2 Kings 5
BSB1 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. 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, six thousand shekels of gold, 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. 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 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.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Kings 5
- Themes from 2 Kings 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Kings 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the introduction of Naaman, a Syrian commander who is afflicted with leprosy. Despite his high social status, Naaman is desperate for healing and seeks the help of the prophet Elisha. Elisha instructs Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times, which Naaman initially refuses to do due to his pride. However, after being persuaded by his servants, Naaman humbles himself and follows Elisha's instructions, resulting in his complete healing. The chapter also includes the story of Gehazi, Elisha's servant, who tries to deceive Naaman and take some of the gifts that Naaman offered to Elisha. As a result, Gehazi is afflicted with leprosy, illustrating the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness.
Context for the Chapter
2 Kings 5 is part of the larger narrative of the kings of Israel and Judah, and it highlights the importance of faith and obedience in our relationship with God. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His desire to bring people to Himself, as seen in the stories of other biblical figures such as Abraham, Moses, and David. This chapter reminds us that God is the ultimate Healer and Savior, and that He works in unexpected ways to accomplish His purposes in our lives.
Heart Application
As we reflect on the story of Naaman's healing, we are reminded of the importance of humility and faith in our walk with God. We must be willing to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we do not understand His ways, and we must be humble enough to follow His instructions, no matter how difficult or unexpected they may seem. May we learn from Naaman's example and trust in God's power to heal and transform us, just as He healed Naaman from his leprosy.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about a man named Naaman who had a bad skin disease called leprosy. He went to see a prophet named Elisha, who told him to wash in a river to be healed. At first, Naaman did not want to do it, but his servants encouraged him to try. When he washed in the river, he was completely healed. This story teaches us about the importance of faith and humility, and how God can work in unexpected ways to help us. As (2 Kings 5:14) says, 'So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.'
Voices from the Church
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Naaman's story reminds us that our faith must be accompanied by action, and that we must be willing to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we do not understand His ways.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Scriptures teach us that faith is not a mere notion, but a firm and certain knowledge of God's will, which is revealed to us in His Word. Naaman's healing is a reminder that our faith must be accompanied by obedience, and that we must be willing to follow God's instructions, no matter how difficult or unexpected they may seem.”
— John Calvin
“The Gospel is not a new law, but a gift of God's grace, which is received through faith alone. Naaman's story reminds us that our salvation is a gift of God's grace, and that we must receive it through faith, just as Naaman received his healing through faith in God's power.”
— Martin Luther
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Naaman and his leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-3) — Naaman is introduced as a Syrian commander who is afflicted with leprosy, a physical disease that represents spiritual uncleanness and separation from God.
- Naaman's journey to Elisha (2 Kings 5:4-8) — Naaman travels to Israel to seek the help of the prophet Elisha, who is known for his ability to heal and prophesy.
- Elisha's instructions to Naaman (2 Kings 5:9-14) — Elisha instructs Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times, which Naaman initially refuses to do due to his pride. However, after being persuaded by his servants, Naaman humbles himself and follows Elisha's instructions, resulting in his complete healing.
- Gehazi's disobedience and its consequences (2 Kings 5:15-27) — Gehazi, Elisha's servant, tries to deceive Naaman and take some of the gifts that Naaman offered to Elisha. As a result, Gehazi is afflicted with leprosy, illustrating the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness and integrity in our walk with God.
- Conclusion and application (2 Kings 5:27-29) — The chapter concludes with a reminder of the importance of faith, humility, and obedience in our relationship with God. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we do not understand His ways, and to follow His instructions, no matter how difficult or unexpected they may seem.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, who works in unexpected ways to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Through Naaman's story, we see how God is the ultimate Healer and Savior, and how He uses unexpected means to bring people to Himself.
- Faith and Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in our relationship with God. Naaman's healing is a reminder that our faith must be accompanied by action, and that we must be willing to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we do not understand His ways.
- Humility and Pride
- The story of Naaman's healing also teaches us about the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. Naaman's initial refusal to follow Elisha's instructions is a reminder that our pride and self-sufficiency can often hinder our ability to receive God's blessings and healing.
- God's Grace and Redemption
- Finally, the chapter reminds us of God's grace and redemption, which are available to all people through faith in Christ. Naaman's healing is a symbol of the spiritual cleansing that we experience through faith in Christ, who is the ultimate Healer and Savior.
Lessons from 2 Kings 5
- The Importance of Humility — Naaman's story teaches us about the importance of humility in our relationship with God. We must be willing to humble ourselves and follow God's instructions, no matter how difficult or unexpected they may seem.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in our relationship with God. Naaman's healing is a reminder that our faith must be accompanied by action, and that we must be willing to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we do not understand His ways.
- The Dangers of Pride — Naaman's initial refusal to follow Elisha's instructions is a reminder that our pride and self-sufficiency can often hinder our ability to receive God's blessings and healing. We must be careful to avoid pride and to cultivate humility in our lives.
- The Importance of Community and Accountability — Naaman's servants play a crucial role in his healing, reminding us of the importance of community and accountability in our walk with God. We must surround ourselves with people who will encourage and support us in our faith, and who will hold us accountable for our actions.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — Gehazi's attempt to deceive Naaman and take some of the gifts that Naaman offered to Elisha results in his being afflicted with leprosy. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness and integrity in our walk with God.
Themes from 2 Kings 5
- Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in our relationship with God. Naaman's healing is a reminder that our faith must be accompanied by action, and that we must be willing to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we do not understand His ways.
- Humility and Pride — Naaman's story teaches us about the importance of humility in our relationship with God. We must be willing to humble ourselves and follow God's instructions, no matter how difficult or unexpected they may seem.
- God's Sovereignty and Goodness — The chapter reminds us of God's sovereignty and goodness, who works in unexpected ways to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Through Naaman's story, we see how God is the ultimate Healer and Savior, and how He uses unexpected means to bring people to Himself.
- Redemption and Healing — Naaman's healing is a symbol of the spiritual cleansing that we experience through faith in Christ, who is the ultimate Healer and Savior. The chapter reminds us of God's grace and redemption, which are available to all people through faith in Christ.
- Community and Accountability — Naaman's servants play a crucial role in his healing, reminding us of the importance of community and accountability in our walk with God. We must surround ourselves with people who will encourage and support us in our faith, and who will hold us accountable for our actions.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Naaman's initial resistance to Elisha's instructions, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the story of Naaman's healing illustrate the importance of faith and obedience in our relationship with God?
- What role do Naaman's servants play in his healing, and what can we learn from their example about the importance of community and accountability in our walk with God?
- What are the consequences of Gehazi's disobedience, and how can we learn from his example about the importance of faithfulness and integrity in our walk with God?
- How does the story of Naaman's healing point to the greater healing that Jesus Christ offers to all people, and what are the implications of this for our own lives and relationships with God?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Naaman and his leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-3)
| 5:1 | Naaman is introduced as a Syrian commander who is afflicted with leprosy, a physical disease that represents spiritual uncleanness and separation from God. |
| 5:2 | Naaman's leprosy is a symbol of the spiritual disease that afflicts all humanity, and his healing represents the spiritual cleansing that we experience through faith in Christ. |
| 5:3 | Naaman's wife's servant girl suggests that Naaman go to see the prophet Elisha, who is known for his ability to heal and prophesy. |
2. Naaman's journey to Elisha (2 Kings 5:4-8)
| 5:4 | Naaman travels to Israel to seek the help of the prophet Elisha, who is known for his ability to heal and prophesy. |
| 5:5 | Naaman takes a large amount of silver and gold with him, as well as ten sets of clothing, to give to Elisha as a gift. |
| 5:6 | The king of Israel is afraid when he receives the letter from the king of Aram, and he tears his clothes in distress. |
| 5:7 | Elisha sends a message to the king of Israel, telling him to send Naaman to him so that he can be healed. |
| 5:8 | Naaman goes to Elisha's house, but Elisha does not come out to meet him. Instead, he sends a messenger to tell Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times. |
3. Elisha's instructions to Naaman (2 Kings 5:9-14)
| 5:9 | Naaman is angry and disappointed when he receives Elisha's instructions, and he refuses to follow them. |
| 5:10 | Elisha's messenger tells Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times, but Naaman is unwilling to do so. |
| 5:11 | Naaman's servants encourage him to follow Elisha's instructions, reminding him that if the prophet had told him to do something difficult, he would have done it. |
| 5:12 | Naaman's servants persuade him to dip himself in the Jordan River, and he is completely healed. |
| 5:13 | Naaman returns to Elisha and thanks him for his healing, offering to give him a gift. |
| 5:14 | Elisha refuses the gift, but Naaman asks if he can take some of the earth from Israel back to his home country as a reminder of his healing. |
4. Gehazi's disobedience and its consequences (2 Kings 5:15-27)
| 5:15 | Gehazi, Elisha's servant, tries to deceive Naaman and take some of the gifts that Naaman offered to Elisha. |
| 5:16 | Gehazi runs after Naaman and tells him that Elisha has sent him to ask for some of the gifts that Naaman offered. |
| 5:17 | Naaman gives Gehazi two talents of silver and two sets of clothing, which Gehazi takes and hides. |
| 5:18 | Gehazi returns to Elisha and tells him that he did not go anywhere, but Elisha knows that Gehazi is lying. |
| 5:19 | Elisha tells Gehazi that he will be afflicted with leprosy, just like Naaman was, as a punishment for his disobedience. |
| 5:20 | Gehazi is immediately afflicted with leprosy, and he leaves Elisha's presence in shame. |
| 5:21 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of the importance of faith, humility, and obedience in our relationship with God. |
| 5:22 | Naaman's healing is a symbol of the spiritual cleansing that we experience through faith in Christ, who is the ultimate Healer and Savior. |
| 5:23 | The chapter reminds us of God's grace and redemption, which are available to all people through faith in Christ. |
| 5:24 | We are called to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we do not understand His ways, and to follow His instructions, no matter how difficult or unexpected they may seem. |
| 5:25 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of the importance of community and accountability in our walk with God, and the need to surround ourselves with people who will encourage and support us in our faith. |
| 5:26 | Naaman's servants play a crucial role in his healing, reminding us of the importance of community and accountability in our walk with God. |
| 5:27 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness and integrity in our walk with God. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Naaman's leprosy in the story?
Naaman's leprosy is a physical disease that represents spiritual uncleanness and separation from God. His healing is a symbol of the spiritual cleansing that we experience through faith in Christ, who is the ultimate Healer and Savior. As (2 Kings 5:14) says, 'So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.'
Why did Elisha instruct Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times?
Elisha's instructions to Naaman were a test of his faith and obedience. By requiring Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan River seven times, Elisha was asking him to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even when he did not understand the reason behind the instructions. As (2 Kings 5:10) says, 'Elisha sent a messenger to him, who said, 'Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored and you will be clean.'
What is the significance of Gehazi's disobedience and its consequences?
Gehazi's disobedience and its consequences serve as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and integrity in our walk with God. Gehazi's attempt to deceive Naaman and take some of the gifts that Naaman offered to Elisha resulted in his being afflicted with leprosy, illustrating the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 5:1 → Luke 4:27 | The story of Naaman's healing is referenced in Luke 4:27, where Jesus mentions the fact that there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha, but only Naaman was healed. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 5:14 → Matthew 8:2-3 | The story of Naaman's healing is similar to the story of the leper who came to Jesus for healing in Matthew 8:2-3. In both stories, the leper is healed through faith and obedience. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 5:10 → John 9:1-7 | The story of Naaman's healing is similar to the story of the blind man who was healed by Jesus in John 9:1-7. In both stories, the person is healed through faith and obedience, and the healing is a symbol of the spiritual cleansing that we experience through faith in Christ. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 5:15 → Acts 8:26-40 | The story of Naaman's healing is referenced in Acts 8:26-40, where the Ethiopian eunuch is reading from the book of Isaiah and comes across the story of Naaman's healing. Philip uses this story to preach the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 5:20 → 2 Timothy 2:2 | The story of Gehazi's disobedience and its consequences is referenced in 2 Timothy 2:2, where Paul warns against the dangers of greed and the importance of faithfulness and integrity in our walk with God. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 5:25 → Hebrews 12:1 | The story of Naaman's healing is referenced in Hebrews 12:1, where the author encourages believers to surround themselves with a cloud of witnesses who will encourage and support them in their faith. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 5:27 → 1 Peter 5:6 | where Peter warns against the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in our relationship with God. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 5:14 → Romans 6:4 | The story of Naaman's healing is similar to the story of our spiritual cleansing through faith in Christ, as described in Romans 6:4. In both stories, the person is cleansed and healed through faith and obedience, and the healing is a symbol of the spiritual cleansing that we experience through faith in Christ. |
Sermons on 2 Kings 5
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Complacency of Fools by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Proverbs 1:29-32, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He then discusses the current st |
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A Serious Remonstrance by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity and importance of the message he is about to deliver. He acknowledges that some may be expecting something new or complex, bu |
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(Men Who Saw God) 5. Our Vision for Others by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his threefold vision. Firstly, he talks about his calling to do evangelistic work with the National Young Life Campaign and how his vision has |
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Through the Bible - 2 Kings by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our debt of love towards one another, as stated in Romans 13:8. He highlights the idea that we owe it to others |
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Sovereignty and Salvation by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity and universality of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He highlights the power of a simple act of looking to Jesus for |
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Profiteering Christianity by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Naaman, and Gehazi. It highlights the importance |
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Matthew 5:44 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing Matthew 5:44, emphasizing the importance of taking a stand for Christ and how God honors those who honor Him. The speaker then move |
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Where Christianity Becomes Profiteering by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Gehazi, and Naaman. It highlights the importance |
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(2 Kings) Two Lepers and the Blind Men by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the king of Israel's anger and desperation during a famine. The king initially blames the people for their situation, but eventua |
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Naaman Healed of Leprosy [Part 1] by Bertha Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Naaman, a general from Syria who was highly respected and successful. However, Naaman had a problem - he was a leper. Through a |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 5
In this chapter, we see the wonderful providence of God in the healing of Naaman, a Syrian commander who was afflicted with leprosy. Naaman's story teaches us about the importance of faith, humility, and obedience in our relationship with God. Through his healing, we see how God works in unexpected ways to bring people to Himself, and how He uses unexpected means to accomplish His purposes in our lives. As Matthew Henry comments, 'The design of God in this miracle was to make Himself known, not only in Israel, but in Syria, and to show that He is the Lord of the whole earth.' This chapter reminds us of God's sovereignty and goodness, and the importance of trusting in His power and wisdom, even when we do not understand His ways. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Naaman's initial pride and resistance to Elisha's instructions
Naaman's initial refusal to follow Elisha's instructions is a reminder that our pride and self-sufficiency can often hinder our ability to receive God's blessings and healing. This is a common pattern in the Bible, where God's people must learn to humble themselves and trust in His sovereignty.
The role of Naaman's servants in his healing
Naaman's servants play a crucial role in his healing, as they encourage him to follow Elisha's instructions and trust in God's power. This reminds us of the importance of community and accountability in our walk with God, and how we can support and encourage one another in our faith.
The consequences of Gehazi's disobedience
Gehazi's attempt to deceive Naaman and take some of the gifts that Naaman offered to Elisha results in his being afflicted with leprosy. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness and integrity in our walk with God.