2 Kings 5 Study Notes: Naaman Healed of Leprosy
Naaman, an Aramean army commander with leprosy, comes to Elisha on the advice of a captive Israelite girl. Urged by his servants to bathe in the Jordan as told, he is healed, confesses Israel’s God as the only God, and is refused payment. Gehazi chases him for silver, lies, and is struck with Naaman’s disease.
General
What did the young Israelite girl who served Naaman’s wife say about her master (2 Kings 5:3)?
Answer: She wished he would visit the prophet in Samaria for healing
Raiding bands from Aram had captured a girl from Israel, and she became a servant to Naaman’s wife (5:2). She told her mistress that if only Naaman would see the prophet living in Samaria, the prophet would heal him (5:3). Naaman passed her words on to his king (5:4). God used a powerless captive to point a powerful enemy commander toward healing. Paul says God chooses what the world considers weak to put the powerful to shame (1 Corinthians 1:27), and Joseph could say that what others meant for evil, God meant for good (Genesis 50:20).
- 2 Kings 5:2-3 (BSB)“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. 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.””A captive Israelite girl serving Naaman’s wife says the prophet in Samaria would cure him.
- 2 Kings 5:4 (BSB)“And Naaman went and told his master what the girl from the land of Israel had said.”Naaman reports the girl’s words to his master.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 (BSB)“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
- Genesis 50:20 (BSB)“As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.”God brings good out of what people intended for evil.
Theological
What did the captive Israelite girl tell her mistress concerning Naaman (2 Kings 5:3)?
Answer: She wished he would visit the prophet in Samaria for healing
A girl taken captive in an Aramean raid, now serving Naaman’s wife (5:2), expressed confidence that the prophet in Samaria would cure her master (5:3), and her word reached Aram’s king (5:4). God’s providence turns the girl’s captivity into the means of bringing an enemy commander to the LORD’s prophet. He chooses what is weak in the world’s eyes to put the strong to shame (1 Corinthians 1:27) and governs what others intend for evil toward His good purposes (Genesis 50:20).
- 2 Kings 5:2-3 (BSB)“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. 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.””A captive Israelite girl serving Naaman’s wife says the prophet in Samaria would cure him.
- 2 Kings 5:4 (BSB)“And Naaman went and told his master what the girl from the land of Israel had said.”Naaman reports the girl’s words to his master.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 (BSB)“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
- Genesis 50:20 (BSB)“As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.”God brings good out of what people intended for evil.
General
True or False: Elisha accepted a small part of Naaman’s gift after Naaman kept urging him to take it.
Answer: False
This is false. Elisha swore by the living LORD, whom he served, that he would not take anything, and even when Naaman pressed him, he still refused (5:16). The healing was a free gift from God, not something Naaman could buy. Jesus later told His disciples that they had received freely and so must give freely (Matthew 10:8). Through Isaiah, God invites people to come and receive what they cannot pay for (Isaiah 55:1), and Paul says sinners are made right with God as a free gift of His grace (Romans 3:24).
- 2 Kings 5:16 (BSB)“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.”Elisha swears by the LORD he will not accept a gift and refuses despite Naaman’s urging.
- Matthew 10:8 (BSB)“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”Jesus tells His disciples they received freely and must give freely.
- Isaiah 55:1 (BSB)““Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!”God invites the thirsty to come and receive without money and without cost.
- Romans 3:24 (BSB)“and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”Sinners are justified freely by God’s grace.
Theological
True or False: Under Naaman’s repeated urging, Elisha eventually received a portion of his gift.
Answer: False
This is false. Elisha bound himself by oath before the living LORD, in whose service he stood, to receive nothing, and he held to it despite Naaman’s urging (5:16). The refusal kept the gift free: Naaman’s cleansing was the LORD’s free gift, not a transaction. The same principle governs the gospel ministry (Matthew 10:8), God’s invitation to come and receive what cannot be paid for (Isaiah 55:1), and the justification of sinners as a free gift of His grace (Romans 3:24).
- 2 Kings 5:16 (BSB)“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.”Elisha swears by the LORD he will not accept a gift and refuses despite Naaman’s urging.
- Matthew 10:8 (BSB)“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”Jesus tells His disciples they received freely and must give freely.
- Isaiah 55:1 (BSB)““Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!”God invites the thirsty to come and receive without money and without cost.
