The Plight of the Powerful: Naaman the Leper
The Old Testament is replete with accounts that vividly portray the sovereign power and redemptive grace of God. Among these, the story of Naaman, the captain of the host of the king of Syria, found in 2 Kings 5, stands as a profound testament to humility, obedience, and divine healing. Naaman was a man of immense stature and influence, described as "a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour." Yet, despite his worldly success and military prowess, he carried a devastating secret: "but he was a leper." This single phrase highlights the stark contrast between outward glory and inner affliction, a common human experience that transcends time and status. Leprosy in biblical times was not merely a physical ailment; it was a societal death sentence, a symbol of uncleanness and separation, often associated with divine judgment. Naaman's greatness was overshadowed by a disease that rendered him an outcast in the sight of God and man, despite his high office.
Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
His story begins not with a grand diplomatic mission, but with the quiet testimony of a small, unnamed Israelite maid, taken captive during a Syrian raid. This humble girl, serving in Naaman's household, possessed a faith far greater than her station. She knew of Elisha, the prophet of God in Samaria, and believed in his ability to heal. Her simple yet profound statement to her mistress, "Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy," set in motion a chain of events orchestrated by divine providence. This illustrates that God often uses the most unlikely and overlooked instruments to accomplish His glorious purposes, reminding us that no act of faith, however small, is insignificant in His sight.
The Journey of Expectation and Disappointment
Upon hearing the maid's words, Naaman's master, the king of Syria, readily agreed to send him to Israel, even providing a letter to the king of Israel. Naaman departed with a lavish retinue, carrying ten talents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment – a testament to his wealth and the gravity of his condition. However, the king of Israel, upon receiving the letter which essentially commanded him to heal Naaman, was filled with despair. He rent his clothes, exclaiming, "Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy?" His reaction reveals a common human failing: looking to man for what only God can provide, and misunderstanding the true source of power. He perceived it as a political trap, failing to recognize God's hand at work.
And it was so, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.
News of the king of Israel's distress reached Elisha, the man of God. Elisha, with calm authority, sent a message to the king: "Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel." This intervention redirects the focus from human inability to divine capability, emphasizing that God's power is manifested through His chosen vessels, not through political might or human wisdom. Naaman then journeyed to Elisha's house, arriving with all his horses and chariots, expecting a grand, public display of power befitting his status.
The Test of Humility and Obedience
The moment of truth arrived when Naaman stood at the door of Elisha's house. Contrary to Naaman's expectations of a personal audience and a dramatic ritual, Elisha did not even come out to meet him. Instead, he sent a messenger with a simple, seemingly insignificant instruction: "Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean." This humble command was a direct challenge to Naaman's pride and preconceived notions. Naaman, a man accustomed to giving orders, was deeply offended. His pride flared, and he turned away in a rage, complaining:
Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
Naaman's reaction is a powerful illustration of the human tendency to resist God's simple ways, preferring instead grander, more spectacular, or more logical methods. He expected a performance, a demonstration of power that would validate his status, not a humble dip in the muddy Jordan. His indignation stemmed from his belief that his own rivers were superior and that the prophet's method was too demeaning for a man of his standing. It took the wise counsel of his servants to bring him to his senses. They reasoned with him, saying, "My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?" This simple logic cut through Naaman's pride, highlighting the absurdity of refusing a small act of obedience when he would have readily performed a more difficult one.
The Miraculous Cleansing and Transformation
Humbled by the wisdom of his servants, Naaman finally relented. He went down to the Jordan and, in an act of profound submission, "dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God." The result was instantaneous and miraculous: "and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." The transformation was not just physical; it was spiritual. His flesh was restored to a pristine, childlike state, symbolizing a new beginning, a spiritual rebirth. This healing was not a reward for his wealth or status, but a gift of grace received through humble obedience to God's simple command.
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Naaman's response to his healing was equally transformative. He returned to Elisha with all his company, no longer in a rage but filled with gratitude and awe. His confession was unequivocal: "Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel." This declaration was a complete repudiation of his former pagan beliefs and an embrace of the one true God. He sought to offer Elisha a gift, which the prophet steadfastly refused, emphasizing that God's grace cannot be bought or earned. Naaman then requested two mules' burden of earth, signifying his desire to worship the God of Israel even in his own land, and made a solemn vow: "thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD." His transformation was complete, from a proud leper to a humble worshipper of Jehovah.
Timeless Lessons from Naaman's Healing
The healing of Naaman offers several profound spiritual lessons relevant to believers today:
The story of Naaman serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign, merciful, and able to heal both physically and spiritually. His power is not limited by human status or understanding, but is freely given to those who approach Him with humility and obedient faith. Naaman's journey from prideful leper to humble worshipper remains a timeless testimony to the transformative power of God's grace.