What is the meaning of 2 Kings 5:15? Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God “Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God…” (2 Kings 5:15a) • A literal journey of gratitude: Naaman does not head home to Aram; he returns to Elisha in Israel, demonstrating that genuine transformation seeks the source of blessing (cf. Luke 17:15). • Public witness: His whole entourage comes. Faith is immediately shared with those under his authority, echoing Joshua’s resolve: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). • Vindication of God’s word: The leper had followed Elisha’s command to wash in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:10–14). Now the healing is confirmed before witnesses, just as Jesus later told the cleansed leper to “show yourself to the priest” (Luke 5:14). Stood before him “…stood before him…” (2 Kings 5:15b) • From pride to humility: Earlier Naaman “stood at the door” expecting royal treatment (2 Kings 5:9-11). Now he stands as a servant, paralleling the prodigal who returns to his father admitting unworthiness (Luke 15:18-19). • Recognition of prophetic authority: To stand before God’s prophet is to acknowledge God Himself (1 Kings 17:1). Naaman, a Gentile commander, submits to Israel’s divine order—hinting at God’s heart for all nations (Isaiah 49:6). Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel “…and declared, ‘Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.’” (2 Kings 5:15c) • Confession of exclusive monotheism: The healing brings Naaman from polytheism to the truth sung in Psalm 86:10, “You alone are God.” • Personal conviction: “I know” mirrors Job’s climactic “I know that my Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25). Salvation always becomes personal. • Global testimony: A foreigner proclaims Israel’s God to be the only true God, prefiguring Romans 10:12—“the same Lord is Lord of all.” • Fulfillment of purpose: Israel was meant to reveal God to the nations (Deuteronomy 4:6-7). Naaman’s confession shows that mission succeeding. So please accept a gift from your servant “So please accept a gift from your servant.” (2 Kings 5:15d) • Gratitude expressed materially: In Scripture, grace stirs generosity (2 Corinthians 8:9). Naaman’s offer parallels the Magi laying gifts before Christ (Matthew 2:11). • “Your servant”: the commander adopts servant language, echoing those healed by Jesus who “followed Him, glorifying God” (Luke 18:43). • Right impulse, wrong timing: While thank-offerings are biblical (Exodus 23:15), Elisha refuses payment (2 Kings 5:16) to underline that God’s grace cannot be bought, anticipating Peter’s rebuke to Simon Magus (Acts 8:20). Summary Naaman’s return, posture, confession, and generosity reveal the hallmarks of genuine conversion: turning back to God, humbling oneself, declaring exclusive faith in Him, and responding with thankful obedience. The episode showcases the free, sovereign grace of the LORD that reaches beyond Israel’s borders and invites every nation to acknowledge that “there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.” |
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