- Romans 3:24 (BSB)“and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”Sinners are justified freely by God’s grace.
General
What story did Gehazi tell Naaman to get silver and clothing from him (2 Kings 5:22)?
Answer: Two young prophets had arrived and Elisha wanted gifts for them
Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, thought his master had let the Aramean off too easily by refusing his gifts, and he swore he would chase Naaman and get something (5:20). When he caught up, he lied, saying Elisha had sent him because two young members of the prophets’ company had just come from the hills of Ephraim and needed some silver and two changes of clothes (5:22). Naaman insisted he take twice the silver, and Gehazi stored the gifts in the house (5:23-24). Like Achan, who saw, coveted, and took what was forbidden (Joshua 7:21), Gehazi let greed rule him. Jesus warned against every kind of greed (Luke 12:15), and Paul says craving money lies at the root of every sort of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
- 2 Kings 5:20 (BSB)“Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.””Gehazi complains that Elisha spared Naaman and vows to run after him and get something.
- 2 Kings 5:22 (BSB)““Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘Look, two young men from the sons of the prophets have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’””Gehazi falsely claims Elisha has sent him to ask for silver and clothing for two young prophets.
- 2 Kings 5:23-24 (BSB)“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. 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.”Naaman gives two talents and clothing, and Gehazi stores them in the house.
- Joshua 7:21 (BSB)“When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.””Achan confessed that he saw, coveted, and took forbidden goods.
- Luke 12:15 (BSB)“And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.””Jesus warns against every form of greed.
- 1 Timothy 6:10 (BSB)“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
Theological
What pretext did Gehazi invent to obtain gifts from Naaman (2 Kings 5:22)?
Answer: Two young prophets had arrived and Elisha wanted gifts for them
Gehazi complained that his master had spared the Aramean by refusing his gifts, and he swore by the LORD to pursue him (5:20). He fabricated a message from Elisha about two young men of the prophetic company newly arrived from Ephraim who needed silver and two changes of clothing (5:22). Naaman pressed two talents on him, which Gehazi stored in the house (5:23-24). His covetous deceit recalls Achan’s seeing, coveting, and taking (Joshua 7:21) and illustrates the greed Jesus warned against (Luke 12:15) and the craving for money that Paul calls the root of every sort of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
- 2 Kings 5:20 (BSB)“Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.””Gehazi complains that Elisha spared Naaman and vows to run after him and get something.
- 2 Kings 5:22 (BSB)““Everything is all right,” Gehazi replied. “My master has sent me to say, ‘Look, two young men from the sons of the prophets have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’””Gehazi falsely claims Elisha has sent him to ask for silver and clothing for two young prophets.
- 2 Kings 5:23-24 (BSB)“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. 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.”Naaman gives two talents and clothing, and Gehazi stores them in the house.
- Joshua 7:21 (BSB)“When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.””Achan confessed that he saw, coveted, and took forbidden goods.
- Luke 12:15 (BSB)“And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.””Jesus warns against every form of greed.
- 1 Timothy 6:10 (BSB)“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
General
What judgment did Elisha pronounce on Gehazi after Gehazi lied to him (2 Kings 5:27)?
Answer: Naaman’s skin disease would stay on him and his offspring
When Gehazi came back, Elisha asked where he had been, and Gehazi claimed he had gone nowhere (5:25). Elisha answered that his spirit had been with Gehazi when Naaman got down to greet him, and he asked whether this was a time to take money, clothing, and other riches (5:26). Then Elisha declared that Naaman’s leprosy would cling to Gehazi and his descendants forever, and Gehazi left with skin white as snow (5:27). The foreigner who received God’s grace freely went home clean, while the Israelite servant who tried to profit from it went out diseased. Moses warned that sin is sure to be exposed (Numbers 32:23); Ananias likewise lied about money and was told he had lied to God (Acts 5:3-4); and nothing can be hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13).
- 2 Kings 5:25-26 (BSB)“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. 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?”Gehazi denies going anywhere, and Elisha says his spirit was there and rebukes him for taking gifts.
- 2 Kings 5:27 (BSB)“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.”Elisha declares that Naaman’s leprosy will cling to Gehazi and his descendants, and Gehazi leaves leprous.
- Numbers 32:23 (BSB)“But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out.”Moses warns that sin will find out the one who commits it.
- Acts 5:3-4 (BSB)“Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!””Ananias lied about money and was exposed as having lied to God.
- Hebrews 4:13 (BSB)“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”Nothing is hidden from God’s sight.
Theological
What sentence fell on Gehazi for his greed and deceit (2 Kings 5:27)?
Answer: Naaman’s skin disease would stay on him and his offspring
Gehazi’s denial that he had gone anywhere (5:25) met Elisha’s exposure: the prophet’s spirit had witnessed the meeting, and this was no time to profit from the LORD’s free mercy (5:26). The sentence matched the sin: Naaman’s leprosy would cleave to Gehazi and his offspring forever, and he went out leprous, white as snow (5:27). The Gentile went home cleansed by grace; the Israelite who tried to commercialize grace went out unclean. Sin will find out the sinner (Numbers 32:23), as with Ananias, who lied to God about money (Acts 5:3-4), for all things lie open before God (Hebrews 4:13).
- 2 Kings 5:25-26 (BSB)“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. 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?”Gehazi denies going anywhere, and Elisha says his spirit was there and rebukes him for taking gifts.
- 2 Kings 5:27 (BSB)“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.”Elisha declares that Naaman’s leprosy will cling to Gehazi and his descendants, and Gehazi leaves leprous.
- Numbers 32:23 (BSB)“But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out.”Moses warns that sin will find out the one who commits it.
- Acts 5:3-4 (BSB)“Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!””Ananias lied about money and was exposed as having lied to God.
- Hebrews 4:13 (BSB)“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”Nothing is hidden from God’s sight.
General
Why did Israel’s king tear his clothes when he read the letter from Aram’s king (2 Kings 5:7)?
Answer: Only God can heal, so he thought Aram was picking a fight
Aram’s king sent Naaman with a letter asking Israel’s king to cure his leprosy, along with a large gift of silver, gold, and clothing (5:5-6). Tearing his clothes was a sign of great distress. The king asked whether he was God, with power over death and life, and concluded that Aram was looking for an excuse to start a quarrel (5:7). He was right that only God gives life and healing, but it was Elisha, not the king, who then sent word (5:8). God declares that He alone puts to death and makes alive, wounds and heals (Deuteronomy 32:39), and Hannah sang that the LORD both kills and makes alive (1 Samuel 2:6).
- 2 Kings 5:5-6 (BSB)““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, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 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.””The king of Aram sends Naaman to Israel’s king with gifts and a letter asking that he be cured.
- 2 Kings 5:7 (BSB)“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!””The king of Israel tears his clothes, asking whether he is God and suspecting Aram seeks a quarrel.
- Deuteronomy 32:39 (BSB)“See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.”God alone brings death and gives life, wounds and heals.
- 1 Samuel 2:6 (BSB)“The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.”Hannah confesses that the LORD brings death and gives life.
Theological
What reason did Israel’s king give for tearing his garments over the Aramean letter (2 Kings 5:7)?
Answer: Only God can heal, so he thought Aram was picking a fight
The Aramean king addressed his request to Israel’s king, sending Naaman with lavish gifts and a letter asking that he be cured (5:5-6). The king tore his clothes in alarm, protesting that he was not God, who kills and makes alive, and suspecting a pretext for war (5:7). His theology was correct, since healing and life belong to God alone (Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6), but it was Elisha, not the king, who then sent word and supplied what the king lacked (5:8).
- 2 Kings 5:5-6 (BSB)““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, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 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.””The king of Aram sends Naaman to Israel’s king with gifts and a letter asking that he be cured.
- 2 Kings 5:7 (BSB)“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!””The king of Israel tears his clothes, asking whether he is God and suspecting Aram seeks a quarrel.
- Deuteronomy 32:39 (BSB)“See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.”God alone brings death and gives life, wounds and heals.
- 1 Samuel 2:6 (BSB)“The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.”Hannah confesses that the LORD brings death and gives life.
General
According to 2 Kings 5:1, who was behind the victories Aram won through Naaman?
Answer: The LORD
Naaman was the commander of Aram’s army. Aram was a foreign nation whose raiding bands troubled Israel (5:2). He was honored by his king and was a brave warrior, but he suffered from leprosy, a serious skin disease (5:1). The verse says it was the LORD, Israel’s God, who had given Aram success through him. Even a foreign general’s victories were in God’s hands. Proverbs says a horse may be ready for battle, but victory belongs to the LORD (Proverbs 21:31), and Daniel praises God as the one who removes kings and sets them up (Daniel 2:21).
