Topical Encyclopedia Naaman, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is best known for his encounter with the prophet Elisha, which is recorded in 2 Kings 5. He was the commander of the army of the king of Aram (modern-day Syria) and was highly esteemed by his master. Despite his military prowess and social standing, Naaman suffered from leprosy, a condition that not only affected his health but also his social interactions and religious practices.The Problem of Leprosy Leprosy in biblical times was a dreaded disease, often seen as a divine punishment. It rendered individuals ceremonially unclean, isolating them from society. Naaman's leprosy, therefore, was not just a physical ailment but a significant personal and social crisis. His condition is described in 2 Kings 5:1: "Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy." The Decision to Seek Healing Naaman's decision to seek healing was influenced by a young Israelite girl, a captive servant in his household. She expressed faith in the power of the prophet in Samaria to heal Naaman. Her words are recorded in 2 Kings 5:3: "She said to her mistress, 'If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.'" This testimony prompted Naaman to take action. He approached the king of Aram, who sent him with a letter to the king of Israel, requesting healing for Naaman. This decision to seek help from the God of Israel was a significant step, reflecting both desperation and a willingness to explore foreign religious practices. The Encounter with Elisha Upon arriving in Israel, Naaman expected a grand healing ceremony. However, Elisha, the prophet, did not even meet him in person. Instead, he sent a messenger with simple instructions: "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be clean" (2 Kings 5:10). Naaman's initial reaction was one of anger and disappointment. He had anticipated a more elaborate ritual and questioned the efficacy of washing in the Jordan River, as recorded in 2 Kings 5:11-12. His pride and expectations nearly prevented him from receiving healing. The Humble Obedience Naaman's servants, however, persuaded him to follow Elisha's instructions. They reasoned with him, saying, "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'!" (2 Kings 5:13). This counsel led Naaman to humble himself and obey the prophet's directive. Naaman's decision to submit to the simple act of washing in the Jordan was a turning point. Upon doing so, his flesh was restored, and he was cleansed of his leprosy, as described in 2 Kings 5:14: "So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy." Acknowledgment of the True God Following his healing, Naaman returned to Elisha, expressing gratitude and a newfound faith in the God of Israel. He declared, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15). Naaman's decision to acknowledge the God of Israel marked a significant spiritual transformation, demonstrating the power of faith and obedience. Naaman's account is a profound example of how humility, faith, and obedience can lead to both physical and spiritual healing. His decision to follow the prophet's simple instructions, despite his initial reluctance, resulted in a miraculous transformation and a public acknowledgment of the one true God. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 5:15,17And 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 you, take a blessing of your servant. Nave's Topical Index Library Naaman's Imperfect Faith The Evangel Booklets A Passage Quoted by the Heretics against Repentance is Explained ... Letter clxxxviii. (Canonica Prima. ) The Two Paths Introductory Notice to Memoirs of Edessa and Other Syriac ... Chapter xlvi Jesus and the Blind Man. Paul a Prisoner Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls Resources What is decisional regeneration / decision theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the valley of decision (Joel 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org What are the biblical principles for solid decision-making? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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