2 Kings Chapter 5

Naaman Cured of Leprosy

(Luke 17:11-19)

1Now 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. 2And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. 3And 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. 4And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel. 5And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

6And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy. 7And it came to pass, 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.

8And 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. 9So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. 10And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. 11But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, 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. 12Are 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. 13And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, 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? 14Then 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.

Gehazi's Greed and Leprosy

15And 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. 16But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. 17And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD. 18In 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. 19And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.

20But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. 21So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? 22And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. 23And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him. 24And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. 25But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.

26And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? 27The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Naaman Cured of Leprosy
(Luke 17:11–19)

1 Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him Yahweh had given victory to Syria: he was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2 The Syrians had gone out in bands, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maiden; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “I wish that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would heal him of his leprosy.” 4 Someone went in, and told his lord, saying, “The maiden who is from the land of Israel said this.” 5 The king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” He departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of clothing.

6 He brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, “Now when this letter has come to you, behold, I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy.” 7 It happened, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he tore his clothes, and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends to me to heal a man of his leprosy? But please consider and see how he seeks a quarrel against me.”

8 It was so, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariots, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman was angry, and went away, and said, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Yahweh his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leper.’ 12 Aren’t Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them, and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 His servants came near, and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had asked you do some great thing, wouldn’t you have done it? How much rather then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean?’” 14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Gehazi’s Greed and Leprosy

15 He returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him; and he said, “See now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel. Now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” He urged him to take it; but he refused. 17 Naaman said, “If not, then, please let two mules’ burden of earth be given to your servant; for your servant will from now on offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice to other gods, but to Yahweh. 18 In this thing may Yahweh pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon. When I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, may Yahweh pardon your servant in this thing.” 19 He said to him, “Go in peace.” So he departed from him a little way.

20 But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought. As Yahweh lives, I will run after him, and take something from him.” 21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “Is all well?” 22 He said, “All is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Behold, even now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’” 23 Naaman said, “Be pleased to take two talents.” He urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants; and they carried them before him. 24 When he came to the hill, he took them from their hand, and stored them in the house. Then he let the men go, and they departed. 25 But he went in, and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you come from, Gehazi?” He said, “Your servant went nowhere.”

26 He said to him, “Didn’t my heart go with you, when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive groves and vineyards, and sheep and cattle, and male servants and female servants? 27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and to your seed forever.” He went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.

Naaman Cured of Leprosy
(Luke 17:11–19)

1 Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. a

2 At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.”

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

5 “Go now,” said the king of Aram, “and I will send you with a letter to the king of Israel.”

So Naaman departed, taking with him ten talents of silver, b six thousand shekels of gold, c and ten sets of clothing.

6 And the letter that he took to the king of Israel stated: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”

7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!”

8 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.”

9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house.

10 Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.”

11 But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy. 12 Are not the Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not have washed in them and been cleansed?” So he turned and went away in a rage.

13 Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?”

14 So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean.

Gehazi’s Greed and Leprosy

15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

16 But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.

17 “If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD. 18 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.”

19 “Go in peace,” said Elisha.

But after Naaman had traveled a short distance, 20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, while not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”

21 So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?”

22 “Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘I have just now discovered that two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver d and two sets of clothing.’ ”

23 But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi.

24 When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the gifts from the servants and stored them in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they departed.

25 When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?”

“Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied.

26 But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? 27 Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!”

And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.

Footnotes:

1 a A leper , or one with leprosy , was one afflicted with a skin disease; here and throughout this chapter; see Leviticus 13.
5 b 10 talents  is approximately 754 pounds or 342 kilograms of silver.
5 c 6,000 shekels  is approximately 150.8 pounds or 68.4 kilograms of gold.
22 d A talent  is approximately 75.4 pounds or 34.2 kilograms of silver.

