And the letter that he took to the king of Israel stated: "With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy." And the letter that he tookThis phrase introduces the formal communication between two sovereign entities, highlighting the diplomatic customs of the ancient Near East. Letters were often used to convey official messages, and their delivery was a matter of great importance. The Hebrew word for "letter" (סֵפֶר, sefer) can also mean "book" or "document," indicating a written record of significance. This underscores the gravity of the request being made. to the king of Israel
The recipient of the letter is the king of Israel, who at this time was likely Jehoram, son of Ahab. The political context is crucial here, as Israel and Aram (Syria) had a tumultuous relationship, often marked by conflict. The king of Aram's approach to the king of Israel reflects a momentary truce or at least a diplomatic overture, which is significant given their history of enmity. read
The act of reading the letter signifies the transfer of information and the expectation of a response. In ancient times, reading was a skill often reserved for the educated elite, indicating the importance of the message. The Hebrew root קרא (qara) implies not just reading but proclaiming or calling out, suggesting that the contents of the letter were meant to be taken seriously and acted upon. 'With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you
This part of the verse highlights the personal involvement of the king of Aram in Naaman's plight. Naaman, a high-ranking military commander, is referred to as "my servant," indicating his importance and the king's vested interest in his well-being. The act of sending Naaman with a letter underscores the urgency and personal nature of the request. so that you may cure him of his leprosy
The expectation placed upon the king of Israel is extraordinary, as leprosy was considered incurable and a sign of divine judgment. The Hebrew word for leprosy, צָרַעַת (tzara'at), covers a range of skin diseases, but its mention here signifies a condition that isolates and stigmatizes. The king of Aram's belief that the king of Israel could cure Naaman suggests either a misunderstanding of Israel's God or a recognition of the divine power associated with the prophet Elisha, who resided in Israel. This sets the stage for a demonstration of God's power and the faith required to access it. Persons / Places / Events 1. NaamanA commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was highly regarded but suffered from leprosy. 2. King of AramThe ruler who sent Naaman to Israel to be healed, demonstrating the political and diplomatic interactions of the time. 3. King of IsraelThe recipient of the letter, who was initially distressed by the request, fearing it was a provocation. 4. ElishaThe prophet in Israel who ultimately healed Naaman, demonstrating God's power and the role of faith. 5. LeprosyA serious skin disease that symbolized impurity and separation, both physically and spiritually. Teaching Points Faith Beyond BordersNaaman's account illustrates that God's grace and healing are not limited by nationality or status. We are reminded to seek God earnestly, regardless of our background. The Role of IntermediariesThe king of Aram and the king of Israel acted as intermediaries, but it was ultimately Elisha, the prophet, who facilitated God's healing. This teaches us about the importance of seeking spiritual guidance from those who are close to God. Humility and ObedienceNaaman had to humble himself and follow Elisha's instructions to be healed. This is a reminder that God's ways may not always align with our expectations, but obedience is key to receiving His blessings. God's Sovereignty in HealingThe account underscores that healing is a divine act, not a human one. We are encouraged to trust in God's timing and methods. The Power of TestimonyNaaman's healing became a testimony to the power of the God of Israel, encouraging us to share our experiences of God's work in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Naaman's journey to Israel reflect the importance of seeking God beyond our comfort zones? 2. In what ways can we act as intermediaries to bring others closer to God's healing power today? 3. How does Naaman's initial reaction to Elisha's instructions challenge our own responses to God's guidance? 4. What can we learn from the role of the kings in this account about leadership and responsibility in spiritual matters? 5. How can Naaman's healing inspire us to share our own testimonies of God's work in our lives with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Luke 4:27Jesus references Naaman's healing to illustrate God's grace extending beyond Israel, emphasizing faith over nationality. Matthew 8:1-4The healing of a leper by Jesus, showing continuity in God's power to heal and the importance of faith. James 5:14-15Encourages the sick to seek prayer and anointing from the elders, highlighting the role of faith and community in healing. People Aram, Elisha, Gehazi, Naaman, SyriansPlaces Abana River, Damascus, Jordan River, Pharpar, Samaria, SyriaTopics Aram, Behold, Bringeth, Cure, Hast, Heal, Leper, Leprosy, Letter, Mayest, Naaman, Na'aman, Reaches, Recover, Recovered, Saying, Sending, Servant, TherewithDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 5:6 8343 servanthood, in society 2 Kings 5:1-14 1416 miracles, nature of
5298 doctors
8131 guidance, results 2 Kings 5:2-6 5695 girls 2 Kings 5:5-6 5391 letters 2 Kings 5:5-7 5910 motives, examples 2 Kings 5:6-7 5136 body 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 5:6 NIV2 Kings 5:6 NLT2 Kings 5:6 ESV2 Kings 5:6 NASB2 Kings 5:6 KJV
2 Kings 5:6 Commentaries
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