Topical Encyclopedia The correspondence between the King of Syria and the King of Israel is a notable episode in the biblical narrative, primarily found in the account of Naaman's healing from leprosy in 2 Kings 5. This exchange of letters highlights the political and diplomatic interactions between neighboring kingdoms during the time of the divided monarchy in Israel.Context and Background The account unfolds during the reign of Joram (also known as Jehoram), the son of Ahab, who was the king of Israel. The Kingdom of Syria, also known as Aram, was a significant power to the north of Israel, often in conflict with the Israelites. Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, was a man of great honor and valor but suffered from leprosy, a condition that was both physically debilitating and socially isolating. The Letter from the King of Syria Upon learning from a captive Israelite girl that a prophet in Samaria could heal Naaman, the King of Syria sent a letter to the King of Israel. This letter was a formal request for the healing of Naaman, accompanied by lavish gifts intended to secure favor and demonstrate the seriousness of the request. The letter read: "When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent you my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy." (2 Kings 5:6) The Reaction of the King of Israel The King of Israel's reaction to the letter was one of distress and suspicion. He perceived the request as an impossible task and a potential pretext for conflict, as he exclaimed: "Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy? Consider now, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me." (2 Kings 5:7) This reaction underscores the king's lack of faith and his ignorance of the power of the prophet Elisha, who was in Israel at the time. Elisha's Intervention Upon hearing of the king's distress, Elisha, the prophet of God, intervened. He sent a message to the king, saying: "Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel." (2 Kings 5:8) Elisha's confidence in God's power to heal and his willingness to demonstrate God's sovereignty over illness and life itself contrasts sharply with the king's despair. Significance The letters exchanged between the King of Syria and the King of Israel serve as a backdrop to the miraculous healing of Naaman, which ultimately glorifies God and demonstrates His power over all nations. This narrative illustrates the limitations of human authority and the supremacy of divine intervention. It also highlights the role of prophets as God's messengers and instruments of His will, even in the political and diplomatic arenas of the ancient Near East. The episode further emphasizes themes of faith, humility, and obedience, as Naaman's eventual healing required him to follow the seemingly simple and humbling instructions of the prophet Elisha. Through this account, the biblical text reveals the universal reach of God's grace and the importance of recognizing His authority above all earthly powers. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 5:5,6And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment. Nave's Topical Index Library Justice Should be Observed Even in War and with Enemies. ... Naaman the Syrian After the Terrible Siege of Samaria was Ended in Accordance with ... How virtuous and Useful was that which Elisha Did. ... The Poetical Books. John Chapter xii. 26-Dec The Old Testament and Archeology The Nations of the South-East The Life of Christ. On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ... Resources Who was Pliny the Younger? | GotQuestions.orgWho wrote the Book of Hebrews? Who was the author of Hebrews? | GotQuestions.org What is an epistle? What are the Epistles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Letters: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Letters of Artaxerxes to Nehemiah Letters: Claudius Lysias to Felix Letters: King of Babylon to Hezekiah Letters: King of Syria to King of Israel Letters: Letters of Intercession by Paul and Philemon on Behalf of Onesimus Letters: Luke to Theophilus (The Books of Luke and Acts) Letters: Open Letter from Sanballat to Nehemiah Letters: Rabshakeh to Hezekiah Letters: Sennacherib to Hezekiah Letters: Written by David to Joab Related Terms Trans-euphrates (12 Occurrences) |
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