Introduction

The account of Naaman's miraculous healing is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 5. This narrative not only highlights the power of God to heal but also underscores themes of faith, obedience, and the universality of God's grace. Naaman, a Syrian army commander, is healed of leprosy through the prophet Elisha, demonstrating God's sovereignty and mercy.

Background

Naaman was a highly esteemed commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria). Despite his military prowess and favor with the king, Naaman suffered from leprosy, a condition that was both physically debilitating and socially isolating. The narrative begins with a young Israelite girl, taken captive during a raid, who serves Naaman's wife. She expresses faith in the prophet Elisha's ability to heal Naaman, 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).

The Journey to Israel

Encouraged by the girl's testimony, Naaman seeks permission from the king of Aram to visit Israel. The king sends Naaman with a letter to the king of Israel, along with gifts of silver, gold, and clothing. The letter requests healing for Naaman, which initially causes distress to the king of Israel, who exclaims, "Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy?" (2 Kings 5:7). Elisha, hearing of the king's distress, invites Naaman to come to him, asserting that there is a prophet in Israel.

The Miracle of Healing

Upon arriving at Elisha's house, Naaman is met not by the prophet himself but by a messenger who instructs him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Initially, Naaman is angered by the simplicity of the command and the perceived slight of not being greeted by Elisha personally. He questions, "Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?" (2 Kings 5:12). However, his servants persuade him to follow the prophet's instructions, reasoning that if he had been asked to do something great, he would have done it.

Naaman's obedience leads to his healing. As he dips himself in the Jordan seven times, "his flesh was restored like that of a little child, and he was clean" (2 Kings 5:14). This miraculous cure not only restores Naaman physically but also spiritually, as he acknowledges the God of Israel, declaring, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15).

Significance and Themes

The healing of Naaman is rich with theological and moral lessons. It illustrates the power of God to heal and the importance of faith and obedience. Naaman's initial reluctance and subsequent compliance highlight the human struggle with pride and the necessity of humility in receiving God's grace. The account also emphasizes the universality of God's mercy, as a foreigner and enemy of Israel experiences divine healing and comes to faith in the God of Israel.

Furthermore, the narrative foreshadows the New Testament message of salvation being available to all, regardless of nationality or status. Jesus Himself references Naaman's healing in Luke 4:27, underscoring the inclusivity of God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion

The account of Naaman's healing remains a powerful testament to God's ability to transform lives through faith and obedience. It serves as a reminder of the boundless reach of divine grace and the call to humility in the face of God's miraculous works.2 Kings 5:1-19
Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance to Syria: he was also a mighty man in valor, but he was a leper.
Nave's Topical Index

Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence ...
... first time, to attribute to him a catalogue of miracles ... of this sort is applicable
to the miracles of the ... us to believe, that Christ attempted cures in many ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter i our first proposition.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... not only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles, but that ... why have we not a
catalogue of some holy men ... must, as I said, do some great and desperate cures. ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... not only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles, but that ... Why have we not a
catalogue of some holy men ... must, as I said, do some great and desperate cures. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

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What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.org

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