Naaman Cured of Leprosy

(Luke 17:11-19)

1And Naaman, head of the host of the king of Aram, was a great man before his lord, and accepted of face, for by him had Jehovah given salvation to Aram, and the man was mighty in valour -- leprous. 2And the Aramaeans have gone out by troops, and they take captive out of the land of Israel a little damsel, and she is before the wife of Naaman, 3and she saith unto her mistress, 'O that my lord were before the prophet who is in Samaria; then he doth recover him from his leprosy.' 4And one goeth in and declareth to his lord, saying, 'Thus and thus she hath spoken, the damsel who is from the land of Israel.' 5And the king of Aram saith, 'Go thou, enter, and I send a letter unto the king of Israel;' and he goeth and taketh in his hand ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of garments.

6And he bringeth in the letter unto the king of Israel, saying, 'And now, at the coming in of this letter unto thee, lo, I have sent unto thee Naaman my servant, and thou hast recovered him from his leprosy.' 7And it cometh to pass, at the king of Israel's reading the letter, that he rendeth his garments, and saith, 'Am I God, to put to death and to keep alive, that this one is sending unto me to recover a man from his leprosy? for surely know, I pray you, and see, for he is presenting himself to me.'

8And it cometh to pass, at Elisha the man of God's hearing that the king of Israel hath rent his garments, that he sendeth unto the king, saying, 'Why hast thou rent thy garments? let him come, I pray thee, unto me, and he doth know that there is a prophet in Israel.' 9And Naaman cometh, with his horses and with his chariot, and standeth at the opening of the house for Elisha; 10and Elisha sendeth unto him a messenger, saying, 'Go, and thou hast washed seven times in Jordan, and thy flesh doth turn back to thee -- and be thou clean. 11And Naaman is wroth, and goeth on, and saith, 'Lo, I said, Unto me he doth certainly come out, and hath stood and called in the name of Jehovah his God, and waved his hand over the place, and recovered the leper. 12Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? do I not wash in them and I have been clean?' and he turneth and goeth on in fury. 13And his servants come nigh, and speak unto him, and say, 'My father, a great thing had the prophet spoken unto thee -- dost thou not do it? and surely, when he hath said unto thee, Wash, and be clean.' 14And he goeth down and dippeth in Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh doth turn back as the flesh of a little youth, and is clean.

Gehazi's Greed and Leprosy

15And he turneth back unto the man of God, he and all his camp, and cometh in, and standeth before him, and saith, 'Lo, I pray thee, I have known that there is not a God in all the earth except in Israel; and now, take, I pray thee, a blessing from thy servant.' 16And he saith, 'Jehovah liveth, before whom I have stood -- if I take it;' and he presseth on him to take, and he refuseth. 17And Naaman saith, 'If not -- let be given, I pray thee, to thy servant, a couple of mules' burden of earth, for thy servant doth make no more burnt-offering and sacrifice to other gods, but to Jehovah. 18For this thing Jehovah be propitious to thy servant, in the coming in of my lord into the house of Rimmon to bow himself there, and he was supported by my hand, and I bowed myself in the house of Rimmon; for my bowing myself in the house of Rimmon Jehovah be propitious, I pray thee, to thy servant in this thing.' 19And he saith to him, 'Go in peace.' And he goeth from him a kibrath of land,

20And Gehazi, servant of Elisha the man of God, saith, 'Lo, my lord hath spared Naaman this Aramaean, not to receive from his hand that which he brought; Jehovah liveth; surely if I have run after him, then I have taken from him something.' 21And Gehazi pursueth after Naaman, and Naaman seeth one running after him, and alighteth from off the chariot to meet him, and saith, 'Is there peace?' 22And he saith, 'Peace; my lord hath sent me, saying, Lo, now, this, come unto me have two young men from the hill-country of Ephraim, of the sons of the prophets; give, I pray thee, to them, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.' 23And Naaman saith, 'Be pleased, take two talents;' and he urgeth on him, and bindeth two talents of silver in two purses, and two changes of garments, and giveth unto two of his young men, and they bear before him; 24and he cometh in unto the high place, and taketh out of their hand, and layeth up in the house, and sendeth away the men, and they go. 25And he hath come in, and doth stand by his lord, and Elisha saith unto him, 'Whence -- Gehazi?' and he saith, 'Thy servant went not hither or thither.'

