2 Kings 5:12
2 Kings 5:12 in Multiple Translations
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.
Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the 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.
Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not be washed in them and become clean? So turning, he went away in wrath.
Aren't the rivers of Damascus, Abanah and Pharpar, better than any of these streams of Israel? Couldn't I have washed in them and been healed?” So he turned around and went off in a rage.
Are not Abanah and Pharpar, riuers of Damascus, better then all the waters of Israel? may I not washe mee in them, and bee cleansed? so hee turned, and departed in displeasure.
Are 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.
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.
Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
Are not the Abana, and the Pharphar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel, that I may wash in them, and be made clean? So as he turned, and was going away with indignation,
Surely the Abana River and the Pharpar River in Damascus in my own country of Syria are [RHQ] better than any of the rivers in Israel! Why can I not wash in those rivers and be healed?” [RHQ] So he turned and walked away with great anger/disgust.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 5:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 5:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/לֹ֡א
טוֹב֩
אבנה
אֲמָנָ֨ה
וּ/פַרְפַּ֜ר
נַהֲר֣וֹת
דַּמֶּ֗שֶׂק
מִ/כֹּל֙
מֵימֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
הֲ/לֹֽא
אֶרְחַ֥ץ
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
וְ/טָהָ֑רְתִּי
וַ/יִּ֖פֶן
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
בְּ/חֵמָֽה
הֲ/לֹ֡א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
טוֹב֩
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
אבנה
ʼĂbânâh
H71
Abana
N-proper
אֲמָנָ֨ה
ʼĂmânâh
H549
Amana
N-proper
וּ/פַרְפַּ֜ר
Parpar
H6554
Pharpar
Conj | N-proper
נַהֲר֣וֹת
nâhâr
H5104
river
N-mp
דַּמֶּ֗שֶׂק
Dammeseq
H1834
Damascus
N-proper
מִ/כֹּל֙
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
מֵימֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
הֲ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
אֶרְחַ֥ץ
râchats
H7364
to wash
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
וְ/טָהָ֑רְתִּי
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וַ/יִּ֖פֶן
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/חֵמָֽה
chêmâh
H2534
rage
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 5:12
הֲ/לֹ֡א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
טוֹב֩
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
אבנה
ʼĂbânâh
H71
"Abana"
N-proper
Abanah is a river near Damascus, mentioned in the Bible as a significant geographical feature. It is also known as the Amana river in some translations. The KJV simply calls it 'Abana'.
Definition: A river in Syria flowing through Damascus Also named: a.ma.nah (אֲמָנָה "Amana" H0549H)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Abana. See also: 2 Kings 5:12.
אֲמָנָ֨ה
ʼĂmânâh
H549
"Amana"
N-proper
Amana is a mountain near Damascus, mentioned in 2 Kings as a location near a river that flows into the plain of Damascus. The name means support.
Definition: Amana = "support" a river flowing into the plain of Damascus from Antilebanon Another name of a.va.nah (אֲבָנָה "Abana" H0071)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Amana. See also: 2 Kings 5:12; Song of Solomon 4:8.
וּ/פַרְפַּ֜ר
Parpar
H6554
"Pharpar"
Conj | N-proper
Pharpar is a swift river in Syria, near Damascus, mentioned in the Bible as a place where Naaman wanted to wash. It rises on Mount Hermon and flows into a lake. The name Pharpar means swift or fast-moving.
Definition: § Pharpar = "swift" a stream in the district of Damascus identified with the modern 'Awaj'; rises on the southeast slopes of Mount Hermon and flows into the southernmost lake of Damascus
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Pharpar. See also: 2 Kings 5:12.
נַהֲר֣וֹת
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
N-mp
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
דַּמֶּ֗שֶׂק
Dammeseq
H1834
"Damascus"
N-proper
Damascus, the capital city of Syria, is mentioned in the Bible as an important trading center. It is located northeast of Jerusalem and is referenced in several biblical stories.
Definition: § Damascus = "silent is the sackcloth weaver" an ancient trading city, capital of Syria, located in the plain east of Hermon, 130 (205 km) miles northeast of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Damascus. See also: Genesis 14:15; 2 Chronicles 28:5; Isaiah 7:8.
מִ/כֹּל֙
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מֵימֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
הֲ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֶרְחַ֥ץ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/טָהָ֑רְתִּי
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
וַ/יִּ֖פֶן
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
וַ/יֵּ֥לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בְּ/חֵמָֽה
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
Prep | N-fs
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 5:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 5:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 5:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 5:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:12
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 5:12
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 5:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:12
- Sermons on 2 Kings 5:12
Context — Naaman Cured of Leprosy
10Then 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.”
11But 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.
12Are 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.
13Naaman’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’?” 14So 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 1:9 | In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 5:17 | “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. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 2:14 | Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:17 | A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 47:1–8 | Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. Next he brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and there I saw the water trickling out from the south side. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water. Then he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through knee-deep water. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through waist-deep water. Once again he measured off a thousand cubits, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough for swimming—a river that could not be crossed on foot. “Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived, I saw a great number of trees along both banks of the river. And he said to me, “This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh. |
| 6 | Joshua 3:15–17 | Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan. |
| 7 | Zechariah 13:1 | “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the people of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. |
| 8 | Proverbs 19:11 | A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 2:8 | And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. |
| 10 | Zechariah 14:8 | And on that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it toward the Eastern Sea and the other half toward the Western Sea, in summer and winter alike. |
2 Kings 5:12 Summary
In 2 Kings 5:12, Naaman is angry because he thinks the rivers of Damascus are better than the Jordan River, where Elisha told him to wash to be healed. But the truth is, it's not about the river, it's about obeying God's instructions, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10. Naaman's story teaches us to trust in God's power and provision, rather than our own abilities or resources, as stated in Psalm 37:3-7. By humbling ourselves and trusting in God's ways, we can experience His healing and blessing in our lives, as seen in 2 Kings 5:14 and Psalm 103:2-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Naaman get angry when Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan River?
Naaman got angry because he thought Elisha would come out and perform a grand ceremony to heal him, and instead, he was simply told to wash in the Jordan River, which he considered inferior to the rivers of Damascus, as stated in 2 Kings 5:12. This reaction shows his pride and lack of faith, as seen in 2 Kings 5:11.
What is the significance of the rivers of Damascus mentioned in this verse?
The rivers of Damascus, Abanah and Pharpar, were considered better than the waters of Israel by Naaman, but they had no power to heal his leprosy, as seen in 2 Kings 5:12. In contrast, the Jordan River, which Naaman was told to wash in, was the means by which God chose to heal him, as seen in 2 Kings 5:14.
How does Naaman's reaction in this verse relate to our own walk with God?
Naaman's reaction in 2 Kings 5:12 serves as a reminder that we must humble ourselves and trust in God's ways, even when they don't make sense to us, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6. We must be careful not to let pride and unbelief hinder our ability to receive God's healing and blessing, as seen in James 4:6-10.
What can we learn from Naaman's statement about the rivers of Damascus?
Naaman's statement in 2 Kings 5:12 reveals his lack of understanding about the true source of healing, which is God, not a particular location or body of water, as seen in Psalm 103:2-3. This serves as a reminder to look to God as our ultimate source of healing and provision, rather than relying on worldly things, as stated in Jeremiah 17:5-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trusting in my own abilities or resources, rather than trusting in God's power and provision?
- How can I apply the lesson of Naaman's story to my own life, by humbling myself and trusting in God's ways, even when they don't make sense to me?
- What are some 'rivers of Damascus' in my life that I am relying on for comfort or security, rather than trusting in the living water of Jesus Christ, as seen in John 4:13-14?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of uncertainty or difficulty, as seen in Romans 8:28-30?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 5:12
Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?.... Abana is, in the marginal reading, called Amana, and so the Targum; perhaps from the Mount Amana, from whence
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 5:12
Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:12
Is there not as great a virtue in them to this purpose? But he should have considered that the cure was not to be wrought by the water, but by the power of God, who might use what means and methods of cure he pleased.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:12
2 Kings 5:12 [Are] not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.Ver. 12. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus] Benjamin in his "Itinerary" saith, there is not so fruitful and sweet a city in all the world as Damascus, by reason of these two rivers Abana and Pharpar, called by historiographers Adonis and Orontes, falling from mount Hermon. For which cause also, saith another writer, the impostor Mohammed would never enter in this city, fearing - as himself used to say - lest, being ravished with the ineffable pleasures of the place, he should forget the business whereabout he was sent, and make this town his paradise. Better than all the waters of Israel?] Why, yes, they may so seem, so long as you look upon them with Syrian eyes. Thus carnal people despise the "foolishness of preaching," the simplicity of sacraments, the seeming inefficacy of censures, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:12
(12) Abana.—So Hebrew text; Hebrew margin, Amana; and so many MSS., Complut., LXX., Targum, Syriac. (Comp. Amana, Son 4:8, as name of a peak of the Lebanon, which is common in the Assyrian inscriptions also.) The river is identified with the present Burâda, or Barady (“the cold”), which descends from the Anti-Lebanon, and flows through Damascus in seven streams. (The Arabic version has Bardâ.) Pharpar.—Parpar (“the swift”), the present Nahr el-Awâj, which comes down from the great Hermon, and flows by Damascus on the south. Both rivers have clear water, as being mountain streams, whereas the Jordan is turbid and discoloured. Rivers of Damascus.—Add the. Damascus is still famous for its wholesome water. May I not wash in them, and be clean?—If mere washing in a river be enough, it were easy to do that at home, and to much better advantage.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:12
Verse 12. Are not Abana and Pharpar] At present these rivers do not exist by these names; and where they are we know not; nor whether they were the Orontes and Chrysorroes. Mr. Maundrell, who travelled over all this ground, could find no vestige of the names Abana and Pharpar. The river Barrady he accurately describes: it has its source in Antilibanus; and, after having plentifully watered the city of Damascus and the gardens, dividing into three branches, (one of which goes through the city, and the two others are distributed among the gardens,) it is lost in the marshy country about five or six leagues from Damascus. Two of these branches were doubtless called in the time of Elisha Abana, or Amana, as many copies have it; and Pharpar. And in the time in which the Arabic version was made, one of these branches were called [Arabic] Barda and Toura, for these are the names by which this version translates those of the text. May I not wash in them, and be clean?] No, for God has directed thee to Jordan! and by its waters, or none, shalt thou be cleansed. Abana and Pharpar may be as good as Jordan; and in respect to thy cleansing, the simple difference is, God will convey his influence by the latter, and not by the former. There is often contention among the people of Bengal and other places, concerning the superior efficacy of rivers; though the Ganges bears the bell in Bengal, as the Thames does in England, and the Nile in Egypt.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 5:12
12. Are not Abana [R.V. Abanah] and Pharpar, rivers [R.V. the rivers] of Damascus] There is a marginal reading Amanah in the Hebrew, but it is not well supported. The Abanah has been identified with the larger of the two rivers which now water Damascus. Its present name is ‘Barada’, and the Arabic version of this verse writes ‘Barda’ for Abanah. The second river is now named ‘Awaj’ and does not flow so close to the city, but one branch of it is still called ‘Wady Barbar’ in which we may probably trace the remnant of the ancient name ‘Pharpar’. Compared with the Jordan, these, especially the Abanah, must have appeared far superior, both in waters, for the Jordan is often muddy, and in the beauty of the scenery through which they flowed. Robinson (11. 255) describes the Jordan as a ‘deep, sluggish, discoloured stream’. Bp Hall observes here: ‘Nowhere shall we find a truer pattern of the disposition of nature: how she is altogether led by sense and reason: how she fondly judges of all objects by the appearance: how she acquaints herself only with the common road of God’s proceedings: how she sticks to her own principles: how she misconstrues the intentions of God: how she over-conceits her own: how she disdains the mean conditions of others: how she upbraids her opposites with the proud comparison of her own privileges. Nature is never but like herself.
No marvel if carnal minds despise the foolishness of preaching, the simplicity of sacraments, the homeliness of ceremonies, the seeming inefficacy of censures. These men look upon Jordan with Syrian eyes: one drop of whose water, set apart by divine ordination, hath more virtue than all the streams of Abanah and Pharpar.’
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 5:12
The Abana is the Barada, or true river of Damascus, which, rising in the anti-Libanus, flows westward from its foot and forms the oasis within which Damascus is placed. The Pharpar is usually identified with the Awaaj.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:12
12. Abana — The main stream by which the plain of Damascus is fertilized, and bears now the name Baroda.
Sermons on 2 Kings 5:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Cost of Service by John Hunter | John Hunter preaches on the importance of following Christ's example of humility and service, emphasizing the need to make ourselves of no reputation and be willing to be made by G |
|
"Go, Return!" by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the grave consequences of sin, illustrating how it can permanently hinder one's usefulness to God through the examples of Moses, Saul, and Elijah. He highligh |
|
Running, Kneeling, Asking by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there is only one gospel, which is told by four different people in the Bible. He encourages the audience to read all four Gospels to ge |
|
Cranbrook 1993 10-5-93 Pm Tape 2 by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions and having communion with Him. He mentions that our safety does not lie in our own armaments, |
|
(John) the Visitation of Nicodemus Regeneration by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning away from darkness and evil and stepping into the light of God's love. He explains that God's love was necessary t |
|
The Wedding in Cana by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of Jesus to perform miracles and meet the needs of people. He uses the story of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding as an ex |
|
How to Thrive in the Coming Famine by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God in impossible situations, encouraging the congregation to live for God's purpose, give to others even in times of need, and ha |