When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, "Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!" When the king of Israel read the letterThe king of Israel at this time was likely Jehoram, son of Ahab. The act of reading the letter signifies the formal communication between two monarchs. In the ancient Near East, letters were often delivered by messengers and were sealed to ensure authenticity. The king's reaction upon reading the letter reveals the gravity and unexpected nature of the request. Historically, letters were a primary means of diplomatic communication, and the content of this letter was unusual, as it involved a request for healing, not a typical political or military matter. he tore his clothes
Tearing one's clothes was a traditional expression of grief, distress, or horror in ancient Israelite culture. This act symbolized the king's deep anxiety and helplessness in the face of what he perceived as an impossible demand. The tearing of garments is seen throughout the Old Testament as a sign of mourning or repentance (e.g., Genesis 37:34, Job 1:20). It underscores the king's fear of the potential consequences of failing to meet the request. and asked, 'Am I God, to kill and to give life
This rhetorical question highlights the king's recognition of his human limitations. In the ancient world, the power over life and death was attributed solely to the divine. The king's exclamation reflects his understanding that only God has the authority and power to heal or to take life. This statement also reveals the king's lack of faith or awareness of God's prophets in Israel, who, through God's power, could perform miraculous acts. that this man sends me a man to cure of his leprosy?
Leprosy, in the biblical context, refers to a range of skin diseases, not necessarily the modern disease known as Hansen's disease. It was considered a severe affliction, often associated with ritual impurity and social isolation. The king's incredulity at the request underscores the perceived impossibility of curing such a condition. This phrase also reflects the king's misunderstanding of the role of God's prophets, who were instruments of divine healing. Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!
The king interprets the request as a pretext for conflict, fearing that failure to heal Naaman would be seen as an affront, leading to war. This reflects the tense political climate between Israel and Aram (Syria) during this period. Historically, the relationship between these nations was marked by frequent skirmishes and uneasy truces. The king's reaction is one of paranoia and defensiveness, revealing his lack of trust in God's providence and his focus on political ramifications rather than spiritual possibilities. Persons / Places / Events 1. King of IsraelThe unnamed king during this event, likely Jehoram, who reacts with distress upon receiving a letter from the king of Aram (Syria) requesting the healing of Naaman. 2. NaamanA commander of the army of the king of Aram, who suffers from leprosy and seeks healing in Israel. 3. King of AramThe ruler of Aram (Syria) who sends Naaman to Israel with a letter requesting his healing. 4. ElishaAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Elisha is the prophet who ultimately heals Naaman, demonstrating God's power. 5. LeprosyA serious skin disease that Naaman suffers from, symbolizing sin and impurity in biblical times. Teaching Points Human Limitations vs. Divine PowerThe king of Israel's reaction underscores human limitations in the face of divine tasks. It reminds us that only God has the power to heal and give life. Misunderstanding God's IntentionsThe king misinterprets the request as a provocation, showing how easily we can misunderstand God's plans. We should seek divine wisdom to discern His purposes. Faith in God's SovereigntyDespite the king's despair, the account ultimately reveals God's sovereignty and ability to work through unexpected means. Trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem impossible. Role of Prophets and God's MessengersElisha's role in the account highlights the importance of God's messengers in fulfilling His will. We should be open to guidance from those God places in our lives. God's Grace Extends Beyond BoundariesNaaman's healing, a foreigner, foreshadows the inclusivity of God's grace. We are called to extend love and grace beyond our comfort zones. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the king of Israel's reaction reflect our own responses to seemingly impossible situations, and how can we shift our perspective to trust in God's power? 2. In what ways can we misinterpret God's intentions in our lives, and how can we seek clarity and understanding through prayer and scripture? 3. How does the account of Naaman's healing challenge us to recognize and accept God's sovereignty in areas where we feel powerless? 4. What role do prophets and spiritual leaders play in guiding us towards God's will, and how can we be more receptive to their counsel? 5. How does the inclusivity of God's grace, as demonstrated in Naaman's healing, inspire us to reach out to those outside our immediate community or comfort zone? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 4:11This verse highlights God's sovereignty over life and health, similar to the king of Israel's rhetorical question about his own inability to heal. Luke 4:27Jesus references Naaman's healing to illustrate God's grace extending beyond Israel, connecting to the broader theme of God's power and mercy. Mark 2:7The scribes question Jesus' authority to forgive sins, paralleling the king of Israel's doubt about his own power to heal, emphasizing human limitations versus divine authority. People Aram, Elisha, Gehazi, Naaman, SyriansPlaces Abana River, Damascus, Jordan River, Pharpar, Samaria, SyriaTopics Alive, Bring, Cause, Clear, Clothes, Consider, Cure, Cured, Death, Fellow, Garments, Greatly, Heal, Israel's, Kill, Leper, Leprosy, Letter, Occasion, Pass, Pick, Please, Presenting, Quarrel, Reading, Recover, Rendeth, Rent, Robes, Seeketh, Seeking, Seeks, Sending, Sends, Someone, Surely, Tore, Troubled, Trying, War, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 5:7 5393 literacy 2 Kings 5:1-14 1416 miracles, nature of
5298 doctors
8131 guidance, results 2 Kings 5:5-7 5910 motives, examples 2 Kings 5:6-7 5136 body 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 ScriptureNaaman's Imperfect Faith
'And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant. 16. But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. 17. And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Mr. Evil-Questioning Tried and Executed
Just listen to what Evil Questioning said to Naaman, and what Naaman said as the result of it. If I understand my text aright, it means just this: "What virtue can there be in water? Why should I be told to go and wash at all? I have washed many times and it never cured my leprosy. This dry disease is not so readily got rid of; but supposing there is some medical influence in water, why must I wash in Jordan? It is but a mere ditch, why can I not go and wash in some of my own rivers? We have medicinal …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860 A Little Maid
BY THEODORE T. MUNGER [From "Lamps and Paths," by courtesy of Houghton, Mifflin & Co.] In old days we read of angels who came and took men by the hand, and led them away from the city of Destruction. We see no white-robed angels now; yet men are led away from threatening destruction: a hand is put into theirs, and they are gently guided toward a bright and calm land, so that they look no more backward; and the hand may be that of a little child.--GEORGE ELIOT As aromatic plants bestow No spicy fragrance …
Philip P. Wells—Bible Stories and Religious Classics Gehazi
BY REV. J. MORGAN GIBBON "The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow."--2 KINGS v. 27. Elisha and Gehazi were master and man. They were more. They were almost father and son. Elisha calls him "my heart," just as Paul calls Onesimus his heart. Yet they parted so.--"He went out from his presence a leper." The punishment was terrible. Was it deserved? Had the master a right to pass this sentence? …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ's genealogy is not suitably traced by the Evangelists. For it is written (Is. 53:8): "Who shall declare His generation?" Therefore Christ's genealogy should not have been set down. Objection 2: Further, one man cannot possibly have two fathers. But Matthew says that "Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary": whereas Luke says that Joseph was the son of Heli. Therefore they contradict one another. Objection 3: Further, there seem to be divergencies between them …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ was Baptized at a Fitting Time?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ was baptized at an unfitting time. For Christ was baptized in order that He might lead others to baptism by His example. But it is commendable that the faithful of Christ should be baptized, not merely before their thirtieth year, but even in infancy. Therefore it seems that Christ should not have been baptized at the age of thirty. Objection 2: Further, we do not read that Christ taught or worked miracles before being baptized. But it would have been more profitable …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica "Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory" …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 5:7 NIV2 Kings 5:7 NLT2 Kings 5:7 ESV2 Kings 5:7 NASB2 Kings 5:7 KJV
2 Kings 5:7 Commentaries
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