26And he saith unto him, 'My heart went not when the man turned from off his chariot to meet thee; is it a time to take silver, and to take garments, and olives, and vines, and flock, and herd, and men-servants, and maid-servants? 27yea, the leprosy of Naaman doth cleave to thee, and to thy seed, -- to the age;' and he goeth out from before him -- leprous as snow.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 2 Kings 5?

1.1Introduction to 2 Kings 5

1.2Context of 2 Kings 5

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.52 Kings 5 Unique Insights

1.62 Kings 5 Connections to Yeshua

1.72 Kings 5 Scriptural Echoes

1.82 Kings 5 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 2 Kings 5?

Introduction to 2 Kings 5

The narrative of 2 Kings 5 presents one of the most compelling stories of divine healing, humility, and transformation in the Old Testament. This chapter chronicles the miraculous healing of Naaman, a prominent Aramean military commander afflicted with leprosy, through the ministry of the prophet Elisha. The account masterfully weaves together themes of pride versus humility, the power of simple faith, and the universal reach of יהוה (Yahweh)’s mercy beyond the borders of Israel.

At its heart, this chapter demonstrates how the God of Israel works in unexpected ways, often through unlikely vessels, to accomplish His purposes and reveal His glory to all nations. The story challenges our preconceptions about power, status, and divine intervention, while illustrating how true healing—both physical and spiritual—often requires humility and obedience to God’s Word.

Context of 2 Kings 5

Within the immediate context of 2 Kings, this chapter appears during the prophetic ministry of Elisha, who succeeded Elijah as Israel’s primary prophet. The narrative takes place during a period of relative peace between Israel and Aram (Syria), though these nations were often in conflict. This temporary peace allowed for the kind of cross-border interaction we see in the chapter, where a Syrian commander could seek healing from an Israelite prophet.

The larger biblical context reveals this story’s significance in demonstrating God’s heart for the nations. Coming after the division of Solomon’s kingdom and during a time of increasing idolatry in Israel, this account shows how יהוה (Yahweh) continued to work through His prophets to reveal Himself to both Israelites and Gentiles. The healing of Naaman foreshadows the future inclusion of Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan, a theme that becomes prominent in prophetic literature and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah’s ministry.

This chapter also sits within the broader biblical theme of God using unlikely circumstances and people to accomplish His purposes. Like Rahab the Canaanite or Ruth the Moabitess, Naaman becomes another example of how God’s grace extends beyond Israel’s borders, pointing toward the universal scope of divine redemption that would be fully revealed in Yeshua.

Ancient Key Word Study

צָרַעַת (tsara’at) – “Leprosy”: In biblical Hebrew, this term encompasses various skin conditions beyond modern Hansen’s disease. Its significance lies in its ritual impurity implications, making it both a physical and spiritual affliction. The word appears 35 times in the Torah, symbolizing spiritual corruption and the need for divine cleansing.
נַעַר קְטַנָּה (na’arah q’tanah) – “Little maiden”: The Hebrew phrase emphasizes both the youth and insignificance of the Israelite slave girl. The word נַעַר specifically suggests someone young and inexperienced, yet her faith proves more mature than many adults in the narrative.
אָסַף (asaph) – “Gather/Remove”: Used in verse 3 regarding the healing of leprosy, this verb carries connotations of both physical gathering and spiritual restoration. Its usage here suggests complete healing rather than mere management of symptoms.
שָׁלוֹם (shalom) – “Peace”: Appearing in Naaman’s greeting, this term encompasses total well-being—physical, spiritual, and social. Its use highlights the comprehensive nature of the healing sought and received.
רָחַץ (rachats) – “Wash”: The command to wash seven times carries ceremonial significance. This root appears frequently in purification contexts, suggesting both physical cleansing and spiritual renewal.
טָהֵר (taher) – “Clean”: Beyond physical cleanliness, this term implies ritual purity and moral wholesomeness. Its use in verse 14 indicates both physical healing and spiritual transformation.
קָטֹן (qaton) – “Simple/Small”: Used to describe the Jordan River, this word emphasizes the contrast between human expectations and divine methods. The term appears in contexts where God chooses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes.
נַעַר (na’ar) – “Servant”: Applied to Gehazi, this term contrasts with his role as prophet’s servant, highlighting the disparity between his position and his actions. The word implies both youth and subordinate status.
כִּכָּר (kikkar) – “Talent”: The weight measurement used for silver, representing significant wealth. Its usage emphasizes the magnitude of Gehazi’s greed and subsequent punishment.
בָּשָׂר (basar) – “Flesh”: Used to describe Naaman’s restored skin, this term often carries covenantal significance in Scripture. Its use here suggests complete restoration to health and community.

Compare & Contrast

2 Kings 5:1: The description of Naaman as “great man” (אִישׁ גָּדוֹל) before his master deliberately contrasts with his need to humble himself before a seemingly lesser prophet. The Hebrew could have used חָשׁוּב (important) or נִכְבָּד (honored), but גָּדוֹל emphasizes both his physical and social stature, making his subsequent humbling more dramatic.
2 Kings 5:10: Elisha’s command to “wash seven times” (רָחַץ שֶׁבַע פְּעָמִים) employs the perfect number seven, suggesting complete purification. The text could have used טָבַל (dip) instead of רָחַץ, but רָחַץ carries stronger ceremonial connotations of purification.
2 Kings 5:11: Naaman’s expectation that Elisha would “wave his hand” (הֵנִיף יָדוֹ) uses ceremonial language typically associated with priestly rituals. The phrase highlights the contrast between human religious expectations and God’s simple requirements.
2 Kings 5:14: The description of Naaman’s healed flesh as “like a young boy” (כִּבְשַׂר נַעַר קָטֹן) could have simply stated he was healed, but the comparison to youth emphasizes complete restoration and new beginning.
2 Kings 5:15: Naaman’s confession “Now I know” (הִנֵּה־נָא יָדַעְתִּי) uses the particle נָא to emphasize the personal nature of his revelation. This construction emphasizes experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual assent.
2 Kings 5:17: The request for “two mule-loads of earth” (מַשָּׂא צֶמֶד־פְּרָדִים אֲדָמָה) reflects ancient Near Eastern beliefs about territorial deities while showing Naaman’s sincere, if imperfect, faith development.
2 Kings 5:27: The curse on Gehazi that the leprosy would “cling” (דָּבַק) to him forever uses a word often associated with covenant relationships, ironically highlighting his permanent separation from community.

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2 Kings 5 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several profound theological and supernatural elements that deserve special attention. The role of the young Israelite servant girl presents a fascinating study in divine providence. According to Midrash Tanchuma, this girl was specifically placed in Naaman’s household by divine arrangement, much like Joseph in Egypt, to bring about God’s purposes of revelation to the nations. Her simple faith and willingness to speak about the God of Israel from a position of captivity demonstrates extraordinary spiritual maturity.

The number seven in Naaman’s washing carries significant symbolic weight in Jewish tradition. The Talmud (Sotah 34b) connects the seven dips to the seven steps of purification required for the מְצֹרָע (metzora – leper) in Levitical law. This connection suggests that Naaman’s physical healing was accompanied by a spiritual purification process, making him ritually clean according to Torah standards—a remarkable provision for a Gentile commander.

Early Christian writers like Tertullian saw in Naaman’s healing a prefiguration of Gentile baptism and salvation. The Jordan River, later to become the site of Yeshua’s baptism, serves as a powerful symbol of cleansing and new beginning. The requirement for Naaman to humble himself by washing in the seemingly insignificant Jordan rather than the greater rivers of Damascus reflects the spiritual principle that divine healing often requires humbling oneself before God’s chosen means of grace.

The account of Gehazi’s punishment presents a sobering contrast to Naaman’s healing. According to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, this juxtaposition teaches that spiritual corruption (represented by Gehazi’s greed) is more dangerous than physical corruption (Naaman’s leprosy). The immediate transfer of leprosy to Gehazi demonstrates divine justice and the serious consequences of attempting to profit from God’s miraculous works.

2 Kings 5 Connections to Yeshua

The healing of Naaman prefigures several aspects of Yeshua’s ministry and the gospel message. Just as Naaman had to humble himself to receive healing in what seemed like a foolish method, so too did the Messiah come in a form that many would reject—not as a mighty warrior but as a humble servant. The offense Naaman initially took at the simplicity of the cure parallels the stumbling block of the cross, which seems too simple and humble a means of salvation to many (1 Corinthians 1:23).

The universal nature of God’s healing power demonstrated in this chapter anticipates Yeshua’s ministry to both Jews and Gentiles. Indeed, the Messiah specifically references this account in Luke 4:27, using it to illustrate God’s heart for the nations and His sovereign choice in healing. The fact that Naaman, a Gentile, received healing while many lepers in Israel remained unhealed points to the mystery of divine election and the eventual inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan.

2 Kings 5 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical passages and themes. The healing of Naaman finds parallel in other miraculous healings throughout Scripture, from Moses’s sister Miriam (Numbers 12:10-15) to the ten lepers healed by Yeshua (Luke 17:11-19). The theme of washing for cleansing echoes the ritual purifications of Leviticus and points forward to the waters of baptism.

The story connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s concern for the nations, seen in passages like Isaiah 49:6 where God declares His servant will be “a light to the nations.” The humble faith of the captured Israelite girl mirrors that of Daniel and his friends in Babylon, demonstrating how God uses faithful witnesses in foreign lands.

Gehazi’s fate recalls the judgment on Miriam’s leprosy and serves as a warning about greed and deception, themes that resonate with the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. The chapter’s emphasis on humility and obedience finds echoes throughout Scripture, from Moses at the burning bush to Peter’s vision of clean and unclean animals.

2 Kings 5 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own expectations of how God works in our lives. Like Naaman, we often come to God with preconceived notions of how He should act or answer our prayers. The story reminds us that God’s methods may seem too simple or beneath our dignity, but true healing—whether physical, spiritual, or emotional—often requires humbling ourselves before His instructions.

Consider the role of the servant girl—someone seemingly powerless yet used mightily by God. Her example encourages us to remain faithful witnesses regardless of our circumstances. We may feel insignificant or displaced, but God can use our simple testimony to bring about remarkable transformation in others’ lives.

The contrast between Naaman and Gehazi provides a powerful lesson about the heart. Naaman’s initial pride gave way to humble obedience, leading to both physical and spiritual healing. Gehazi’s greed led to his downfall despite his privileged position as the prophet’s servant. This prompts us to examine our own hearts: Are we willing to humble ourselves before God’s methods? Do we serve Him purely or seek to profit from spiritual things?

Did You Know

The Aramaic kingdom where Naaman served was centered in Damascus, and archaeological evidence confirms the military conflicts and occasional peaceful interactions between Aram and Israel described in the biblical narrative.
The Jordan River’s minerals and mud have been scientifically proven to have therapeutic properties, particularly for skin conditions, adding an interesting natural dimension to this supernatural healing.
The “two mules’ burden of earth” requested by Naaman reflects an ancient Near Eastern belief that deities were tied to their territorial soil, though Naaman’s request shows an imperfect but growing understanding of יהוה (Yahweh)’s universal sovereignty.
The Hebrew word for leprosy (צָרַעַת) could describe various skin conditions, not just Hansen’s disease, and was seen as both a physical and spiritual affliction requiring isolation from the community.
The value of the gifts Naaman brought (750 shekels of silver and 6,000 pieces of gold) would be worth millions in today’s currency, demonstrating both his wealth and desperation for healing.
The young Israelite servant girl’s role in this story is particularly remarkable given that female slaves typically had no voice in ancient Near Eastern society.
The seven-fold immersion prescribed by Elisha parallels other biblical uses of the number seven in purification rituals, including the sprinkling of blood seven times before the Lord in Levitical ceremonies.
Archaeological discoveries have confirmed that Aramean military commanders of this period often wore long-sleeved garments, possibly to hide skin conditions like Naaman’s leprosy.
The phrase “flesh of a young boy” used to describe Naaman’s healed skin employs the same Hebrew word (נַעַר) used for the servant girl, creating a literary connection between the young servant’s faith and Naaman’s renewal.
Elisha’s refusal of payment stands in stark contrast to common ancient Near Eastern practices where prophets and healers typically expected compensation for their services.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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