- 2 Kings 5:1 (BSB)“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.”Naaman is a great and valiant commander through whom the LORD had given Aram victory, but he is a leper.
- Proverbs 21:31 (BSB)“A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.”Victory in battle comes from the LORD, not from preparation alone.
- Daniel 2:21 (BSB)“He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”God removes kings and establishes them, ruling over the nations.
Theological
To whom does 2 Kings 5:1 credit the victories Aram won through Naaman?
Answer: The LORD
The narrator introduces Naaman, commander of Aram’s army, honored and valiant yet a leper, with a striking theological note: the LORD had granted Aram victory through him (5:1). The God of Israel governs the affairs of the nations, including the military success of Israel’s enemies. Victory belongs to the LORD, whatever preparation precedes it (Proverbs 21:31), and He sets up and removes rulers (Daniel 2:21). The chapter will show this sovereign God extending mercy to the very man He had used.
- 2 Kings 5:1 (BSB)“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.”Naaman is a great and valiant commander through whom the LORD had given Aram victory, but he is a leper.
- Proverbs 21:31 (BSB)“A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.”Victory in battle comes from the LORD, not from preparation alone.
- Daniel 2:21 (BSB)“He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”God removes kings and establishes them, ruling over the nations.
General
For what did Naaman ask the LORD’s pardon in advance (2 Kings 5:18)?
Answer: Bowing in Rimmon’s house while supporting his master
Since Elisha would take no gift, Naaman asked for two mule-loads of earth from Israel, and he vowed that he would never again offer any sacrifice to any god except the LORD (5:17). Then he asked for pardon in one matter: when his king went to worship in the house of Rimmon, an Aramean god, and leaned on Naaman’s arm, Naaman would bow down there with him (5:18). Elisha answered by sending him off in peace (5:19) and said nothing more about the request. Naaman’s vow to sacrifice to the LORD alone matches what the law required of Israel (Deuteronomy 6:13). Solomon had asked God to hear foreigners who came from far away because of His great name (1 Kings 8:41-43).
- 2 Kings 5:17 (BSB)““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.”Naaman asks for two mule-loads of soil and vows to sacrifice to no god but the LORD.
- 2 Kings 5:18 (BSB)“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.””Naaman asks the LORD to forgive him for bowing in the temple of Rimmon when his master leans on his arm.
- 2 Kings 5:19 (BSB)““Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance,”Elisha tells Naaman to go in peace.
- Deuteronomy 6:13 (BSB)“Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name.”God’s law called His people to fear and serve the LORD only.
- 1 Kings 8:41-43 (BSB)“And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your name— for they will hear of Your great name and mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name.”Solomon asked God to hear the foreigner who comes from a distant land because of His name.
Theological
What single matter did Naaman ask the LORD to pardon in 2 Kings 5:18?
Answer: Bowing in Rimmon’s house while supporting his master
Refused in his gift, Naaman requested two mule-loads of Israel’s soil and vowed to offer burnt offerings and sacrifices to the LORD alone (5:17). He then sought pardon for one foreseen act: bowing in the house of Rimmon when his master, leaning on his arm, went there to worship (5:18). Elisha replied with a farewell of peace (5:19) and gave no further ruling. Naaman’s vow of sacrifice to the LORD alone matches the exclusive devotion Israel’s law demanded (Deuteronomy 6:13), and he came as the kind of foreigner Solomon prayed God would hear when he came from far away for the sake of His name (1 Kings 8:41-43).
- 2 Kings 5:17 (BSB)““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.”Naaman asks for two mule-loads of soil and vows to sacrifice to no god but the LORD.
- 2 Kings 5:18 (BSB)“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.””Naaman asks the LORD to forgive him for bowing in the temple of Rimmon when his master leans on his arm.
- 2 Kings 5:19 (BSB)““Go in peace,” said Elisha. But after Naaman had traveled a short distance,”Elisha tells Naaman to go in peace.
- Deuteronomy 6:13 (BSB)“Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name.”God’s law called His people to fear and serve the LORD only.
- 1 Kings 8:41-43 (BSB)“And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your name— for they will hear of Your great name and mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name.”Solomon asked God to hear the foreigner who comes from a distant land because of His name.
General
What did Naaman declare when he returned to Elisha after being healed (2 Kings 5:15)?
Answer: No god exists anywhere on earth but Israel’s God
Naaman and his whole company went back to Elisha. Standing before him, Naaman said he was now sure that the God of Israel is the only God anywhere in the world, and he urged Elisha to accept a gift (5:15). The healing had brought him to know the LORD. This is the very truth God had taught Israel: the LORD alone is God, with none beside Him (Deuteronomy 4:35). Solomon had prayed that every nation on earth would come to know it (1 Kings 8:60), and God calls the whole earth to turn to Him and be saved (Isaiah 45:22).
- 2 Kings 5:15 (BSB)“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.””Naaman declares there is no God in all the earth except in Israel and asks Elisha to accept a gift.
- Deuteronomy 4:35 (BSB)“You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him.”Israel was taught that the LORD is God and there is no other.
- 1 Kings 8:60 (BSB)“so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God. There is no other!”Solomon prayed that all the peoples of the earth would know the LORD is God.
- Isaiah 45:22 (BSB)“Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”God calls all the ends of the earth to turn to Him and be saved.
Theological
What confession did Naaman make before Elisha after his cleansing (2 Kings 5:15)?
Answer: No god exists anywhere on earth but Israel’s God
Returning with his retinue, Naaman confessed before Elisha that the God of Israel is the only God in the whole world (5:15). The cleansing of his body issued in the knowledge of the one true God. His confession echoes the creed given to Israel, that the LORD alone is God with none beside Him (Deuteronomy 4:35), fulfills in miniature Solomon’s prayer that every nation would know it (1 Kings 8:60), and anticipates God’s summons to the farthest nations to turn to Him and be saved (Isaiah 45:22).
- 2 Kings 5:15 (BSB)“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.””Naaman declares there is no God in all the earth except in Israel and asks Elisha to accept a gift.
- Deuteronomy 4:35 (BSB)“You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him.”Israel was taught that the LORD is God and there is no other.
- 1 Kings 8:60 (BSB)“so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God. There is no other!”Solomon prayed that all the peoples of the earth would know the LORD is God.
- Isaiah 45:22 (BSB)“Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”God calls all the ends of the earth to turn to Him and be saved.
General
Why did Naaman go away angry after Elisha’s messenger told him to wash in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:11-12)?
Answer: He had expected a personal ceremony and preferred his own rivers
Naaman arrived at Elisha’s door with his chariots and horses, but Elisha did not even come out. He sent a messenger telling Naaman to bathe in the Jordan River seven times, promising that his skin would be restored and he would be clean (5:9-10). Naaman was furious. He had pictured the prophet coming out, calling on the LORD, and waving a hand over the diseased spot; and he insisted that Damascus’s own rivers were better than any water in Israel (5:11-12). His rage nearly turned him away from healing. Proverbs warns that pride comes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18), and James teaches that God resists the proud and shows favor to the humble (James 4:6).
- 2 Kings 5:10 (BSB)“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.””Elisha sends a messenger telling Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan to be restored and clean.
- 2 Kings 5:11-12 (BSB)“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. 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.”Naaman is angry; he expected Elisha to come out and heal him with a gesture, and he prefers Damascus’s rivers.
- Proverbs 16:18 (BSB)“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”Pride and a haughty spirit lead to a fall.
- James 4:6 (BSB)“But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.””God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Theological
What expectations lay behind Naaman’s rage at Elisha’s instruction (2 Kings 5:11-12)?
Answer: He had expected a personal ceremony and preferred his own rivers
Elisha did not come out to the great man at his door but sent a messenger with a simple command: bathe seven times in that river and be made clean (5:9-10). Naaman’s rage exposed his expectations: a personal ceremony with the prophet calling on the LORD and waving his hand, and the superiority of Damascus’s rivers to Israel’s waters (5:11-12). The healing would come by humble obedience to God’s word, not on Naaman’s terms. Pride leads to ruin (Proverbs 16:18), while God resists the proud and shows favor to the humble (James 4:6).
- 2 Kings 5:10 (BSB)“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.””Elisha sends a messenger telling Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan to be restored and clean.
- 2 Kings 5:11-12 (BSB)“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. 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.”Naaman is angry; he expected Elisha to come out and heal him with a gesture, and he prefers Damascus’s rivers.
- Proverbs 16:18 (BSB)“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”Pride and a haughty spirit lead to a fall.
- James 4:6 (BSB)“But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.””God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
General
In Luke 4:27, what point does Jesus make by mentioning Naaman?
Answer: Among Israel’s many lepers, God cleansed only a foreign soldier
In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus reminded His hometown that in Elijah’s day God sent the prophet to a widow in Sidon, outside Israel (Luke 4:25-26). Then He noted that although Israel had many people with leprosy in Elisha’s time, the only one cleansed was Naaman from Syria, a Gentile, meaning someone who was not an Israelite (Luke 4:27). God shows mercy freely, to whom He chooses, and not because of anyone’s nationality or merit (Romans 9:15-16). Naaman’s healing pointed ahead to the gospel reaching the nations: people once far from God are brought near through Christ (Ephesians 2:13).
- 2 Kings 5:14 (BSB)“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.”Naaman, the Aramean commander, is cleansed after dipping in the Jordan.
- Luke 4:26 (BSB)“Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon.”Jesus notes that Elijah was sent to a widow of Zarephath in Sidon, outside Israel.
- Luke 4:27 (BSB)“And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.””Jesus says many lepers lived in Israel in Elisha’s time, yet only Naaman the Syrian was cleansed.
- Romans 9:15-16 (BSB)“For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.”God shows mercy on whom He chooses, and it depends not on human desire or effort but on His mercy.
- Ephesians 2:13 (BSB)“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”Gentiles once far away are brought near through the blood of Christ.
Theological
What does Jesus highlight about Naaman’s cleansing in Luke 4:27?
Answer: Among Israel’s many lepers, God cleansed only a foreign soldier
Preaching at Nazareth, Jesus set two episodes before His hometown: Elijah sent to a widow of Sidon rather than to Israel’s widows (Luke 4:25-26), and Naaman the Syrian, the only leper cleansed in Elisha’s day though Israel had many (Luke 4:27). The point is God’s sovereign freedom in mercy, which is bound neither to ethnic privilege nor to human merit (Romans 9:15-16). Naaman stands as an early sign of the Gentiles being brought near in Christ (Ephesians 2:13).
- 2 Kings 5:14 (BSB)“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.”Naaman, the Aramean commander, is cleansed after dipping in the Jordan.
- Luke 4:26 (BSB)“Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to the widow of Zarephath in Sidon.”Jesus notes that Elijah was sent to a widow of Zarephath in Sidon, outside Israel.
- Luke 4:27 (BSB)“And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.””Jesus says many lepers lived in Israel in Elisha’s time, yet only Naaman the Syrian was cleansed.
- Romans 9:15-16 (BSB)“For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.”God shows mercy on whom He chooses, and it depends not on human desire or effort but on His mercy.
- Ephesians 2:13 (BSB)“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”Gentiles once far away are brought near through the blood of Christ.
General
True or False: When Naaman obeyed and plunged into the river seven times, his skin became like a young child’s and the disease was gone.
Answer: True
This is true. Naaman went down to the Jordan and dipped himself seven times, just as Elisha had told him. His skin was restored, becoming smooth like a young child’s, and the disease was gone (5:14). The power was not in the river, which Naaman had despised, but in the LORD who had spoken through His prophet. When a man with leprosy came to Jesus, Jesus touched him, and the disease was cleansed at once (Matthew 8:3). The psalmist praises the LORD as the one who heals every disease (Psalm 103:3).
- 2 Kings 5:14 (BSB)“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.”Naaman dips seven times in the Jordan as the man of God said, and his flesh is restored and clean.
- Matthew 8:3 (BSB)“Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”Jesus touched a leper, and his leprosy was immediately cleansed.
- Psalm 103:3 (BSB)“He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases,”The LORD forgives iniquities and heals diseases.
Theological
True or False: Naaman’s obedience to the prophetic word resulted in his flesh being restored like a young child’s and his being made clean.
Answer: True
This is true. Naaman descended to the river and immersed himself seven times as the prophet had directed, and his body was restored like a child’s and cleansed (5:14). The cleansing came through obedience to the word, not through any virtue in the Jordan itself. Jesus later showed the same power over leprosy, cleansing a leper at once by His word and touch (Matthew 8:3), the work of the LORD whom the psalmist praises as the healer of all diseases (Psalm 103:3).
- 2 Kings 5:14 (BSB)“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.”Naaman dips seven times in the Jordan as the man of God said, and his flesh is restored and clean.
- Matthew 8:3 (BSB)“Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”Jesus touched a leper, and his leprosy was immediately cleansed.
- Psalm 103:3 (BSB)“He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases,”The LORD forgives iniquities and heals diseases.
General
What did Elisha say Naaman would learn if the king sent him to Elisha (2 Kings 5:8)?
Answer: That Israel has a true prophet of the LORD
When Elisha learned how the king had reacted, he sent word asking why the king was so upset, and told the king to let Naaman come to him so that Naaman would know Israel had a real prophet (5:8). The king had panicked, but God had not left Israel without a spokesman. Through the prophet, the Aramean would come to know the LORD Himself. Elijah had prayed in a similar way that people would recognize the LORD as Israel’s God and Elijah as His servant (1 Kings 18:36), and God told Ezekiel that, whether people listened or not, they would know a prophet had been among them (Ezekiel 2:5).
- 2 Kings 5:8 (BSB)“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.””Elisha asks why the king tore his clothes and tells him to send Naaman, who will know there is a prophet in Israel.
- 1 Kings 18:36 (BSB)“At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command.”Elijah prayed that the LORD would be recognized as Israel’s God and Elijah as His servant.
- Ezekiel 2:5 (BSB)“And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.”God says the people will know that a prophet has been among them.
Theological
According to Elisha’s message in 2 Kings 5:8, what would Naaman come to know?
Answer: That Israel has a true prophet of the LORD
Elisha rebuked the king’s despair and summoned Naaman, so that he would learn that Israel still had a prophet (5:8). The prophet’s presence testifies that the LORD was still speaking to and acting among His people, and the knowledge of the prophet is meant to lead to the knowledge of the LORD (5:15). Elijah prayed at Carmel that the LORD would be recognized as Israel’s God and Elijah as His servant (1 Kings 18:36), and the LORD assured Ezekiel that the people would know a prophet had been among them (Ezekiel 2:5).
- 2 Kings 5:8 (BSB)“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.””Elisha asks why the king tore his clothes and tells him to send Naaman, who will know there is a prophet in Israel.
- 1 Kings 18:36 (BSB)“At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command.”Elijah prayed that the LORD would be recognized as Israel’s God and Elijah as His servant.
- Ezekiel 2:5 (BSB)“And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.”God says the people will know that a prophet has been among them.
General
How did Naaman’s servants persuade him to do what Elisha said (2 Kings 5:13)?
Answer: They reasoned that he would have done a hard task, so why not an easy one
Naaman’s servants came to him respectfully, calling him father. They pointed out that if Elisha had asked him to do something difficult and impressive, he would have done it; so how much more should he obey when he was only told to bathe and be made clean (5:13)? Their reasoning turned him back to obey. God often works through simple means that humble human pride. Jesus said that only those who turn and become childlike will enter His kingdom (Matthew 18:3), and Peter reminds believers that God shows favor to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).
- 2 Kings 5:13 (BSB)“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’?””Naaman’s servants argue that if he would do a great thing, he should surely obey a simple command to wash.
- Matthew 18:3 (BSB)““Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”Jesus says one must become like a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven.
- 1 Peter 5:5 (BSB)“Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.””God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Theological
What argument did Naaman’s servants use to change his mind (2 Kings 5:13)?
Answer: They reasoned that he would have done a hard task, so why not an easy one
Naaman’s servants addressed him as father and argued from the greater to the lesser: had the prophet demanded some great feat he would have performed it, so how much more a simple command to bathe and be made clean (5:13). The simplicity of the remedy was no reason to refuse it. Entry into God’s kingdom requires such childlike humility (Matthew 18:3), and God shows favor to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).
- 2 Kings 5:13 (BSB)“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’?””Naaman’s servants argue that if he would do a great thing, he should surely obey a simple command to wash.
- Matthew 18:3 (BSB)““Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”Jesus says one must become like a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven.
- 1 Peter 5:5 (BSB)“Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.””God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.