Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of an oath is often associated with solemn promises or declarations made before God, carrying significant moral and spiritual weight. One illustrative account involving an oath is found in the account of Gehazi, the servant of the prophet Elisha, as recorded in 2 Kings 5.Gehazi's account unfolds in the context of Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was healed of leprosy by following Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. In gratitude, Naaman offered Elisha gifts, which the prophet refused, emphasizing that the healing was an act of God and not to be profited from. However, Gehazi, driven by greed, pursued Naaman after Elisha had sent him away. Gehazi fabricated a account to Naaman, claiming that Elisha had sent him to request a talent of silver and two sets of clothing for two young men from the company of the prophets. Naaman, eager to show his gratitude, gave Gehazi twice what he asked for. Upon returning, Gehazi hid the gifts and presented himself before Elisha. The prophet, aware of Gehazi's deceit through divine insight, questioned him. Gehazi lied to Elisha, saying, "Your servant did not go anywhere" (2 Kings 5:25). This lie was effectively confirmed by an implicit oath, as Gehazi stood before Elisha, a man of God, and denied his actions. Elisha confronted Gehazi with the truth, revealing that his spirit had gone with Gehazi when he pursued Naaman. As a consequence of his deceit and misuse of an oath, Gehazi was struck with Naaman's leprosy, which would cling to him and his descendants forever (2 Kings 5:27). This account highlights the gravity of using an oath to confirm a lie, especially in the presence of God’s anointed. Gehazi's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the moral and spiritual implications of deceit and the misuse of oaths. The narrative underscores the expectation of truthfulness and integrity, particularly when invoking the name of the Lord or standing before His representatives. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 5:20But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD lives, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. Nave's Topical Index Resources What is Free Masonry and what do Free Masons believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Order of DeMolay? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Gibeonites? | GotQuestions.org Oath: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Oath used in Solemnizing Covenants: Between Abraham and Abimelech Oath used in Solemnizing Covenants: Between Abraham and the King of Sodom Oath used in Solemnizing Covenants: Between Isaac and Abimelech Oath: Abraham Requires Oath of his Servant Eliezer Oath: David Swears not to Eat Until the Sun Goes Down Oath: David Swears to Bath-Sheba That Solomon Will be King Oath: Elisha Seals his Vow to Follow Elijah By Oath: Esau Confirms the Sale of his Birthright By Oath: Ezra Requires, of the Priests and Levites Oath: Gedaliah Confirms his Word By Oath: Gehazi Confirms his Lie By Oath: Jacob Confirms the Covenant Between Him and Laban By Oath: Jehoida Requires an Oath from the Rulers Oath: Joab Confirms his Word By Oath: Jonathan and David Confirm a Covenant By Oath: Joseph Requires a Similar Oath Oath: King of Samaria Confirms his Word With An Oath: Moses Covenants With Caleb By Oath: Peter Confirms his Denial of Jesus By Oath: Rahab Requires an Oath from the Spies Oath: Requires Joseph to Swear That he Would Bury Him With his Forefathers Oath: Saul Swears to the Witch of En-Dor Oath: Solomon Confirms his Word By Oath: The Elders of Gilead Confirm Their Pledge to Jephthah By Oath: The Israelites Confirm the Covenant With the Hivites Oath: The Israelites Swear in Mizpeh Oath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Oath: Zedekiah Swears to Jeremiah Related Terms |
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