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, however, approached him and said,Though Naaman held high military rank, his servants cared enough to speak when his anger threatened to cost him his healing. Their approach shows both loyalty and courage, since they addressed a powerful commander with respectful counsel. Pro 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel.… “My father, They used an affectionate title that acknowledged Naaman’s authority while appealing to him personally. Their words were not confrontational but intended to turn him from wounded pride. 2Ki 2:12 As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father,… if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, Naaman had expected a display suited to his position and perhaps a difficult act worthy of a celebrated commander. Elisha’s instruction seemed too ordinary because it required submission rather than achievement. Gen 22:1-2 Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him,… would you not have done it? The servants exposed the inconsistency in Naaman’s response. He was willing to attempt something demanding, yet he resisted the simple command God had given through Elisha. Exo 24:7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it… How much more, then, when he tells you, Their reasoning urged Naaman to consider what he had to lose. If he would have obeyed a difficult command in hope of healing, he should certainly obey one that was simple and clear. Mat 7:11 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts… ‘Wash and be cleansed’?” The instruction required Naaman to trust God’s word rather than the Jordan’s natural qualities. His cleansing would come not from the river itself, but from obedient faith in the Lord who had spoken through His prophet. Psa 51:2 Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Persons / Places / Events 1. NaamanA commander of the army of the king of Aram, who suffered from leprosy. He is a central figure in this chapter, seeking healing from the prophet Elisha. 2. Elisha A prophet in Israel who instructs Naaman to wash in the Jordan River to be healed of his leprosy. 3. Naaman's Servants They play a crucial role in persuading Naaman to follow Elisha's simple instructions, demonstrating wisdom and humility. 4. Jordan River The river in which Naaman is instructed to wash seven times to be cleansed of his leprosy. 5. Aram (Syria) The nation where Naaman serves as a military commander, often in conflict with Israel. Teaching Points The Importance of HumilityNaaman's initial reaction to Elisha's instructions was one of pride and anger. His healing required humility to accept a simple solution. We must be willing to humble ourselves to receive God's blessings. Obedience to God's Word The servants' advice to Naaman underscores the importance of obedience, even when God's instructions seem too simple or beneath us. Obedience is a key component of faith. God's Ways Are Not Our Ways Naaman expected a grand gesture for his healing, but God often works through simple, ordinary means. We should remain open to God's unexpected methods. The Role of Wise Counsel Naaman's servants provide wise counsel that leads to his healing. We should seek and listen to godly advice from those around us. Faith in Action Naaman's eventual obedience to wash in the Jordan demonstrates faith in action. Our faith should lead us to act according to God's instructions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Naaman's account illustrate the importance of humility in our relationship with God?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience to God's Word in our daily lives, even when it seems counterintuitive? 3. How can we ensure that we are open to God's methods, which may differ from our expectations? 4. What role does wise counsel play in our spiritual journey, and how can we discern godly advice? 5. How does Naaman's healing account connect with the New Testament teachings on faith and obedience? Consider the parallels with other biblical healings. Connections to Other Scriptures John 9The healing of the blind man by Jesus, who is instructed to wash in the Pool of Siloam, parallels Naaman's healing, emphasizing obedience to God's instructions. Luke 4:27 Jesus references Naaman's healing to illustrate God's grace extending beyond Israel, highlighting the universality of God's mercy. James 4:6 This verse speaks to the theme of humility, which is essential for Naaman's healing, as he must humble himself to follow the prophet's simple command.
People Aram, Elisha, Gehazi, Naaman, SyriansPlaces Abana River, Damascus, Jordan River, Pharpar, Samaria, SyriaTopics Bid, Bidden, Clean, Cleansed, Commanded, Drew, Nigh, Orders, Prophet, Rather, Says, Servants, Spake, Speak, Spoke, Spoken, Surely, Tells, Wash, Washed, Wouldest, Wouldn't, WouldstDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 5:13 1416 miracles, nature of 1418 miracles, responses Library Naaman's Wrath'And Elisha sent a messenger unto Naaman, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. 11. But Naaman was wroth, and went away.'--2 KINGS v. 10,11. These two figures are significant of much beyond themselves. Elisha the prophet is the bearer of a divine cure. Naaman, the great Syrian noble, is stricken with the disease that throughout the Old Testament is treated as a parable of sin and death. He was the commander-in-chief of the army … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Naaman's Imperfect Faith Mr. Evil-Questioning Tried and Executed A Little Maid Gehazi Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists? Whether Christ was Baptized at a Fitting Time? "Let any Man Come. " Kings Links 2 Kings 5:13 NIV2 Kings 5:13 NLT 2 Kings 5:13 ESV 2 Kings 5:13 NASB 2 Kings 5:13 KJV 2 Kings 5:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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