2 Kings 5:18

Yet may the LORD forgive your servant this one thing: When my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my arm, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant in this matter."

Study Bible

Yet may the LORD forgive your servant this one thing:
Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, has just been healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha. His request for forgiveness indicates his newfound faith in the God of Israel. The phrase highlights the tension between his duties and his faith. It reflects the struggle of maintaining faith in a polytheistic society, where allegiance to the God of Israel might conflict with civic duties. This plea for forgiveness shows Naaman's understanding of God's grace and mercy, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.

When my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there,
Rimmon was a Syrian deity, likely associated with storms or thunder. The temple of Rimmon was a place of significant cultural and religious importance in Syria. Naaman's master, the king of Syria, would have participated in state rituals there, which were integral to maintaining political and social order. This context underscores the challenge Naaman faces as a believer in the God of Israel while serving in a pagan environment. The situation is reminiscent of other biblical figures like Daniel, who also navigated faithfulness to God while serving in foreign courts.

and he leans on my arm,
This phrase indicates Naaman's role as a close and trusted aide to the king, possibly even a ceremonial role during worship. It suggests a position of honor and responsibility, which complicates his ability to abstain from participating in pagan rituals. The physical act of leaning implies support and assistance, highlighting Naaman's dilemma of being physically present in a place of idol worship while spiritually committed to the God of Israel.

and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon,
Bowing down in the temple signifies an act of worship or reverence, which Naaman is concerned about because it could be seen as compromising his faith. This act is not voluntary but rather a part of his duty, reflecting the complex interplay between personal faith and public duty. The Bible often addresses the issue of idolatry, and Naaman's concern here is about maintaining purity of worship, a theme echoed in the Ten Commandments and throughout the prophetic writings.

may the LORD forgive your servant in this matter.”
Naaman's request for forgiveness acknowledges his understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of idolatry. It also reflects his desire to remain faithful despite unavoidable circumstances. This plea is an early example of the concept of grace, where God's forgiveness is sought for actions that are not aligned with His will. It parallels the New Testament teachings on grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, who provides a way for believers to be reconciled to God despite their shortcomings.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Naaman
A commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha. Naaman is the speaker in this verse, expressing concern about his duties in a pagan temple after his conversion to worship the God of Israel.

2. Elisha
A prophet in Israel who, through God's power, healed Naaman of his leprosy. Elisha's role in this chapter is pivotal as he demonstrates God's power and mercy to a foreigner.

3. Rimmon
A Syrian god worshiped in Damascus. Naaman's concern is about participating in the worship of Rimmon due to his official duties, despite his newfound faith in the God of Israel.

4. Temple of Rimmon
The place where Naaman's master, the king of Aram, worships. Naaman is required to accompany his master there, which creates a conflict for him as a new believer in the God of Israel.

5. The King of Aram
Naaman's master, who worships in the temple of Rimmon. His reliance on Naaman during worship creates a dilemma for Naaman's faith.

Teaching Points

Conscience and Cultural Context
Naaman's request for forgiveness highlights the tension between cultural obligations and personal faith. Believers today may face similar challenges in balancing societal expectations with their commitment to God.

God's Grace and Understanding
Naaman's plea for forgiveness shows an understanding of God's grace. It reminds us that God knows our hearts and the complexities of our situations, offering forgiveness when we seek it sincerely.

Witness in a Pagan World
Naaman's situation encourages believers to consider how they can maintain their witness in environments that do not honor God. It challenges us to find ways to stand firm in our faith while navigating worldly responsibilities.

The Role of Accountability
Naaman's conversation with Elisha suggests the importance of seeking guidance and accountability from spiritual leaders when facing moral dilemmas.

Faith and Compromise
This passage invites reflection on where we might be tempted to compromise our faith and how we can seek God's strength to remain faithful.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Naaman's request for forgiveness reflect his understanding of God's grace and his own limitations? How can this inform our approach to seeking forgiveness?

2. In what ways do you face similar tensions between cultural expectations and your faith? How can you navigate these challenges while maintaining your witness?

3. How does Naaman's situation compare to the experiences of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3? What can we learn from these different responses to idolatry?

4. How can Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 guide us in making decisions that honor God while considering the impact on others' faith?

5. What role does accountability play in your spiritual journey, and how can you seek guidance from others when facing moral or ethical dilemmas?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Romans 14
This chapter discusses the conscience and the importance of not causing others to stumble in their faith. Naaman's situation can be seen as a struggle with his conscience and the desire to remain faithful to God while fulfilling his duties.

1 Corinthians 8
Paul addresses the issue of eating food offered to idols, emphasizing the importance of conscience and the impact of one's actions on others' faith. Naaman's request for forgiveness in bowing in the temple of Rimmon parallels this teaching.

Daniel 3
The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's image. This contrasts with Naaman's situation, highlighting different responses to idolatry and the complexities of faith in a pagan environment.