She said to her mistress, "If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy." She said to her mistressThis phrase introduces a young Israelite girl who had been taken captive by the Arameans and now serves Naaman's wife. Her position as a servant in a foreign land highlights the historical context of frequent conflicts between Israel and Aram (modern-day Syria). Despite her circumstances, she shows compassion and faith, which is significant given her status and the cultural norms of the time. Her boldness in speaking to her mistress reflects a deep trust in God's power and the prophets of Israel. If only my master would go to the prophet
The young girl refers to the prophet Elisha, who was known for performing miracles and serving as a mouthpiece for God in Israel. Her statement underscores the belief in the power of God's prophets to perform acts of healing and deliverance. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using prophets to demonstrate His power and communicate His will. The girl's faith in the prophet's ability to heal Naaman is a testament to the reputation Elisha had in Israel. who is in Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during this period. It was a significant city both politically and religiously. The mention of Samaria situates the narrative geographically and highlights the division between Israel and Aram. This division is important in understanding the miraculous nature of the events that follow, as it involves interaction between two often-hostile nations. The reference to Samaria also emphasizes the centrality of Israel as the place where God's power is manifested through His prophets. he would cure him of his leprosy
Leprosy in biblical times was a term used for various skin diseases, often seen as a sign of impurity and divine judgment. The girl's confidence that the prophet could cure Naaman indicates a belief in God's power to heal and restore, transcending human limitations and societal boundaries. This foreshadows the New Testament accounts of Jesus healing lepers, drawing a parallel between Elisha's ministry and the ministry of Christ. The healing of Naaman serves as a type of Christ's redemptive work, offering cleansing and restoration to those who seek Him in faith. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Young Israelite GirlA captive from Israel serving Naaman's wife. Despite her circumstances, she shows compassion and faith in God's power through His prophet. 2. NaamanA commander of the army of the king of Aram, a man of great importance but afflicted with leprosy. His condition sets the stage for God's intervention. 3. The Prophet in SamariaRefers to Elisha, the prophet of God, known for performing miracles and being a conduit of God's power and message. 4. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Elisha resides. It is significant as a place where God's presence and power are manifested through His prophet. 5. Naaman's WifeAlthough not much is detailed about her, she plays a role in relaying the message from the young girl to Naaman, showing the chain of faith and hope. Teaching Points Faith in ActionThe young girl's faith led her to speak up about the prophet's power. We should be bold in sharing our faith and the hope we have in God. God's SovereigntyGod uses unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. We should remain open to how God might work through us, regardless of our situation. Compassion and WitnessThe girl's concern for Naaman's well-being shows that compassion can be a powerful witness to God's love. We should strive to show genuine care for others. The Power of a Simple TestimonyA simple statement of faith can lead to life-changing events. We should not underestimate the impact of our words when we testify about God's power. Cross-Cultural MinistryThe account illustrates God's work beyond the boundaries of Israel, encouraging us to see the global scope of God's mission and our role in it. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the young Israelite girl's faith and action challenge us in our current circumstances? 2. In what ways can we be more attentive to God's sovereignty in using us, even in difficult situations? 3. How can we cultivate a heart of compassion that leads to witnessing to others about God's power and love? 4. What are some simple ways we can share our testimony of faith with those around us? 5. How does this account encourage us to engage in cross-cultural ministry and outreach today? Connections to Other Scriptures Luke 4:27Jesus references Naaman's healing to illustrate God's grace extending beyond Israel, highlighting the universality of God's mercy. Matthew 8:2-3The healing of a leper by Jesus, showing the continuity of God's power to heal and cleanse, both physically and spiritually. James 5:14-15Encourages believers to seek prayer and anointing for healing, reflecting the faith and action seen in the young girl's suggestion. People Aram, Elisha, Gehazi, Naaman, SyriansPlaces Abana River, Damascus, Jordan River, Pharpar, Samaria, SyriaTopics Cure, Heal, Leprosy, Master, Master's, Mistress, O, Oh, Prophet, Recover, Samaria, Sama'ria, Wife, WishDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 5:3 7773 prophets, role
7949 mission, of Israel 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 2 Kings 5:2-3 5876 helpfulness 2 Kings 5:2-6 5695 girls 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 5:3 NIV2 Kings 5:3 NLT2 Kings 5:3 ESV2 Kings 5:3 NASB2 Kings 5:3 KJV
2 Kings 5:3 Commentaries
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