Topical Bible: Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Gehazi

◄ Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Gehazi ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Gehazi, a servant of the prophet Elisha, is a prominent biblical figure known for his unfaithfulness and greed. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Kings, where he serves as a cautionary example of the consequences of deceit and covetousness.

Background and Role

Gehazi served as the attendant to Elisha, the successor of Elijah and a powerful prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. As Elisha's servant, Gehazi had the privilege of witnessing many miracles and acts of divine intervention. Despite his close association with a man of God, Gehazi's heart was not aligned with the principles of righteousness and integrity that Elisha exemplified.

The Incident with Naaman

The most notable account of Gehazi's wickedness is found in 2 Kings 5. Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, was afflicted with leprosy. He sought healing from Elisha, who instructed him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. After Naaman was miraculously healed, he offered Elisha gifts in gratitude. Elisha, however, refused to accept any reward, demonstrating the grace and sovereignty of God in the healing.

Gehazi, driven by greed, pursued Naaman after Elisha had sent him away. He deceitfully claimed that Elisha had changed his mind and requested a talent of silver and two sets of clothing for two young prophets. Naaman, eager to show his gratitude, gave Gehazi twice what he asked for. Gehazi hid the gifts and returned to Elisha, attempting to conceal his actions.

Divine Judgment

Elisha confronted Gehazi, revealing that he was aware of his servant's deceit through divine insight. Elisha declared that the leprosy that had afflicted Naaman would now cling to Gehazi and his descendants forever. The judgment was immediate, and Gehazi left Elisha's presence leprous, as white as snow (2 Kings 5:27).

Lessons and Themes

Gehazi's account serves as a powerful lesson on the dangers of greed, deceit, and unfaithfulness. Despite his proximity to a man of God and his exposure to divine miracles, Gehazi's heart was corrupted by material desires. His actions not only brought personal ruin but also served as a warning to others about the consequences of turning away from God's truth.

The narrative of Gehazi underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in service to God. It highlights the principle that one's external position or proximity to holiness does not guarantee righteousness; rather, it is the condition of the heart and adherence to God's commands that truly matter.

Biblical References

· 2 Kings 4:12-31: Gehazi's role in the Shunammite woman's account.
· 2 Kings 5:20-27: Gehazi's deceit and punishment.
· 2 Kings 8:4-5: Gehazi recounts Elisha's miracles to the king of Israel.

Gehazi's life is a sobering reminder of the perils of allowing personal desires to overshadow one's duty to God and His servants. His account is a testament to the truth that God sees beyond outward appearances and judges the heart.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 5:20-27
But 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

Library

Prayer --The Forerunner of Mercy
... majesty of his faith"he sends his servant Gehazi to look ... not sinners, and the sacrifice
of the wicked is an ... prayed, they would have been as unfaithful as you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/prayerthe forerunner of mercy.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... From this little wicket-gate, and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned
thee, to the bringing of thee almost to destruction; hate, therefore, his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm