The account of Naaman's healing is a profound demonstration of God's power and grace, as well as the faith and obedience required to receive divine intervention. This miracle is recorded in 2 Kings 5:1-19 and highlights the ministry of the prophet Elisha, a prominent servant of God in the Old Testament.

Background

Naaman was a commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria), a man of great importance and valor, but he suffered from leprosy, a debilitating and socially isolating disease. Despite his high status, Naaman's condition rendered him in need of a miracle. The narrative begins with a young Israelite girl, taken captive by the Arameans, who served Naaman's wife. She expressed her faith in the prophet Elisha, 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).

Naaman's Journey to Israel

Encouraged by the girl's testimony, Naaman sought permission from the king of Aram to visit Israel. He carried a letter to the king of Israel, along with gifts of silver, gold, and clothing, seeking healing. The king of Israel, however, was distressed, fearing that the request was a pretext for conflict, as he exclaimed, "Am I God, to kill and to give life, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy?" (2 Kings 5:7).

Elisha's Instructions

Upon hearing of the king's distress, Elisha sent a message, inviting Naaman to come to him, so that he would know there is a prophet in Israel. When Naaman arrived at Elisha's house, the prophet did not meet him personally but 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).

Naaman's Reaction and Obedience

Initially, Naaman was angered by Elisha's instructions, expecting a more dramatic display of prophetic power. He questioned why he should wash in the Jordan River, considering the rivers of Damascus superior. However, his servants approached him with wisdom, urging him to follow the prophet's simple command. They reasoned, "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).

Convinced by their counsel, Naaman obeyed and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan River. His flesh was miraculously restored, becoming like that of a young boy, and he was cleansed of his leprosy.

Naaman's Response

Overwhelmed by the miracle, Naaman returned to Elisha, acknowledging the God of Israel as the only true God. He offered gifts to Elisha, which the prophet refused, emphasizing that the healing was an act of God's grace, not a transaction. Naaman then requested to take two mule-loads of earth from Israel, intending to worship the LORD on his own soil, and asked for pardon when he had to accompany his master into the temple of Rimmon.

Significance

The healing of Naaman underscores several key themes: the universality of God's grace, the importance of humility and obedience, and the power of faith. It also highlights the role of God's servants in directing others to His power and mercy. Naaman's transformation from a proud military leader to a humble worshiper of the true God serves as a testament to the life-changing impact of divine intervention.2 Kings 5:10,14
And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Naaman
... of her master; and, remembering the wonderful miracles of healing wrought through
Elisha, she said ... But it was only through following the specific directions ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 20 naaman.htm

Jesus at the Well of Sychar
... of which she was capable, the Saviour now asked for her husband, in order that,
through the introduction of ... Apparently no miracles were wrought, but those ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii jesus at the.htm

Index of Subjects.
... excuse for sin, [745]122; how broken through, [746]122 ... Miracles, why told differently
in the Gospels, [1159]3 ... went before faith, [1177]354; some wrought by the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... not only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles, but that ... means of his salvations,
he has wrought upon them ... in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles, but that ... means of his salvation,
he has wrought upon them ... he, 'in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus ...
/.../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

What is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

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

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus