. When Na'aman saw someone running after him, he got down from his chariot to meet him and asked, "Is everything all right?"
"Yes," he replied. "My master sent me with this message: 'Two young men have just now come to me, guild prophets from the hills of Efrayim. Would you be kind enough to give them a talent of silver [sixty-six pounds] and two changes of clothes?"
"By all means, take two talents!" said Na'aman, pressing him. He tied up the two talents of silver in two bags and gave them, with the two changes of clothes, to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Geichazi.
Elisha said to him, "Wasn't my heart there with you when the man left his chariot to meet you? Is this a time to receive silver and clothing - and olive groves and vineyards and sheep and oxen and male and female slaves?
Therefore Na'aman's tzara'at will cling to you and your descendants forever." He left Elisha's presence with tzara'at as white as snow.
Study Notes for 2 Kings 5
Verse 1
Naaman's status highlights the paradox of human greatness marred by inescapable affliction (leprosy). That the LORD gave deliverance to Syria shows God's sovereignty extends even over foreign, hostile nations.
Verse 2
The story pivots on the faith of this unnamed 'little maid,' a captive girl who demonstrates loyalty and conviction, pointing her master to the true source of healing, the prophet in Israel.
Verse 5
The vast treasure (10 talents of silver and 6,000 pieces of gold) reflects Naaman's wealth and status, and the desperate seriousness of his request, approaching healing as a political transaction.
Verse 6
Naaman and the Syrian King mistakenly believe that physical healing is a political favor or transaction handled by the King of Israel, failing to recognize the need for divine intervention.
Verse 7
The King of Israel (likely Joram) tears his clothes in fear, recognizing that the request is impossible for him and suspecting a political trap. He fails to recognize the prophetic power available in his own kingdom.
Verse 8
Elisha intervenes to protect the king and, more importantly, to ensure that Naaman (and Syria) learns that the God of Israel is active through His prophet, demonstrating divine power over political maneuvering.
Verse 10
Elisha asserts his authority by sending a messenger, not appearing himself, and gives a simple, symbolic command: washing seven times in the ritualistically significant Jordan River.
Verse 11
Naaman's anger stems from wounded pride and cultural expectations. He anticipated a dramatic, personalized ritual typical of pagan magic or high royal protocol, not a simple, humbling act.
Verse 12
Naaman’s preference for the great rivers of Damascus highlights the conflict between human logic/aesthetic preference and divine command. Faith requires obedience even when the means seem nonsensical.
Verse 14
Naaman’s complete obedience leads to complete healing. The transformation of his skin 'like unto the flesh of a little child' signifies total restoration, symbolizing spiritual cleansing through humble submission.
Verse 15
Naaman’s confession, 'now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel,' is the theological climax of the story, demonstrating that the miracle led to genuine conversion and exclusive worship.
Verse 16
Elisha refuses the substantial gift to emphasize that divine grace and power are not commodities for sale. This refusal maintains the integrity of the prophetic ministry and God’s free gift.
Verse 17
Naaman requests earth, perhaps believing that the God of Israel could only be properly worshipped on the sacred soil of Israel, reflecting common ancient Near Eastern religious views of territorial gods.
Verse 20
Gehazi's motive is pure avarice, viewing Elisha's refusal of gifts as foolishness. His oath, 'as the LORD liveth,' ironically precedes his act of betrayal and theft.
Verse 26
Elisha reveals that he saw the entire transaction supernaturally. He condemns Gehazi for attempting to profit from a miracle, thereby undermining the divine nature of the healing.
Verse 27
The transfer of Naaman’s leprosy to Gehazi serves as a physical manifestation of Gehazi’s profound moral corruption (greed and deceit). This severe punishment protects the reputation of God’s free grace and Elisha’s ministry.
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The Calling of Disciples
19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
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