Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master's sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of AramNaaman was a prominent military leader in Aram, known today as Syria. Aram was a significant power in the region, often in conflict with Israel. As commander, Naaman held a position of great authority and influence, reflecting the importance of military prowess in ancient Near Eastern societies. His role is comparable to other military leaders in the Bible, such as Joshua or Joab, who were instrumental in their nations' military successes. was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded
Naaman's status as a "great man" indicates his favor with the king of Aram, likely due to his military successes. This phrase suggests a relationship of trust and respect between Naaman and the king, highlighting the importance of loyalty and competence in leadership roles. In the ancient world, military leaders often held significant political power, and Naaman's esteem would have extended beyond the battlefield. for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram
This phrase acknowledges the sovereignty of God over all nations, not just Israel. It suggests that God can use anyone, even those outside His chosen people, to accomplish His purposes. This is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God uses foreign nations to discipline or deliver Israel (e.g., Cyrus in Isaiah 45:1). It also foreshadows the New Testament message of salvation being available to all nations. And he was a mighty man of valor
The term "mighty man of valor" is used throughout the Old Testament to describe warriors of exceptional bravery and skill, such as Gideon (Judges 6:12) and David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23). This designation underscores Naaman's reputation as a formidable and respected warrior, emphasizing his strength and courage despite his affliction. but he was a leper
Leprosy in the Bible often symbolizes sin and impurity, as it rendered individuals ceremonially unclean and isolated them from society (Leviticus 13-14). Naaman's leprosy presents a stark contrast to his military achievements and social standing, highlighting the limitations of human power and the universal need for divine intervention. This condition sets the stage for his encounter with the prophet Elisha, which ultimately points to themes of humility, faith, and God's power to heal and restore. Naaman's healing can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, offering cleansing and restoration to all who come to Him in faith. Persons / Places / Events 1. NaamanA commander of the army of Aram, highly esteemed by his king and known for his valor. Despite his accomplishments, he suffered from leprosy, a condition that would have been both physically debilitating and socially isolating. 2. The King of AramNaaman's master, who held him in high regard due to the victories Naaman had achieved for Aram. The king's respect for Naaman highlights the latter's importance and influence. 3. AramA region often in conflict with Israel, located in modern-day Syria. The mention of Aram sets the stage for the cross-cultural interactions that follow in the account. 4. The LORDThe passage acknowledges that the victories of Aram were ultimately given by the LORD, indicating God's sovereignty over all nations and events, even those involving Israel's adversaries. 5. LeprosyA serious skin disease that rendered Naaman ritually unclean and socially marginalized, despite his high status. This condition sets the stage for the miraculous healing that follows in the chapter. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and uses even those outside of Israel to accomplish His purposes. This reminds us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when it involves unexpected people or places. The Paradox of Power and WeaknessNaaman's account illustrates that human strength and achievements are insufficient without God's intervention. Despite his power, Naaman was helpless against leprosy, teaching us to rely on God in our weaknesses. Faith and Obedience Lead to HealingNaaman's eventual healing required humility and obedience to God's instructions through the prophet Elisha. This teaches us the importance of faith and obedience in experiencing God's work in our lives. God's Grace Extends Beyond BoundariesThe account of Naaman shows that God's grace is available to all, regardless of nationality or status. We are reminded to share God's love and message with everyone, without prejudice. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Naaman's position and condition reflect the paradox of human strength and vulnerability? How can this understanding impact our view of personal achievements and struggles? 2. In what ways does the account of Naaman challenge us to recognize God's sovereignty in our lives, especially in situations that seem beyond our control? 3. How can Naaman's healing process inform our understanding of faith and obedience in our spiritual journey? Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith? 4. Reflect on the significance of God's grace extending to Naaman, a non-Israelite. How does this shape our approach to sharing the Gospel with others? 5. Considering the connection between Naaman's account and other scriptures about healing, how can we apply these lessons to our prayers and actions when seeking healing for ourselves or others? Connections to Other Scriptures Luke 4:27Jesus references Naaman's healing to illustrate God's grace extending beyond Israel, emphasizing that God's mercy is not limited by national or ethnic boundaries. Exodus 15:26This verse speaks of God as a healer, which connects to the theme of divine healing in Naaman's account. James 5:14-16These verses discuss prayer and healing, paralleling the faith and obedience required for Naaman's healing. People Aram, Elisha, Gehazi, Naaman, SyriansPlaces Abana River, Damascus, Jordan River, Pharpar, Samaria, SyriaTopics Accepted, Aram, Army, Captain, Chief, Commander, Deliverance, Esteem, Face, Favor, Greatly, Held, Highly, Honorable, Honourable, Host, Leper, Leprosy, Leprous, Master, Mighty, Naaman, Na'aman, Position, Regarded, Respected, Salvation, Sight, Soldier, Syria, Valiant, Valor, Valour, Victory, WarriorDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 5:1 5261 commander
5367 kingdoms
5390 leprosy
5433 occupations
5544 soldiers 2 Kings 5:1-2 5136 body 2 Kings 5:1-3 5047 opportunities, in life
8497 witnessing, approaches 2 Kings 5:1-5 5590 travel 2 Kings 5:1-14 1416 miracles, nature of
5298 doctors
8131 guidance, results Library Naaman's Wrath
'And Elisha sent a messenger unto Naaman, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. 11. But Naaman was wroth, and went away.'--2 KINGS v. 10,11. These two figures are significant of much beyond themselves. Elisha the prophet is the bearer of a divine cure. Naaman, the great Syrian noble, is stricken with the disease that throughout the Old Testament is treated as a parable of sin and death. He was the commander-in-chief of the army …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureNaaman's Imperfect Faith
'And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant. 16. But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. 17. And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Mr. Evil-Questioning Tried and Executed
Just listen to what Evil Questioning said to Naaman, and what Naaman said as the result of it. If I understand my text aright, it means just this: "What virtue can there be in water? Why should I be told to go and wash at all? I have washed many times and it never cured my leprosy. This dry disease is not so readily got rid of; but supposing there is some medical influence in water, why must I wash in Jordan? It is but a mere ditch, why can I not go and wash in some of my own rivers? We have medicinal …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860 A Little Maid
BY THEODORE T. MUNGER [From "Lamps and Paths," by courtesy of Houghton, Mifflin & Co.] In old days we read of angels who came and took men by the hand, and led them away from the city of Destruction. We see no white-robed angels now; yet men are led away from threatening destruction: a hand is put into theirs, and they are gently guided toward a bright and calm land, so that they look no more backward; and the hand may be that of a little child.--GEORGE ELIOT As aromatic plants bestow No spicy fragrance …
Philip P. Wells—Bible Stories and Religious Classics Gehazi
BY REV. J. MORGAN GIBBON "The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow."--2 KINGS v. 27. Elisha and Gehazi were master and man. They were more. They were almost father and son. Elisha calls him "my heart," just as Paul calls Onesimus his heart. Yet they parted so.--"He went out from his presence a leper." The punishment was terrible. Was it deserved? Had the master a right to pass this sentence? …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ's genealogy is not suitably traced by the Evangelists. For it is written (Is. 53:8): "Who shall declare His generation?" Therefore Christ's genealogy should not have been set down. Objection 2: Further, one man cannot possibly have two fathers. But Matthew says that "Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary": whereas Luke says that Joseph was the son of Heli. Therefore they contradict one another. Objection 3: Further, there seem to be divergencies between them …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ was Baptized at a Fitting Time?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ was baptized at an unfitting time. For Christ was baptized in order that He might lead others to baptism by His example. But it is commendable that the faithful of Christ should be baptized, not merely before their thirtieth year, but even in infancy. Therefore it seems that Christ should not have been baptized at the age of thirty. Objection 2: Further, we do not read that Christ taught or worked miracles before being baptized. But it would have been more profitable …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica "Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory" …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 5:1 NIV2 Kings 5:1 NLT2 Kings 5:1 ESV2 Kings 5:1 NASB2 Kings 5:1 KJV
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