Naaman

MEMORY VERSE: “Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” —Hebrews 11:6

II KINGS 5:1-5, 9-15

NAAMAN was a Syrian, and an outstanding warrior. He was “captain of the host of the king of Syria,” and “a great man with his master.” He was “honorable because by him the Lord had given deliverance [margin, or, victory] unto Syria.” (vs. 1) The meaning of this last expression is obscure. However, there is an old tradition to which Smith’s Bible Dictionary gives considerable credence; that it was Naaman’s arrow which struck the deadly blow to King Ahab, who was an adversary of God as well as of Syria.

To most students of the Bible Naaman is best known as the Syrian captain who was cured of leprosy by the Prophet Elisha. The circumstances leading up to this miracle are interesting. It seems that Naaman was utilizing the services of a young Israelitish girl in his household as a slave. Her chief duty was waiting on Naaman’s wife.

This young girl expressed the wish that her master, Naaman, could be with the prophet of the Lord who was in Samaria, being assured that the prophet could heal him of his leprosy. This statement by the young girl reached the ears of Naaman, and he lost no time in having his servants take him to Elisha, and he took with him a suitable reward for the prophet in case he was cured.

Arriving at the home of Elisha, the prophet did not greet Naaman personally, but sent a servant to instruct him to go and wash in the river Jordan seven times. Naaman was annoyed with this reception. He expected that Elisha would appear before him, and go through some sort of ritual, and call upon the name of his God to cure his leprosy. To have a messenger instruct him to go and bathe in the Jordan was rather humiliating, and Naaman turned to go back to Syria.

But Naaman’s servants reasoned with him, and he listened, and did as instructed by Elisha through his messenger, and his leprosy was cured. Naaman rejoiced, and was greatly impressed. Properly he gave credit to Israel’s God, saying, “There is no God in all the earth, but in Israel.”—vs. 15

Naaman then offered Elisha the gifts he brought as a reward for this great favor. But Elisha refused to accept the gifts. Elisha considered it a privilege to serve his God, and to impart the blessings of his miracle-working power. His joy in the Lord was his reward.

We should not overlook the part played by the Hebrew captive girl who was serving in Naaman’s household. Although surrounded by heathen worshippers, she took the opportunity to bear a testimony concerning the true God of Israel, and of his ability, through his prophet, Elisha, to cure leprosy. In keeping with our memory verse, her faith was rewarded.

In Bible times leprosy was considered an incurable disease. It is a very fitting symbol of sin, which from the human standpoint is also incurable. During Jesus’ earthly ministry he miraculously healed all sorts of diseases, including leprosy, and thus illustrated the great restitution work of his kingdom.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin.” (I Cor. 15:55,56) The entire human race has been, so to speak, stung to death by sin, and is helpless to do anything about it. But God has made provision for the destruction of death. (Hos. 13:14) That provision is through Jesus, who took the sinner’s place in death, dying “the Just for the unjust.”

Many miracles of healing are recorded in the Bible, both in the Old and the New Testament. The miracle-working power of God was also demonstrated through the awakening of a number who were asleep in death. The best known example of this is recorded in the 11th chapter of John—the awakening of Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary.

But the blessing of healing received by Naaman was only temporary, for in the end he died. This was true of all healed by Jesus, and by other ancient servants of God. Lazarus eventually went back into death again, as did the others recorded in the Bible who were awakened from the sleep of death. But this will not necessarily be true of those who are healed during the “times of restitution.” (Acts 3:21) During that kingdom period those who are healed and restored to life will, if obedient, enjoy their health and life forever.

QUESTIONS

Who was Naaman, and how did he learn about Elisha?

What is one of the purposes served by the miracles recorded in the Bible?

How and when will the malady of sin be destroyed?

How long will the subjects of the kingdom enjoy their health and life?

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