So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean. So Naaman went downNaaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, is a man of great stature and authority. The phrase "went down" signifies not only a physical descent to the Jordan River but also a humbling of his pride. In the Hebrew context, the act of going down can symbolize submission and obedience, which is significant for Naaman, who initially resisted the prophet Elisha's instructions. This act of humility is a precursor to his healing, illustrating the biblical principle that God exalts the humble (James 4:10). and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times according to the word of the man of God and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child and he was clean Persons / Places / Events 1. NaamanA commander of the army of the king of Aram, who suffered from leprosy. His journey to healing is central to this passage. 2. Jordan River The river where Naaman was instructed to wash himself seven times to be healed of his leprosy. 3. Elisha The prophet of God who instructed Naaman to wash in the Jordan River for healing. 4. Leprosy A serious skin disease that Naaman suffered from, symbolizing impurity and separation in biblical times. 5. Israel The nation where the prophet Elisha resided, and where Naaman traveled to seek healing. Teaching Points Obedience to God's WordNaaman's healing came through his obedience to the prophet's instructions. This teaches us the importance of following God's guidance, even when it seems simple or unconventional. Humility and Faith Naaman had to humble himself to follow the prophet's seemingly simple instructions. Our faith often requires humility and trust in God's ways over our own understanding. God's Grace for All Naaman, a non-Israelite, received God's healing, illustrating that God's grace and mercy extend to all who seek Him in faith. Symbolism of Cleansing The act of washing in the Jordan symbolizes spiritual cleansing and renewal, pointing to the transformative power of God's intervention in our lives. Perseverance in Faith Naaman's repeated dipping in the Jordan signifies perseverance in faith, encouraging believers to persist in their spiritual journeys despite initial doubts or challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Naaman's initial reaction to Elisha's instructions reflect our own struggles with pride and obedience?2. In what ways does Naaman's healing account encourage us to trust in God's methods, even when they seem simple or unexpected? 3. How can Naaman's experience of healing and cleansing be related to the concept of spiritual renewal in the New Testament? 4. What does Naaman's account teach us about God's willingness to extend grace beyond cultural and national boundaries? 5. How can we apply the principle of perseverance in faith, as demonstrated by Naaman's seven dips in the Jordan, to our own spiritual challenges today? Connections to Other Scriptures Luke 4:27Jesus references Naaman's healing to illustrate God's grace extending beyond Israel. John 9:7 The healing of the blind man at the Pool of Siloam parallels Naaman's obedience and subsequent healing. James 5:14-15 The call for the sick to seek prayer and anointing, emphasizing faith and obedience in healing. Hebrews 11:6 Highlights the necessity of faith to please God, as demonstrated by Naaman's eventual obedience. Psalm 51:7 David's plea for cleansing, symbolically similar to Naaman's physical cleansing.
People Aram, Elisha, Gehazi, Naaman, SyriansPlaces Abana River, Damascus, Jordan River, Pharpar, Samaria, SyriaTopics Boy, Child, Clean, Dipped, Dippeth, Flesh, Jordan, Plunged, Restored, Saying, Seven, Turn, Waters, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 5:14 1416 miracles, nature of 1418 miracles, responses 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 5:14 NIV2 Kings 5:14 NLT 2 Kings 5:14 ESV 2 Kings 5:14 NASB 2 Kings 5:14 KJV 2 Kings 5:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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