Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, "Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant." Then Naaman and all his attendants returned to the man of GodNaaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, had just experienced a miraculous healing from leprosy after following the prophet Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. The phrase "returned to the man of God" signifies a turning point in Naaman's life, both physically and spiritually. The term "man of God" is a title often used for prophets in the Old Testament, indicating a person who speaks on behalf of God. This return is not just a physical journey but a spiritual pilgrimage, acknowledging the divine power at work through Elisha. stood before him
This phrase indicates a posture of respect and humility. In ancient Near Eastern culture, standing before someone was a sign of honor and submission. Naaman, a man of high status, humbles himself before Elisha, recognizing the authority and power of the God whom Elisha serves. This act of standing before the prophet symbolizes Naaman's acknowledgment of a higher spiritual authority. and declared, 'Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.'
Naaman's declaration is a profound confession of faith. The phrase "Now I know" suggests a personal revelation and conviction. The exclusivity of his statement, "there is no God in all the earth except in Israel," underscores the monotheistic belief central to Israel's faith. This acknowledgment from a foreigner highlights the universal reach of God's power and the fulfillment of God's promise to make His name known among the nations. So please accept a gift from your servant
Offering a gift was a customary way to show gratitude and honor in ancient cultures. Naaman's request to give a gift reflects his deep appreciation and recognition of the divine favor he has received. The term "your servant" indicates Naaman's humility and willingness to serve the God of Israel. This gesture also signifies a transformation in Naaman's heart, as he moves from a position of pride to one of servitude and gratitude. Persons / Places / Events 1. NaamanA commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was healed of leprosy after following the prophet Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. 2. ElishaThe prophet of God in Israel who instructed Naaman on how to be healed, demonstrating God's power and grace. 3. The Jordan RiverThe river in which Naaman was instructed to wash seven times to be cleansed of his leprosy, symbolizing obedience and faith. 4. Aram (Syria)The nation from which Naaman came, often in conflict with Israel, highlighting the reach of God's power beyond Israel. 5. The AttendantsNaaman's servants who accompanied him, witnessing the miracle and Naaman's transformation in faith. Teaching Points Recognition of God's SovereigntyNaaman's declaration acknowledges the supremacy of the God of Israel, reminding us to recognize God's sovereignty in our lives. Faith and ObedienceNaaman's healing came through obedience to God's word through Elisha, teaching us the importance of faith and following God's instructions. God's Grace Extends to AllNaaman, a foreigner, experienced God's grace, illustrating that God's love and power are available to all who seek Him. Transformation Through EncounterNaaman's encounter with God led to a transformation in belief and action, encouraging us to seek personal encounters with God for transformation. Gratitude and GenerosityNaaman's offer of a gift reflects a heart of gratitude, prompting us to respond to God's blessings with thankfulness and generosity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Naaman's account challenge our understanding of God's reach and who can receive His grace? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate faith and obedience in our daily lives, similar to Naaman's actions? 3. How does Naaman's declaration in 2 Kings 5:15 inspire us to recognize and proclaim God's sovereignty in our own lives? 4. What are some practical ways we can express gratitude to God for His work in our lives, as Naaman did? 5. How can Naaman's transformation encourage us to seek personal encounters with God for our own spiritual growth and change? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15:11This verse highlights the uniqueness and supremacy of God, similar to Naaman's declaration of faith in the God of Israel. Luke 4:27Jesus references Naaman's healing to illustrate God's grace extending beyond Israel, emphasizing faith and obedience. Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism, paralleling Naaman's experience of God's grace despite being a foreigner. People Aram, Elisha, Gehazi, Naaman, SyriansPlaces Abana River, Damascus, Jordan River, Pharpar, Samaria, SyriaTopics Accept, Attendants, Behold, Blessing, Camp, Company, Except, Gift, Offering, Please, Present, Returned, Servant, Standeth, Stood, Taking, Train, TurnethDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 5:15 6629 conversion, examples 2 Kings 5:13-19 6703 peace, divine OT 2 Kings 5:14-15 1305 God, activity of 2 Kings 5:15-16 6604 acceptance, human 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 5:15 NIV2 Kings 5:15 NLT2 Kings 5:15 ESV2 Kings 5:15 NASB2 Kings 5:15 KJV
2 Kings 5:15 Commentaries
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