Homiletic Magazine 2 Kings 5:20-27 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian… I. THE DECEPTION PRACTISED. Naaman was proceeding on his way, thoughtful, grateful, prayerful, hopeful, joyful. He is overtaken by Gehazi, who, unknown to his master, asks a gift of him. After all Gehazi's profession and all his religious opportunities, who would have expected such action? Influences of pious homes, etc., are sometimes all lost. The secret of Gehazi's action was covetousness. This is a rock on which many split. Gehazi thinks of all Naaman is taking back, and of his willingness to make the prophet a present. He regrets the loss of an opportunity of gain. He longs for the silver, etc. He resolves to seek for it. It is dangerous to parley with temptation. Unobserved, as he supposes, by the prophet, he pursues after Naaman. Unheard, as he supposes, by the prophet, he tells his story. II. THE DECEPTION SUCCEEDING; that is, for the time, and so far as regards the obtaining of that for which he asked, and more than he asked for. Naaman pauses, descends from his chariot, kindly inquires after the prophet's welfare, listens to Gehazi's application, grants all he sought and more. Note the confidence, the artlessness, the unsuspiciousness of a young convert to the faith of the God of Israel. He cannot suppose a prophet's servant could be guilty of a falsehood. Men expect much of those who profess godliness; guilty indeed are they who, by disappointing such expectations, cast a stumbling-block in the way of young believers (Matthew 18:6). Gehazi obtains his desire; but how does he feel as he returns to his master? III. THE DECEPTION DETECTED. Ver. 24, "When he came to the tower." In the Revised Version that reads — "When he came to the hill"; probably the hill brow from which he could see his master's house, and where his master, therefore, might possibly see him, he then hid his ill-got treasure. He did not think of that eye that over sees (Psalm 139:1-12; Jeremiah 23:1. 24). Could he think to hide from the prophet, of the Lord that which he had done? He did so think; but it was not hidden (vers. 25, 26). He thought he had managed all very cleverly!... Deception led to falsehood; it often does. Yet only ultimately to increase the shame of detection. "Be sure thy sin will find thee out." IV. THE DECEPTION PUNISHED. Shortlived is the prosperity of the wicked. If Gehazi will have Naaman's treasure, he shall have Naaman's leprosy. (Homiletic Magazine.) Parallel Verses KJV: But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. |
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