Topical Bible: Judgments: Gehazi

◄ Judgments: Gehazi ►

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Gehazi, a servant of the prophet Elisha, is a notable figure in the Old Testament whose actions led to a significant divine judgment. His account is primarily found in 2 Kings 4 and 5, where he serves as an assistant to Elisha, witnessing many of the prophet's miracles and teachings. Gehazi's narrative is a cautionary tale about greed, deceit, and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.

Background and Role

Gehazi first appears in 2 Kings 4, during the account of the Shunammite woman. He acts as an intermediary between Elisha and the woman, assisting in the miraculous restoration of her son to life. Gehazi's role as Elisha's servant places him in a position of trust and responsibility, allowing him to witness firsthand the power and authority of God working through the prophet.

The Incident with Naaman

The most significant event involving Gehazi occurs in 2 Kings 5, during the healing of Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram. Naaman, afflicted with leprosy, seeks healing from Elisha. Following Elisha's instructions, Naaman washes in the Jordan River and is miraculously healed. In gratitude, Naaman offers Elisha gifts, which the prophet refuses, emphasizing that the healing was an act of God and not to be profited from.

Gehazi, however, sees an opportunity for personal gain. After Naaman departs, Gehazi pursues him and deceitfully claims that Elisha has changed his mind and requests a talent of silver and two sets of clothing for two young prophets. Naaman, eager to show gratitude, gives Gehazi twice the amount of silver and the clothing. Gehazi hides the gifts and returns to Elisha, attempting to conceal his actions.

Divine Judgment

Elisha, aware of Gehazi's deceit through divine insight, confronts him. In 2 Kings 5:26-27 , Elisha says, "Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever." Gehazi's greed and dishonesty result in a severe judgment: he is struck with leprosy, a condition that not only affects him but also his descendants.

Theological Implications

Gehazi's account serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of covetousness and the importance of integrity in service to God. His actions contrast sharply with the selflessness and faithfulness expected of those who serve in God's name. The judgment upon Gehazi underscores the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly when it involves exploiting spiritual authority for personal gain.

The narrative also highlights the theme of divine justice. Gehazi's punishment is immediate and severe, reflecting the biblical principle that God is just and will not tolerate deceit and greed among His people. This account serves as a warning to believers about the consequences of straying from God's commands and the importance of maintaining a pure heart in service to Him.

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

Infant Salvation
... This good Shunammite was asked by Gehazi, whether it was well with herself ... We have
learned humbly to submit our judgments to his will, and we dare not criticise ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/infant salvation.htm

Of Preparation.
... sacrament shall seal unto thy soul, that all thy sins and the judgments due to ... with
a more miserable patient, for I am more leprous than Gehazi, more unclean ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of preparation.htm

Acts iv. 36, 37
... So true is that saying, "The Lord is known by executing judgments." (Psalm 9:16 ... Many
have been like Gehazi, yet they have not been struck with leprosy: for ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xii acts iv 36.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 3, 4
... mind, we are liable to punishment; consider how vastly men are deceived in their
judgments. ... 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 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
... and fulfilled; of judgment: the judgment in which all other judgments are decided ...
in this connection the story of Achan (Joshua 7), and that of Gehazi (2 Kings ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the holy.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm