◄ 2 Kings 5:5 ►
"Go now," said the king of Aram, "and I will send you with a letter to the king of Israel." So Naaman departed, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing.
Study Bible
Go now
This phrase is a directive from the king of Aram to Naaman, indicating urgency and authority. The Hebrew root for "go" is "הלך" (halak), which often implies movement with purpose. In the biblical context, this command reflects the king's desire for Naaman's healing, showing the high regard in which Naaman was held. It also underscores the king's belief in the power of the God of Israel, even though he was a pagan king.

said the king of Aram
The king of Aram, likely Ben-Hadad II, is a significant figure in the historical context of Israel's interactions with neighboring nations. Aram, known today as Syria, was often in conflict with Israel. This phrase highlights the political and social dynamics of the time, where even a powerful king recognized the need for divine intervention, acknowledging the God of Israel's power indirectly.

and I will send a letter
The act of sending a letter was a formal diplomatic gesture, indicating the seriousness of the request. In ancient Near Eastern culture, letters were often used to establish official communication between rulers. This phrase suggests the king's willingness to humble himself and seek help from the king of Israel, demonstrating the desperation and hope for Naaman's healing.

to the king of Israel
The king of Israel at this time was likely Jehoram, son of Ahab. The relationship between Aram and Israel was complex, often marked by conflict and uneasy truces. This phrase indicates a moment of potential peace and cooperation, as the king of Aram reaches out to Israel for assistance. It also sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan through the prophet Elisha, highlighting the theme of God's sovereignty over nations.

So Naaman departed
Naaman's departure signifies obedience and faith in the possibility of healing. The Hebrew root "נָסַע" (nasa) for "departed" implies a journey with expectation. Naaman's willingness to leave his homeland and seek healing in Israel reflects his desperation but also a glimmer of faith in the God of Israel, setting the stage for his eventual transformation.

taking with him ten talents of silver
The mention of "ten talents of silver" indicates a substantial amount of wealth, reflecting Naaman's high status and the seriousness of his quest. In ancient times, silver was a common medium of exchange, and a talent was a large unit of weight. This phrase underscores the value placed on Naaman's healing and the lengths to which he was willing to go to secure it.

six thousand shekels of gold
Gold, being more valuable than silver, further emphasizes the importance of Naaman's mission. The specific mention of "six thousand shekels" highlights the enormity of the gift, suggesting that Naaman was sparing no expense in his pursuit of healing. This reflects the cultural practice of offering gifts to secure favor and assistance, a common diplomatic practice in the ancient Near East.

and ten sets of clothing
Clothing in the ancient world was a symbol of wealth and status. The mention of "ten sets" indicates a generous offering, as clothing was labor-intensive to produce and thus valuable. This phrase suggests Naaman's attempt to honor the king of Israel and the prophet, as well as his hope to receive a favorable response. It also foreshadows the transformation that Naaman will undergo, both physically and spiritually, as he encounters the God of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Naaman
A commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was highly regarded but suffered from leprosy.

2. King of Aram
The ruler who sends Naaman to Israel with a letter, showing his favor and support.

3. King of Israel
The recipient of the letter from the king of Aram, who is expected to facilitate Naaman's healing.

4. Aram
A region often in conflict with Israel, yet here showing a diplomatic interaction.

5. Israel
The nation where Naaman seeks healing, highlighting the presence of God's prophet, Elisha.
Teaching Points
Faith and Obedience
Naaman's journey underscores the importance of faith and obedience in seeking God's intervention. Despite his initial reluctance, his eventual compliance leads to healing.

God's Sovereignty
The account illustrates God's control over nations and individuals, using even foreign kings to accomplish His purposes.

Humility in Seeking Help
Naaman, a powerful military leader, humbles himself to seek healing from a foreign prophet, teaching us the value of humility in our spiritual walk.

Intercession and Advocacy
The king of Aram acts as an intercessor for Naaman, reminding us of the role of advocacy in the Christian community.

Material Wealth vs. Spiritual Need
Naaman's gifts highlight the contrast between material wealth and the spiritual need for God's grace and healing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Naaman's willingness to seek help from Israel reflect on his character, and what can we learn about humility from his example?

2. In what ways does the king of Aram's letter serve as an intercessory act, and how can we apply this concept of advocacy in our prayer lives?

3. How does Naaman's account illustrate the theme of God's grace extending beyond the boundaries of Israel, and how does this relate to the New Testament teachings?

4. What role does obedience play in Naaman's healing, and how can we apply this principle in our own faith journey?

5. How does the contrast between Naaman's wealth and his need for healing challenge our understanding of what is truly valuable in life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Luke 4:27
Jesus references Naaman's healing to illustrate God's grace extending beyond Israel, emphasizing faith over nationality.

James 5:14-15
Encourages believers to seek prayer and anointing for healing, paralleling Naaman's journey to seek divine intervention.

1 Kings 17:9-24
The account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, showing God's provision and miracles for those outside Israel.

Matthew 8:5-13
The healing of the centurion's servant, demonstrating faith in God's power to heal from a distance.

Acts 10:34-35
Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism, accepting those who fear Him and do what is right, akin to Naaman's experience.
Sermons
The Story of Naaman: 1. the Disinterested MaidenJ. Orr 2 Kings 5:1-7
Alloy in GrandeurMatthew Henry.2 Kings 5:1-19
Greatness Secondary to Goodness2 Kings 5:1-19
NaamanCanon Hutchings.2 Kings 5:1-19
Naaman the SyrianF. Whitfield, M. A.2 Kings 5:1-19
Naaman, the LeperC. Bullock.2 Kings 5:1-19
Naaman, the SyrianM. G. Pearse.2 Kings 5:1-19
Namman the SyrianMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 5:1-19
Some Modern Lessons from an Ancient StoryHomiletic Review2 Kings 5:1-19
The Buts of LifeJ. Greenhough, M. A.2 Kings 5:1-19
The Conquest of DisadvantagesH. H. Henson, B. D.2 Kings 5:1-19
The Fruits of AdversityE. F. Chapman, M. A.2 Kings 5:1-19
The History of Naaman's Disease and CureHomilist2 Kings 5:1-19
The Method of GraceW. Mincher.2 Kings 5:1-19
History of Naaman's Disease and CureD. Thomas 2 Kings 5:1-27
Naaman the SyrianC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 5:4-19
The PilgrimageJ. R. Macduff, D. D.2 Kings 5:5-7
The Problem of Naaman the LeperF. L. Wiseman.2 Kings 5:5-7
People
Aram, Elisha, Gehazi, Naaman, Syrians
Places
Abana River, Damascus, Jordan River, Pharpar, Samaria, Syria
Topics
Aram, Changes, Clothes, Clothing, Departed, Enter, Festal, Garments, Gold, Letter, Naaman, Pieces, Raiment, Replied, Sets, Shekels, Silver, Six, Syria, Taketh, Taking, Talents, Ten, Thousand
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 5:5

     4333   gold
     5260   coinage
     8262   generosity, human

2 Kings 5:1-5

     5590   travel

2 Kings 5:1-14

     1416   miracles, nature of
     5298   doctors
     8131   guidance, results

2 Kings 5:2-6

     5695   girls

2 Kings 5:4-5

     5615   weights

2 Kings 5:5-6

     5391   letters

2 Kings 5:5-7

     5910   motives, examples

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
'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

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