II KINGS 5

This chapter concerns the healing of Naaman's leprosy. Let's begin with a few explanatory notes by way of background.

Historical situation: The nation of Israel at this time was weaker than Syria. Thus, the relationship between the two was either one in which Israel was a vassal state of Syria or perhaps a temporary truce was in place.

Leprosy: This probably does not refer to Hansen's Disease, which hadn't yet been introduced into the Middle East. Also a study of Leviticus will clearly show that the “disease” could also be applied to surface discoloration of the walls of houses or dishware.

Money: one talent = 1,200 oz, and one shekel = 0.5 oz.

New Testament perspective: Jesus cites this example in Luke 4:25-29 when he says that “there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time Elisha the prophet yet not one of them was cleansed – only Naaman the Syrian.” This indicates that the healing was an unusual event and one worth close consideration.

II Kings 5:2-4 The young Israelite girl takes the first initiative. Her action as an intermediate may be favorably compared that that of the wine steward imprisoned with Joseph. Do we respond to those in distress by turning them to Christ or just not getting involved?

II Kings 5:5-9 The king of Syria immediately offers to help and assumes that the healing will come at a great financial price. He may have been incorrect in that assumption, but his actions do indicate that he values Naaman greatly and does not doubt that the healing can take place through the power of Yahweh.

2 Kings 5:10-12 The great price, in fact, will be the humbling of a man who considered himself great. There is a possible lesson here concerning the importance of water baptism in the NT. Some people refuse to submit to it because it appears to be beneath them and might humble themselves in other people's eyes. And that might just be one of the reasons it is taught.

2 Kings 5:13-14 Next we hear from Naaman's servants who care enough about their master's welfare that they take the unusual step of standing up to him, but in a non-confrontive manner. We are unwise to put God in a box. Our direction from Scripture is to present our needs to Him, listen to his response and obey accordingly. Keep in mind that He may act in different ways with different people at different times. We can be sure, however, that He will always act in a way that is consistent with his Word and in a way that will bring glory to Himself.

II Kings 5:15-19a Naaman now reveals that he has undergone a total transformation in every way and that Elisha withstands the temptation to receive money for his healing (unlike some modern healing ministries and health-and-wealth preachers). Discuss the interesting exchange at the end of this passage. Is Elisha watering down God's requirements for absolute purity and warnings against contamination from pagan influence? Can this be compared to Paul's teachings regarding the eating of meat offered to idols?

II Kings 5:19b-27 Unfortunately, the story doesn't end on a happy note. Instead we are given a harsh warning against the lure of money and the abuse of a position of responsibility. Some may try to defend Gehazi by saying that he only wanted to use the money to “support the ministry” and not for his own gain. And there are those today in the church who might use the same sort of reasoning. But the fact is that God was obviously greatly displeased with Gehazi's actions, including his blatantly lying to both Naaman and Elisha. There may be echoes in Elisha's question (“Where have you been?) of two earlier stories of sin in the Bible: Adam and Eve in the garden (“Where are you?”) and Cain's murder of his brother (“Where is your brother?”). It is far better for us to ask ourselves “Where am I now” than to have the Father ask “Where were you then?”

Discussion Point: It disturbs some people that God can use impure and flawed people to accomplish his will (look at the two kings and Gehazi). The principle expressed by Joseph in Genesis 50:20 should be kept in mind here: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...that many people should be kept alive.” If God can bring good out of bad motives, how much more can He bless our poor attempts to accomplish good. “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.”

Discussion Groups: Divide into groups with each one analyzing a the actions of a particular character in the story: Naaman, his wife's servant girl, Naaman's servants, the kings of Israel and Syria, Gehazi, and Elisha. Each group should answer the question: “How was your character responsible for Naaman's healing?” In fact, they all had a part in accomplishing God's will in the situation.