2 Kings 5:18

In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, [that] when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing.

In this thing {H1697} the LORD {H3068} pardon {H5545} thy servant {H5650}, that when my master {H113} goeth {H935} into the house {H1004} of Rimmon {H7417} to worship {H7812} there, and he leaneth {H8172} on my hand {H3027}, and I bow {H7812} myself in the house {H1004} of Rimmon {H7417}: when I bow down {H7812} myself in the house {H1004} of Rimmon {H7417}, the LORD {H3068} pardon {H5545} thy servant {H5650} in this thing {H1697}.

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."

Yet may the LORD forgive your servant this one thing: When my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my arm, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant in this matter.”

In this thing Jehovah pardon thy servant: when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, Jehovah pardon thy servant in this thing.

Commentary

Context

This verse presents a unique moral dilemma for Naaman, the Syrian commander, immediately following his miraculous healing from leprosy by the God of Israel through the prophet Elisha. Having witnessed God's power and Naaman's profound confession of faith that there is "no God in all the earth, but in Israel," he now grapples with how to reconcile his new devotion to the LORD with his high-ranking secular duties. His master, the King of Syria, regularly worships in the temple of Rimmon, a pagan deity. As a key aide, Naaman is required to accompany the king and physically support him, which involves bowing down in the temple. Naaman seeks divine pardon for this unavoidable act, understanding it as a necessary part of his service to the king, not an act of personal worship to Rimmon.

Key Themes

  • Transition of Faith and Conscience: Naaman is a new convert facing the immediate challenges of living his faith in a polytheistic culture. His request highlights the tension between his newfound monotheistic belief and his existing civic obligations. He is seeking to understand the boundaries of his spiritual commitment.
  • God's Grace and Understanding: While the Bible strongly condemns idolatry, Naaman's plea for pardon, and Elisha's simple yet profound response of "Go in peace" in 2 Kings 5:19, suggest an understanding of Naaman's unique and difficult position. It implies divine grace for a new believer navigating complex circumstances, where outward compliance is distinct from inward conviction.
  • Authenticity of Worship: This passage implicitly emphasizes that true worship is primarily a matter of the heart and intention. Naaman's concern demonstrates his desire to remain faithful to the God of Israel, even when external circumstances compel him to an action that could be misconstrued.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Rimmon" (Hebrew: Χ¨Φ΄ΧžΦΌΧ•ΦΉΧŸ, Rimmon) refers to a Syrian storm god, often identified with Hadad. Naaman's repeated phrase, "the LORD pardon thy servant," underscores his earnest desire for divine forgiveness and his recognition of the LORD's authority over all aspects of his life, even those seemingly outside the realm of direct worship.

Practical Application

Naaman's dilemma resonates with believers today who navigate their faith in secular or pluralistic environments. This verse encourages us to consider:

  • Navigating Compromise: How do we maintain our integrity and devotion to God when our professional or social roles place us in situations that might appear to compromise our faith? The key often lies in the heart's intent and whether the action is an active participation in sin or an unavoidable, passive presence.
  • God's Patience and Grace: God understands our human limitations and the complexities of life. This passage reminds us of His grace, particularly for new believers or those in exceptionally difficult circumstances, as they grow in their understanding and application of faith.
  • The Heart of Worship: Ultimately, what matters most to God is the sincere devotion of our hearts. While outward actions are important, they are a reflection of inward conviction. Naaman's concern highlights the importance of a clear conscience before God.

Reflection

Naaman's request in 2 Kings 5:18 offers a nuanced perspective on faith and duty. It is a testament to a new convert's sincere desire to honor God above all, even when faced with the practical realities of his former life. It invites us to consider God's compassionate understanding of our struggles and His willingness to meet us where we are, guiding us in our walk of faith.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 7:2 (5 votes)

    Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, [if] the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see [it] with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.

  • 2 Kings 7:17 (4 votes)

    And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.

  • 2 Kings 17:35 (4 votes)

    With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:

  • 1 Kings 19:18 (3 votes)

    Yet I have left [me] seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

  • Exodus 20:5 (3 votes)

    Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

  • Jeremiah 50:20 (3 votes)

    In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and [there shall be] none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:18 (3 votes)

    For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one