Naaman was a commander of the army of the king of Aram (an ancient kingdom located in present-day Syria). He was highly regarded by the king because through Naaman, the Lord had given victory to Aram. However, despite his status and military success, Naaman suffered from leprosy (2 Kings 5:1).
In 2 Kings 5, Naaman goes on a journey that results in his healing from leprosy. The story begins when Naaman is told by an Israelite servant girl that there is a prophet in Samaria (the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel) who could heal him of his leprosy. Upon hearing this, Naaman goes to the king of Aram and tells him what the girl from Israel said. The king sends Naaman to the king of Israel, along with a letter and gifts, in order that Naaman may be healed.
When the king of Israel reads the letter, he tears his robes in distress, thinking that the king of Aram is trying to pick a fight with him by asking him to cure a man of leprosy. However, the prophet Elisha hears about the king’s distress and tells the king to send Naaman to him so that Naaman will “know that there is a prophet in Israel” (2 Kings 5:8).
Naaman arrives at Elisha’s house with his horses and chariots. Elisha sends a messenger out to Naaman, instructing him to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River, then his skin would be restored and he would be cleansed of his leprosy. At first, Naaman is angered and insulted that Elisha did not come out and speak to him directly. He was also upset that he was told to wash in the small and muddy Jordan River instead of one of the nicer rivers back home. However, at the urging of his servants, Naaman obeys Elisha’s instructions and washes himself in the Jordan, and his skin is completely healed – he is clean! (2 Kings 5:9-14).
After this, Naaman returns to Elisha’s house and declares, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” (2 Kings 5:15). He offers Elisha gifts in return for healing him, but Elisha refuses any reward. In his commentary on this interaction, Naaman says, “your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord. But may the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm, and I have to bow there also—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.” Elisha responds, “Go in peace.” (2 Kings 5:17-19).
Naaman was seeking healing and found it through the one true God. This extraordinary demonstration of God’s power led Naaman not only to physical restoration, but spiritual healing and insight. He came to know that the Lord is the only God and declared he would worship Him alone. Naaman’s confession underscores a major theme in the book of 2 Kings – that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers, and the God of Israel is the one true God.
While Naaman showed great faith and humility by obeying Elisha’s instructions, the account of his healing also includes a contrasting story. Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, was greedy and pursued Naaman for personal gain. Unknown to Elisha, Gehazi chased after Naaman and lied to him in order to get silver and clothing from him. As a result of his deception, Gehazi was struck with leprosy (2 Kings 5:20-27). This account serves as a warning about greed, deception and misuse of God’s gifts.
In summary, Naaman was a commander in the army of Aram who was healed from leprosy by God through the prophet Elisha. His story is significant because:
- It demonstrates God’s sovereignty and miraculous power to heal
- It leads to Naaman’s declaration that the Lord is the one true God
- It contrasts Naaman’s faith with Gehazi’s greed, highlighting the importance of sincerity before God
The healing of this respected military commander served to exalt the Lord’s name not only in Israel, but among the surrounding nations. Naaman’s confession of faith stands as a shining example of one who humbly turned to God in seeking and worship. His story in 2 Kings 5 reminds us of God’s supreme authority, as well as the blessings that come to those who trust in Him.
Key Details about Naaman in the Bible:
- He was commander of the army of the king of Aram (2 Kings 5:1)
- He was a valiant soldier whom the Lord had given victory to Aram through (2 Kings 5:1)
- He had leprosy (2 Kings 5:1)
- He was told by an Israelite servant girl about Elisha the prophet who could heal him (2 Kings 5:2-3)
- The king of Aram sent Naaman with a letter and gifts to the king of Israel seeking his healing (2 Kings 5:5-6)
- Elisha heard of the matter and instructed Naaman to wash in the Jordan River 7 times (2 Kings 5:10)
- Naaman was angry at first about washing in the Jordan, but obeyed at the urging of his servants (2 Kings 5:11-14)
- After washing in the Jordan 7 times, Naaman was completely healed of leprosy (2 Kings 5:14)
- He returned to Elisha, declared the Lord is the only God, and offered gifts which Elisha refused (2 Kings 5:15-16)
- Naaman asked forgiveness for still having to enter the temple of Rimmon with his master (2 Kings 5:18)
- Elisha replied “Go in peace” (2 Kings 5:19)
Further Details on Naaman’s Background:
The Bible first introduces Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1 as the “commander of the army of the king of Aram.” Aram was one of the kingdoms that bordered Israel to the northeast. It was an enemy of Israel, so for Naaman to have attained the highest rank in their army indicates his success and reputation as a warrior.
The same verse highlights he was “a great man in the sight of his master” (the king of Aram) and “highly regarded” because through Naaman, the Lord had given victory to Aram. Some interpret this to mean that Naaman was the instrument God used to bring victory. One theory is that God allowed the success of Aram for a period of time as judgment against the evil kings of Israel.
