Topical Bible: Servant: Good of Naaman

◄ Servant: Good of Naaman ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Naaman's servant is found in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 5. Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a man of great stature and valor, but he suffered from leprosy. The narrative highlights the pivotal role played by a young Israelite servant girl in Naaman's household, whose faith and courage set the stage for Naaman's healing and subsequent acknowledgment of the God of Israel.

Background and Context

Naaman's servant girl was taken captive from Israel during one of the Aramean raids. Despite her status as a captive and servant, she exhibited remarkable faith and compassion. Her position in Naaman's household allowed her to influence events significantly, despite her lowly status.

Key Actions and Attributes

1. Faith and Boldness: The servant girl demonstrated profound faith in the power of the God of Israel. She boldly spoke to her mistress, Naaman's wife, 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 confidence in the prophet Elisha's ability to heal Naaman was rooted in her belief in God's power.

2. Compassion and Concern: Despite her circumstances as a captive, the servant girl showed genuine concern for Naaman's well-being. Her willingness to help her captor reflects a spirit of compassion and forgiveness, aligning with the biblical principle of loving one's enemies (cf. Matthew 5:44).

3. Instrument of God's Plan: The servant girl's suggestion set in motion a series of events that led Naaman to seek healing from the prophet Elisha. Her role as an instrument of God's plan is evident as her simple act of faith led to Naaman's physical healing and spiritual transformation.

Impact and Significance

The servant girl's actions had a profound impact on Naaman and his household. Her faith and initiative were instrumental in leading Naaman to the prophet Elisha, where he experienced not only physical healing but also a revelation of the true God. After being healed, Naaman declared, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15).

The account of Naaman's servant girl serves as a powerful reminder of how God can use individuals, regardless of their social status or circumstances, to fulfill His purposes. Her faith and courage exemplify the biblical truth that God often works through the humble and lowly to accomplish His divine will.

Lessons and Applications

· Faith in Action: The servant girl's faith was not passive; it prompted her to take action and speak up, demonstrating that true faith often requires boldness and initiative.

· God's Sovereignty: Her account illustrates God's sovereignty in using unexpected individuals and circumstances to bring about His plans, highlighting that no one is too insignificant to be used by God.

· Witness and Testimony: The servant girl's testimony to Naaman's wife serves as an example of how believers can witness to others, even in difficult situations, by pointing them to the power and mercy of God.

In summary, the account of Naaman's servant girl is a testament to the power of faith, the importance of compassion, and the sovereignty of God in using ordinary people to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Her account continues to inspire believers to trust in God's ability to work through them, regardless of their circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 5:2,3,13
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Gehazi
... Naaman, too, was happy in his servants. He ... himself. The expedition had been
suggested by a servant who generously paid good for evil. It ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/gehazi.htm

Naaman's Imperfect Faith
... Elisha would not see Naaman before, for he needed to be ... to attract is to repel, and
the true servant of God ... not his own dignity, but others' good, whichever he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/naamans imperfect faith.htm

Naaman the Syrian
... I can imagine him saying to his servant: ... And so it was with Naaman. In the first
place, he thought a good big doctor's fee would do it all, and settle ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/iii naaman the syrian.htm

A Slave Girl who Helped Her Master
... Then Naaman said, "If not, at least give your servant ... what two mules can draw, for
your servant will from ... Elisha said to him, "Go, and may good fortune attend ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a slave girl who helped.htm

Naaman
... Whence comest thou?" Gehazi answered, "Thy servant went no ... and none of them was cleansed,
saving Naaman the Syrian ... their unbelief closed the door of good to them ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 20 naaman.htm

Elijah Standing Before the Lord
... faith. Not Naaman's gifts but God's approval is Elisha's reward. ... done! good
and faithful servant,' should be a Christian's aim. May ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/elijah standing before the lord.htm

A Little Jewish Maid.
... about the king's grief, and sent his servant Gehazi to ... his friends gave him this
piece of very good advice ... Naaman's rage had passed off with the lashing of his ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/a little jewish maid.htm

The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
... certainly not in the cure of Naaman by Elisha. ... is earnest supplication for his sick,
seemingly dying servant. ... lay the real fitness' of this good soldier for ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the return to.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... the father of the family'; therefore Naaman's servants called ... qualified as he should
be, yet the servant must not ... your masters; not only to the good and gentle ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Book 9 Footnotes
... [8] Dr. Hudson, with very good reason, suspects ... that in 2 Kings 5:18, 19, where Naaman,
after he ... adds, "In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm