Topical Bible: Disease: Gehazi

◄ Disease: Gehazi ►

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Gehazi, a servant of the prophet Elisha, is a biblical figure whose account is intricately linked with themes of greed, deceit, and divine retribution. His narrative is primarily found in 2 Kings 4-5, where he serves as an assistant to Elisha, witnessing many of the prophet's miracles and teachings. Gehazi's actions and their consequences provide a poignant lesson on the moral and spiritual implications of sin, particularly in the context of disease as a divine judgment.

Background and Role

Gehazi first appears in the biblical narrative as Elisha's servant, assisting the prophet in his ministry. He is present during the miraculous provision of oil for the widow (2 Kings 4:1-7) and the resurrection of the Shunammite woman's son (2 Kings 4:18-37). Gehazi's role is significant, as he is entrusted with tasks that require faithfulness and integrity.

The Incident with Naaman

The most notable event involving Gehazi occurs in 2 Kings 5, during the healing of Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army who suffers from leprosy. Naaman, upon following Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River, is miraculously healed of his leprosy. In gratitude, Naaman offers Elisha gifts, which the prophet refuses, emphasizing that the healing was an act of God and not a service to be compensated.

However, Gehazi, driven by greed, decides to pursue Naaman and deceitfully requests a portion of the gifts in Elisha's name. Gehazi's actions are recorded in 2 Kings 5:20-24 : "Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, 'My master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.' So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, 'Is everything all right?' 'Everything is all right,' Gehazi answered. 'My master has sent me to say, "Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing."'"

Naaman, unaware of the deceit, obliges and gives Gehazi the requested items. Gehazi then hides the gifts and returns to Elisha, attempting to conceal his actions.

Divine Judgment and Disease

Elisha, endowed with prophetic insight, confronts Gehazi about his deceit. The prophet's response is recorded in 2 Kings 5:26-27 : "But Elisha asked him, 'Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or menservants and maidservants? Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever.' And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous, as white as snow."

The leprosy that afflicts Gehazi serves as a divine punishment for his greed and deceit. In the biblical context, leprosy is often seen as a symbol of sin and impurity, and Gehazi's affliction underscores the seriousness of his transgression. The disease not only affects Gehazi physically but also spiritually, marking him and his descendants with a lasting reminder of the consequences of sin.

Theological Implications

Gehazi's account is a powerful illustration of the biblical principle that sin has tangible consequences. His leprosy is not merely a physical ailment but a manifestation of divine judgment, reflecting the holiness and justice of God. The narrative warns against the dangers of greed and deceit, emphasizing the importance of integrity and faithfulness in the service of God.

Furthermore, Gehazi's punishment contrasts sharply with Naaman's healing, highlighting the transformative power of obedience and faith. While Naaman's humility and submission to God's will result in physical and spiritual cleansing, Gehazi's deceit leads to corruption and separation from the community.

In summary, the account of Gehazi serves as a sobering reminder of the moral and spiritual dimensions of disease in the biblical narrative, illustrating the profound connection between human actions and divine justice.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 5:27
The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall stick to you, and to your seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Instances to Show that the Disease of Covetousness is Threefold.
... And so this disease and unhealthy state is threefold, and is condemned with equal ...
For when Gehazi wished to acquire what he had never had before, not only did ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xiv instances to show.htm

The Remedies against the Disease of Covetousness.
... The remedies against the disease of covetousness. ... Let us also fear the example of
Gehazi, who for the sin of covetousness was chastised with the punishment of ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxx the remedies against.htm

John who was a Torch, Laid Bare and Rebuked the Wanton Ones: they ...
... poverty be brought to nought, the hateful custom of the house of Gehazi; in thy ... Let
the disease be done away from us, which is customary with us and pleasant ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxi john who was.htm

Matt. xxvi. 6, 7
... For Gehazi also lived with a holy man, and he too became depraved from the
same disease. For this calamity is the most grievous of all. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxx matt xxvi 6.htm

A Little Jewish Maid.
... But only Gehazi appeared in answer to the captain's call ... Was he going back to his
master with the disease still upon him, to tell him that he had not done what ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/a little jewish maid.htm

1 Cor. v. 1, 2
... not rather cast him out," but, as in the case of any disease or pestilence ... the meaning
of being "present in spirit:" as Elisha was present with Gehazi, and said ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xv 1 cor v.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 3, 4
... Who then ever fell into this disease, and was easily rid of it? ... Zacch??us, and Matthew,
even so ought we also to take account of Judas, and Gehazi, and Ahar ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xi 1 cor iv.htm

The Leper
... THE disease of leprosy was peculiarly fearful to a Jew. ... The story of Naaman and that
of Gehazi make it almost certain that the leprosy of Scripture was not ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 1 40-45 the leper.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... of justice they will grow sceptical, and, indulging the same disease, will be ... and
as Achan, [2640] when he stole the accursed thing; and as Gehazi, [2641] when ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

Tenth Commandment
... the king, saying, "Give us gold, for we Spaniards have a disease that can ... of the
third commandment, or sacrilegious falsehood: for instance, Gehazi, lying in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm