Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!" And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous--as white as snow. ThereforeThis word serves as a conclusion to the preceding narrative, where Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, deceitfully sought personal gain from Naaman, the Aramean commander. The Hebrew word used here is "לָכֵן" (lakhen), which often introduces a consequence or result. It underscores the principle of divine justice, where actions have repercussions, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever And as Gehazi left his presence he was leprous, as white as snow Persons / Places / Events 1. NaamanA commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was healed of leprosy by following the prophet Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. 2. Elisha A prophet in Israel, successor to Elijah, who performed many miracles, including the healing of Naaman. 3. Gehazi The servant of Elisha who, driven by greed, deceitfully obtained gifts from Naaman and was consequently cursed with leprosy. 4. Leprosy A chronic infectious disease, often seen as a symbol of sin and impurity in biblical times, which Gehazi and his descendants were cursed with. 5. Aram A region and kingdom in ancient Syria, often in conflict with Israel, where Naaman served as a military commander. Teaching Points The Consequences of GreedGehazi's account illustrates how greed can lead to severe consequences, not only affecting the individual but also their descendants. Integrity in Service As servants of God, maintaining integrity and honesty is crucial. Gehazi's deceit contrasts with Elisha's integrity. The Danger of Covetousness Coveting what others have can lead to sin and separation from God, as seen in Gehazi's punishment. Divine Justice God's justice is evident in the punishment of Gehazi, reminding us that God sees and judges our actions. Generational Impact of Sin Gehazi's leprosy affected his descendants, highlighting how our sins can have lasting effects on future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Gehazi's account in 2 Kings 5:27 illustrate the dangers of greed and covetousness, and how can we guard against these in our own lives?2. In what ways does Gehazi's punishment reflect the biblical principle of divine justice, and how can this understanding influence our daily decisions? 3. How can we apply the lesson of integrity from Elisha's example in our own service to God and others? 4. What are some modern-day examples of how the love of money can lead to destructive consequences, and how can we apply 1 Timothy 6:10 to avoid these pitfalls? 5. How does the generational impact of Gehazi's sin challenge us to consider the long-term effects of our actions on our families and communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:17The commandment against coveting, which Gehazi violated by desiring Naaman's gifts. Luke 12:15 Jesus warns against all kinds of greed, emphasizing that life does not consist in an abundance of possessions, paralleling Gehazi's downfall due to greed. 1 Timothy 6:10 The love of money is described as a root of all kinds of evil, which is evident in Gehazi's actions and their consequences. Numbers 12:10 Miriam's punishment with leprosy for speaking against Moses, showing leprosy as a divine judgment for sin.
People Aram, Elisha, Gehazi, Naaman, SyriansPlaces Abana River, Damascus, Jordan River, Pharpar, Samaria, SyriaTopics Age, Cleave, Cling, Descendants, Disease, Elisha's, Fasten, Forever, Gehazi, Grip, Leper, Leprosy, Leprous, Naaman, Na'aman, Presence, Seed, Snow, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 5:27 4807 colours 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 Scripture Naaman's Imperfect Faith Mr. Evil-Questioning Tried and Executed A Little Maid Gehazi Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists? Whether Christ was Baptized at a Fitting Time? "Let any Man Come. " Kings Links 2 Kings 5:27 NIV2 Kings 5:27 NLT 2 Kings 5:27 ESV 2 Kings 5:27 NASB 2 Kings 5:27 KJV 2 Kings 5:27 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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