Topical Encyclopedia
The account of Naaman's servants 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. His account is notable not only for his healing but also for the role his servants played in guiding him towards humility and obedience, which ultimately led to his miraculous healing.
Naaman's journey to healing begins with the advice of a young Israelite girl, a servant in his household. Captured during one of Aram's raids into Israel, this young girl served Naaman's wife. Despite her circumstances, she showed remarkable compassion and faith, suggesting that Naaman seek healing from the prophet Elisha in Samaria. Her words are recorded in
2 Kings 5:3: "If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy."
Following her advice, Naaman approached the king of Aram, who sent him with a letter to the king of Israel. Eventually, Naaman found himself at the doorstep of Elisha. However, Elisha did not meet him in person but sent a messenger with 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, initially angered by the simplicity and perceived indignity of the command, was ready to leave in a rage. It was at this critical moment that his servants intervened with wisdom and humility. They approached him and 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 respectful and reasoned counsel persuaded Naaman to set aside his pride and follow the prophet's instructions.
The obedience of Naaman to the simple act of washing in the Jordan River, as advised by his servants, resulted in his complete healing. "So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like that of a little child, and he was clean" (
2 Kings 5:14).
The servants of Naaman exemplify the virtues of humility, faith, and wise counsel. Their actions demonstrate the significant impact that those in service can have, even upon those in positions of power. Their respectful approach and sound reasoning were instrumental in leading Naaman to a place of obedience and faith, resulting in his physical and spiritual transformation. This narrative highlights the importance of listening to wise counsel, regardless of the source, and the blessings that can follow when pride is set aside in favor of humble obedience to God's word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 5:13And his servants came near, and spoke to him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid you do some great thing, would you not have done it? how much rather then, when he said to you, Wash, and be clean?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Gehazi
... Naaman, too, was happy in his servants. ... been suggested by a servant who generously
paid good for evil ... It was saved from defeat by servants who did for kindness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/gehazi.htm
Naaman
... neared Elisha's home, he dismissed the servants and placed ... 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
Naaman Cured.
... he received the letter bidding him find healing for Naaman. ... faith that God will be
faithful to His servants. ... wisdom have, in our day effected a good deal more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dods/how to become like christ/naaman cured.htm
Naaman's Imperfect Faith
... and laid them upon two of his servants; and they ... suspicion of doing that, his power
for good is ended ... the gold, or the imperfection of Naaman's new convictions. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/naamans imperfect faith.htm
Naaman the Syrian
... what was best to be done, one of his servants drew near ... I can't make myself feel
good and bad when I ... Now, Naaman could do what the prophet told him; he could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/iii naaman the syrian.htm
A Slave Girl who Helped Her Master
... But his servants came near and said to him, "If the ... Elisha said to him, "Go, and
may good fortune attend ... to himself, "My master has let this Naaman the Aramean ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a slave girl who helped.htm
Whether Observance is a Special virtue, Distinct from Other ...
... on account of their being charged with like cares: thus the servants of Naaman said
to him ... cannot be done to the virtuous, and to those who make good use of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether observance is a special.htm
The Fifth Commandment
... the father of the family'; therefore Naaman's servants called their ... that are lawful
and honest.' Servants, be subject ... masters; not only to the good and gentle ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm
Elijah Standing Before the Lord
... Not Naaman's gifts but God's approval is Elisha's reward ... good and faithful servant,'
should be a Christian's aim ... that we know ourselves to be the servants of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/elijah standing before the lord.htm
And He Set Forth to them Another Parable, and Said...
... His servants said unto him, Wilt thou that we go ... and separate the wicked from among
the good, and shall ... not one of them was cleansed, save Naaman the Nabath??an ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xvii and he set.htm
Resources
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Vineyard? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.orgIs the distinction between clergy and laity biblical? | GotQuestions.orgServants: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus