Gehazi was the servant of the prophet Elisha, a prominent figure in the Old Testament. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Kings, where he plays a significant role in several narratives involving Elisha's ministry. Gehazi's actions and their consequences provide important lessons on faithfulness, integrity, and the dangers of greed.

Service to Elisha

Gehazi is first introduced in 2 Kings 4, where he serves as Elisha's attendant. In this chapter, Elisha performs the miracle of raising the Shunammite woman's son from the dead. Gehazi is sent ahead by Elisha to lay the prophet's staff on the boy's face, but the child does not awaken until Elisha himself arrives and prays to the LORD. Gehazi's role here highlights his position as a trusted servant, though the miracle ultimately requires Elisha's direct intervention (2 Kings 4:29-35).

The Healing of Naaman

One of the most notable accounts involving Gehazi is the healing of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, who suffered from leprosy. In 2 Kings 5, Naaman comes to Elisha seeking healing. Elisha instructs him to wash in the Jordan River seven times, and Naaman is miraculously cleansed. Out of gratitude, Naaman offers Elisha gifts, which the prophet refuses. However, Gehazi, driven by greed, secretly pursues Naaman and deceitfully requests gifts on behalf of Elisha, claiming they are for two young prophets. Naaman, unaware of the deception, gives Gehazi silver and garments (2 Kings 5:1-23).

Judgment and Consequences

Gehazi's actions do not go unnoticed. When he returns, Elisha confronts him, revealing that he knows of Gehazi's deceit. Elisha pronounces judgment upon Gehazi, declaring that Naaman's leprosy will cling to him and his descendants forever. Gehazi leaves Elisha's presence, now afflicted with leprosy, "as white as snow" (2 Kings 5:25-27). This severe consequence underscores the seriousness of Gehazi's sin and serves as a warning against greed and dishonesty.

Later Appearances

Gehazi appears again in 2 Kings 8, where he is recounting to the king of Israel the great works Elisha has performed, including the resurrection of the Shunammite woman's son. This encounter occurs after Gehazi's punishment, suggesting that despite his leprosy, he remains connected to the events surrounding Elisha's ministry (2 Kings 8:4-5).

Lessons from Gehazi's Life

Gehazi's account is a poignant reminder of the importance of integrity and the dangers of covetousness. His life illustrates how a trusted position can be compromised by personal desires, leading to severe consequences. Gehazi's experiences serve as a cautionary tale for believers, emphasizing the need for faithfulness and honesty in service to God and others.2 Kings 4:12,29,31
And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.
Nave's Topical Index

1522. Gechazi -- perhaps "valley of vision," servant of Elisha
... Gehazi. Or Gechaziy {gay-khah-zee'}; apparently from gay' and chazah; valley of
a visionary; Gechazi, the servant of Elisha -- Gehazi. see HEBREW gay'. ...
/hebrew/1522.htm - 6k

A Slave Girl who Helped Her Master
... But when he had gone from him a short distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the
man of God, thought to himself, "My master has let this Naaman the Aramean go ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a slave girl who helped.htm

Elisha Healing the Sick Boy
... on Mount Carmel. But when Elisha saw her at a distance, he said to Gehazi,
his servant, "See, there is the Shunamite! Run down to ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/elisha healing the sick boy.htm

Gehazi
... How well Gehazi served Elisha! How nobly the servant comes out in that exquisite
story of the Lady of Shunem. How jealous he is of his master's honour! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/gehazi.htm

Naaman's Imperfect Faith
... 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 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/naamans imperfect faith.htm

The Shunammite's Boy.
... When she was gone Elisha asked his servant if there was nothing he could do for
her; and the man answered that she had no son. Gehazi knew it was the dearest ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the shunammites boy.htm

Naaman
... Gehazi, Elisha's servant, had had opportunity during the years to develop the
spirit of self-denial characterizing his master's lifework. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 20 naaman.htm

A Little Jewish Maid.
... kings do many tongues tell, and Elisha the prophet, who had a house in white-walled
Samaria, heard about the king's grief, and sent his servant Gehazi to give ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/a little jewish maid.htm

A Prophet of Peace
... distress, the Shunammite determined to go to Elisha for help. ... and the woman, accompanied
by her servant, set forth ... afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 19 a prophet of.htm

A Miracle Needing Effort
... of Gehazi's attempt was not what had been expected. Why need there be any hesitation
in taking the natural meaning, and supposing that Elisha sent his servant ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a miracle needing effort.htm

Justice Should be Observed Even in War and with Enemies. ...
... lie in wait for him, for he had learnt that it was Elisha who had made known to
all his plans and consultations. And Gehazi the prophet's servant, seeing the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxix justice should be.htm

Who was Gehazi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the story of Elisha and Naaman? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org

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