Topical Encyclopedia Naaman, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is a notable example of divine healing from leprosy. His account is recounted in 2 Kings 5, where he is introduced as a commander of the army of the king of Aram. Despite his high status and military prowess, Naaman suffered from leprosy, a condition that not only affected him physically but also carried social and religious implications.Background and Context Naaman's leprosy is significant in the biblical narrative as it highlights the intersection of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. Leprosy, in biblical times, was a term used for various skin diseases, often seen as a sign of impurity and divine disfavor. Those afflicted were typically isolated from the community, underscoring the severity of Naaman's condition despite his esteemed position. The Role of the Israelite Servant Girl The turning point in Naaman's account comes through the faith and testimony of a young Israelite girl, who had been taken captive and served Naaman's wife. She expressed her belief in the healing power of the prophet Elisha in Samaria, saying, "If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy" (2 Kings 5:3). Her faith and boldness set the stage for Naaman's journey to seek healing. Naaman's Journey to Elisha Naaman, acting on the servant girl's advice, sought permission from the king of Aram and traveled to Israel with gifts, seeking healing from Elisha. Upon arrival, Elisha did not meet Naaman personally but sent a messenger with 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 and Obedience Initially, Naaman reacted with anger and disbelief, expecting a more dramatic display of prophetic power. He questioned, "Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?" (2 Kings 5:12). However, his servants persuaded him to follow the prophet's simple instructions. Naaman's eventual obedience to Elisha's command reflects a humbling of his pride and a submission to God's method of healing. The Miracle of Healing Upon washing in the Jordan River seven times, as instructed, Naaman's flesh was restored, and he was cleansed of his leprosy. The text states, "His flesh was restored like that of a young boy, and he was clean" (2 Kings 5:14). This miraculous healing not only cured Naaman physically but also led to a profound spiritual transformation. Naaman's Declaration of Faith 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 earth except in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15). Naaman's acknowledgment of the God of Israel signifies a turning point in his spiritual journey, as he vowed to worship no other gods. Significance in Biblical Theology Naaman's healing from leprosy serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and grace. It illustrates the theme of God's willingness to extend mercy beyond the boundaries of Israel, foreshadowing the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Naaman's account also emphasizes the importance of faith, humility, and obedience in experiencing God's miraculous works. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 5:8-14And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Why have you rent your clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel. Nave's Topical Index Library Naaman Naaman's Wrath Naaman. 2Ki 5:14 A Little Jewish Maid. Naaman's Imperfect Faith Naaman the Syrian The Lord and the Leper The Leper St. Ambrose Points Out that we must Consider the Divine Presence ... Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper. Resources Why is leprosy talked about so much in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the story of Elisha and Naaman? | GotQuestions.org Leprosy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Leprosy: A Common Disease Among the Jews Leprosy: Ceremonies at Cleansing of Leprosy: Christ Gave Power to Heal Leprosy: Garments: Incurable Infected With, Burned Leprosy: Garments: Infected With, to Have the Piece First Torn Out Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, But not Having, Washed and Pronounced Clean Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, Shown to Priest Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, Shut up Seven Days Leprosy: Healed: Disciples Empowered to Heal Leprosy: Houses: Ceremonies at Cleansing of Leprosy: Houses: Incurably Infected With, Pulled Down and Removed Leprosy: Houses: Infected With, Communicated Uncleanness to Everyone Who Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, But not Infected, Pronounced Clean Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Emptied Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Inspected by Priest Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Reported to Priest Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Shut up Seven Days Leprosy: Houses: To Have the Part Infected With, First Removed, and the Rest Leprosy: Leprosy not Mentioned Above: Azariah Leprosy: Leprosy not Mentioned Above: Four Lepers Outside Samaria Leprosy: Leprosy not Mentioned Above: Simon Leprosy: Less Inveterate when It Covered the Whole Body Leprosy: Often Began With a Bright Red Spot Leprosy: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Beard Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Forehead Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Hand Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Head Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Whole Body Leprosy: Power of Christ Manifested in Curing Leprosy: Power of God Manifested in Curing Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Gehazi Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Miriam Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Uzziah Leprosy: The Priests: Examined all Persons Healed of Leprosy: The Priests: Examined Persons Suspected of Leprosy: The Priests: had Rules for Distinguishing Leprosy: The Priests: Judges and Directors in Cases of Leprosy: The Priests: Shut up Persons Suspected of, Seven Days Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Associated Together Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Ceremonially Unclean Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Cut off from God's House Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Dwelt in a Separate House Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Excluded from Priest's office Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Separated from Intercourse With Others Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: To Cry Unclean when Approached Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: To Have Their Heads Bare, Clothes Rent, and Lip Covered Leprosy: Turned the Hair White or Yellow Leprosy: Turned the Skin White Related Terms |
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