The healing of Naaman – 1

2 Ki. 5

While Joram was ruling over Israel, the Arameans (Syrians) often made war with him. Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Aram. He had been used by the LORD to bring victory to Aram (2 Ki. 5:1). Though a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.

Meanwhile, a young captive girl from Israel had been serving Naaman’s wife. The young girl said to her mistress, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy” (2 Ki. 5:3). When Naaman heard of this, the king of Aram sent a letter to the king of Israel which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you my servant Naaman, that you may cure him of his leprosy” (2 Ki. 5:6).

As Joram read the letter, he thought that the king of Aram was trying to pick a quarrel with him. He became worried and tore his clothes. Elisha heard of what was happening and said to the king, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel” (2 Ki. 5:8).

Now, Naaman went to Elisha with his retinue – his servants, his horses and chariots. But Elisha did not even meet him. He simply sent a messenger to Naaman to tell him, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean” (2 Ki. 5:10).

Naaman was unmistakably bothered by the message because it was unlike anything that he expected. He became angry and said, “I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and cure the leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, andbe clean?” (2 Ki. 5:11-12). Naaman then turned and went away in rage.

But his servants plead to him wisely saying, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more when all he said to you was, “Wash, and be clean?” (2 Ki. 5:13). Naaman acquiesced and did just what Elisha told him to do and he became clean and cured!

When he became cured of his leprosy, Naaman not only became a changed man outside, he was also transformed completely inside. He said to Elisha, “your servant will no longer offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god except the LORD” (2 Ki. 5:17).

When the power of God is revealed, there is always transformation. We have discussed the story at length, and we can see so many lessons from it. We will, however, truncate our lessons today and continue with it tomorrow and the day after for an easier reading and comprehension. We will take up only three lessons today:

Firstly, we see that Naaman had been used by God to save the Arameans. From this, we can clearly understand that God is always actively involved in what happens everywhere as He is in control of all things. We see that He is the LORD Almighty.

Secondly, even though Naaman was a great warrior and the commander of the army of the king of Aram, he could not escape the fact that he was suffering from leprosy. His authority and power could not save him. It was only the LORD who could.

Thirdly,  how important the timely and wise counsel of the young girl from Israel was! Though she was just a captive slave, she became the important instrument for the healing of the commander of the army of Aram. Whatever position we are in, we can see that the LORD can use every one of us for His glory.