Naaman, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is a prime example of how sinful anger can manifest and obstruct one's path to healing and obedience to God. Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Aram, a man of great valor and honor, but he suffered from leprosy (2 Kings 5:1). His account is recounted in 2 Kings 5, where his encounter with the prophet Elisha highlights the destructive nature of prideful anger.

Naaman's journey to Israel began with a recommendation from a young Israelite girl, a captive servant in his household, who suggested that the prophet in Samaria could heal him of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:2-3). Acting on this advice, Naaman sought permission from the king of Aram and traveled to Israel with a letter to the king of Israel, along with gifts of silver, gold, and clothing (2 Kings 5:4-5).

Upon reaching Elisha's house, Naaman expected a grand reception and a dramatic healing ritual. However, Elisha did not even come out to meet him. Instead, he sent a messenger with simple instructions: "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean" (2 Kings 5:10). This unexpected and seemingly trivial command incited Naaman's anger. The Bible records his reaction: "But Naaman went away angry and said, 'I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot, and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be cleansed?' So he turned and went away in a rage" (2 Kings 5:11-12).

Naaman's anger was rooted in pride and a sense of entitlement. He was offended by the prophet's lack of personal attention and the simplicity of the remedy. His expectations were not met, and his pride was wounded, leading to a sinful outburst that nearly cost him his healing. Naaman's reaction is a cautionary tale of how anger, fueled by pride and unmet expectations, can blind individuals to God's provision and guidance.

Fortunately, Naaman's servants intervened, appealing to his reason and humility. They said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'?" (2 Kings 5:13). Their wise counsel helped Naaman overcome his anger and pride. He obeyed the prophet's instructions, dipped himself in the Jordan River seven times, and was miraculously healed (2 Kings 5:14).

Naaman's account serves as a reminder of the dangers of sinful anger and pride. It illustrates how these emotions can hinder one's ability to receive God's blessings and follow His will. Naaman's eventual submission and obedience led to his physical healing and a profound acknowledgment of the God of Israel, as he declared, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15).2 Kings 5:11
But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Divine Sovereignty.
... 2 Kings v.1: "Now Naaman, captain of the host of ... they shall do in Edom according
to mine anger, and according ... right to take the life of his sinful subjects at ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlv divine sovereignty.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... to God, and beats it off from duty, is a sinful mourning ... The waters of holy mourning
are like the river Jordan wherein Naaman washed and ... Anger may be reconciled ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... 2641] when he coveted the money of Naaman, and so ... to Beware How We Make Trial of
Any Sinful Course ... heritage." [2666] And in another passage: "My anger is waxed ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Anger, how to be tamed, 23; when right, [46]110; evils of, [47]127, [48]319 ... Craftsmen,
sinful ingratitude of, [432]377 ... Elisha, why, would not see Naaman, [565]173 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls
... none of them were cleansed, save only Naaman the Syrian ... Sinful man is not now in
the position of a ... Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/election no discouragement to seeking.htm

Paul a Prisoner
... up to the control of blind, unreasoning anger, seeking to ... bless, and save the sorrowing
and the sinful; and then ... The widow of Sarepta and Naaman the Syrian had ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 38 paul a prisoner.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... done it, and yet are at peace in their souls; for peace in a sinful course is ... that
take away the name of God from them, and thou wilt do as Naaman the Syrian ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

The Fourth Commandment
... we should grieve him with our pride, rash anger, unfruitfulness, animosities ... A drowsy
feeling here is very sinful. ... for medicine to cure us; as Naaman the Syrian ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 4 the fourth commandment.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Anger, not to be retained, [69]19; absurdity of, [70 ... inflame the mind, [716]66;
encouragement of, sinful, [717]154 ... the blind man had it, [904]ib.; Naaman had it ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Does God have emotions? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Simeon? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Levi / the Levites? | GotQuestions.org

Anger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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