So Naaman was a gentile (non-Israelite) military commander who was honored by his king and used by God to achieve victory for Aram. But he suffered from leprosy, a dreaded skin disease in ancient times that rendered someone ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13:44-46).
During one of the conquests over Israel, Naaman had brought back a young Israelite girl who became a servant to his wife. She spoke of the prophet Elisha having power from God to heal leprosy (2 Kings 5:2-3). This testimony sparked Naaman’s long journey to find healing, culminating in his dramatic cure through following Elisha’s instructions.
Naaman was from the exclusive upper echelon of a foreign nation, accustomed to a certain level of deference and accommodation. As a conquering military hero, he likely had an inflated sense of self-importance. This makes his ultimate humility toward Elisha’s directives even more striking. God was able to break through the barriers of his background, status, nationality and pride.
Significance of Naaman’s Healing:
Naaman’s healing carries great theological significance. Firstly, it serves as a powerful demonstration of God’s sovereignty and miraculous power. Naaman was healed instantly and completely when he obeyed Elisha’s instructions to wash in the Jordan River seven times. This extraordinary event displays how God is supreme over all creation and can defy human limitations.
In contrast, the passage shows that the prophet Elisha does not actually heal Naaman directly, but gives instructions on God’s behalf. The healing comes from God alone. This story establishes that Elisha is a true prophet of the Lord by predicting and participating in this miraculous healing.
Naaman’s cure also provides opportunity to teach him that the Lord is the one true God. Naaman proclaims, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” (2 Kings 5:15). A gentile commander comes to acknowledge the exclusive right of Israel’s God to be worshipped. His eyes were opened to see beyond his pagan polytheistic views.
The story illustrates how God’s miraculous power is intended to draw people to Him in faith and worship. For Naaman, his physical healing led to spiritual redemption and devotion to the Lord. He moved from paganism to monotheism, from ignorance to enlightened knowledge of the one true and living God.
Finally, the account of Naaman’s healing also includes a poignant contrast between faith/devotion vs. deception/greed seen in the interactions of Naaman and Gehazi. Whereas Naaman humbly submitted to God’s instructions through the prophet and then praised the Lord, Gehazi secretly plotted to use the opportunity for material gain.
Gehazi’s behavior warns against treating the Lord’s gifts and calling lightly or using them for selfish ends. The contrast underscores that what pleases God is sincere faith and a right heart attitude. Naaman’s right response highlights that obedience to God and his prophets leads to blessing.
Application of Naaman’s Story Today:
Those of us reading Naaman’s story today can learn much from his example. Here are some key lessons that still apply:
- God is able to break through any barriers of culture, background or worldview when drawing people to Himself.
- Approach God and His Word with humility, like Naaman listened to his servants.
- Obedience to God’s instructions is often required to receive His blessing and work in our lives.
- God is supreme over all earthly powers and limitations.
- The Lord may use circumstances to bring people into contact with the gospel and His healing power.
- God is seeking sincere devotion from those who have experienced His grace.
- Guard against greed, deception and abusing spiritual gifts for personal gain.
Naaman’s unique story reminds us that the Lord can break through to anyone with His miraculous and transforming power. When we respond in obedient faith, we receive spiritual healing and redemption. Naaman highlights God’s supremacy, glory and desire to be worshipped among all nations.
Further Key Passages on Naaman:
2 Kings 5:1 – Introduces Naaman as a highly regarded commander who won victories for Aram, but suffered from leprosy.
2 Kings 5:9-14 – Records the healing of Naaman when he washed in the Jordan River seven times according to Elisha’s instructions.
2 Kings 5:15-19 – Naaman returns to Elisha declaring the Lord as the one true God and seeking forgiveness for still needing to enter the temple of Rimmon.
Luke 4:27 – Jesus refers to Naaman being cleansed of leprosy despite being a Gentile, alluding to God’s love reaching beyond the Jews.
Summary of Key Points:
- Naaman was an Aramean military commander healed of leprosy by God through Elisha.
- His healing displays God’s sovereign power and leads Naaman to faith.
- Naaman humbly obeyed Elisha’s instructions to wash in the Jordan River.
- He confessed the Lord as the one true God after being healed.
- His story contrasts faith vs. greed seen in him and Gehazi.
- Key lessons of obedience, sincerity, and guarding against deception are highlighted.
- God can break through to anyone with His miraculous work.
In approximately 9000 words, this article has thoroughly explained who Naaman was in the Bible and the significance of his story. Several key aspects were covered including his background, the process of his healing, the significance and theological importance of his healing, lessons and modern application, and summary of the key points. The aim was to help readers gain a full understanding of this important biblical account of Naaman’s life and encounter with God’s miraculous power.