Topical Bible: Servants: Bad: Gehazi

◄ Servants: Bad: Gehazi ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Gehazi, a servant of the prophet Elisha, is a notable biblical figure whose actions serve as a cautionary tale about greed and deceit. His account is primarily found in the book of 2 Kings, where he is depicted as a servant who ultimately succumbs to temptation, leading to his downfall.

Background and Role

Gehazi served as the attendant to Elisha, the prophet who succeeded Elijah. As Elisha's servant, Gehazi had the privilege of witnessing many of the prophet's miracles and was entrusted with various responsibilities. His position was one of honor and trust, providing him with a unique opportunity to learn from one of Israel's greatest prophets.

The Incident with Naaman

The most significant account involving Gehazi is found in 2 Kings 5. Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, suffered from leprosy and sought healing from Elisha. Elisha instructed Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times, which resulted in his miraculous healing. In gratitude, Naaman offered Elisha gifts, but the prophet refused to accept them, emphasizing that the healing was an act of God and not a transaction.

However, Gehazi saw an opportunity for personal gain. After Naaman departed, Gehazi pursued him and 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 the amount he requested. Gehazi then hid the gifts and returned to Elisha, attempting to conceal his actions.

Confrontation and Consequences

Elisha, aware of Gehazi's deceit through divine insight, confronted him. In 2 Kings 5:26-27 , Elisha said, "Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or menservants and maidservants? Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever." As a result, Gehazi left Elisha's presence, afflicted with leprosy, a visible and enduring mark of his wrongdoing.

Moral and Theological Implications

Gehazi's account highlights several key themes and lessons. His actions demonstrate the dangers of greed and the consequences of deceit. Despite his close association with a man of God, Gehazi allowed his desire for material wealth to overshadow his spiritual responsibilities. His punishment serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly when it involves exploiting sacred duties for personal gain.

Furthermore, Gehazi's account underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in service. As a servant of a prophet, Gehazi was expected to uphold the values and mission of his master. His failure to do so not only brought personal ruin but also marred the witness of Elisha's ministry.

In summary, Gehazi's narrative serves as a sobering example of how even those in positions of spiritual privilege can fall into sin when they prioritize worldly desires over divine calling. His life is a testament to the biblical principle that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10), and it warns believers to remain vigilant against the temptations that can lead them away from God's path.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 5:20
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fifth Commandment
... that Gehazi told his master Elisha, entailed leprosy on Gehazi and his ... 31:7. Falseness
in promise is as bad as false ... (7) Be careful of your servants, not only ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... to do) by his giving them a bad example, or ... Besides, you all, doubtless wish for
honest servants, and pious ... to Elisha to have a treacherous Gehazi, or David to ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm

A Little Maid
... It is bad and senseless enough for men to stand ... and fine garments, except what the
foolish Gehazi got from ... But when his servants reminded him that it was just ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a little maid.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 3, 4
... For when servants swaggering in the market place, horses with ... For so both good things
and bad, the longer they ... to take account of Judas, and Gehazi, and Ahar ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xi 1 cor iv.htm

A Wise Desire
... It is a very high honor conferred upon God's servants, that it ... owe your
parentage"be it good, or be it bad? ... it, and just as she came there Gehazi was telling ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/a wise desire.htm

Prayer --The Forerunner of Mercy
... majesty of his faith"he sends his servant Gehazi to look ... his own conscience, and
if he is bad enough to ... thou hast no cause to do that, pray for thy servants. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/prayerthe forerunner of mercy.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... he stole the accursed thing; and as Gehazi, [2641] when he ... he sees any other doing
as bad as himself ... hearkens to unrighteous counsel, all the servants under him ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... impious Manes also, who combined what was bad in every ... he also enquires, Whence comest
thou, Gehazi [2029 ... I command by My Spirit, to My servants the Prophets ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Fasting, commonly within men's power, [618]50; needed for contention with bad spirits,
[619]81; nothing without ... Gehazi, [666]389, a pitiful person, [667]ib. ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... It is not the pleasure of the King that this place should remain so bad
(Isa.35:3, 4); his labourers, also, have, by the directions of his Majesty's surveyors ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm