2 Kings 5
Meaning of 2 Kings 5
2 Kings 5 in the Bible tells the story of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, who was a great man and highly regarded by his master because he had led their country to victory. However, Naaman was a leper.
In the course of war, the Arameans had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. The young girl told Naaman and his wife about a prophet in Samaria who could heal him of his leprosy.
Naaman went to his king and told him what the girl had said. His king gave him a letter for the king of Israel. Naaman took the letter, silver, gold, and clothes to the king of Israel. When the king of Israel read the letter, he was distressed because he thought the king of Aram was trying to pick a fight with him. The prophet Elisha heard about this and asked the king of Israel to send Naaman to him.
Naaman came to Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to tell him to go and wash in the Jordan seven times and he would be restored and cleansed. Naaman was angry because he was expecting Elisha to come out to him, wave his hand over the spot and cure him.
Naaman went away angry, but his servants approached him and said, “if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, wouldn’t you have done it?” So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as told by Elisha. When he did this, his skin was restored like that of a young boy and he was clean.
Naaman and all his attendants went back to Elisha. He stood before the prophet and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” Elisha did not accept the gifts Naaman offered him.
Before Naaman returned to Aram, he asked Elisha for some earth from Israel so that he may have a continual offering to God.
The story concludes with Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, who, after seeing Elisha refuse Naaman’s gifts, ran after Naaman and falsely claimed that Elisha wanted a talent of silver and some clothes for two young prophets. Naaman gladly gave these gifts. When Gehazi returned, Elisha asked him where he had gone. After Gehazi lied, Elisha proclaimed that the leprosy that had left Naaman would cling to Gehazi and his descendants forever, and Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence as a leper.
This chapter tells us a lot about faith, humility, the danger of greed, and the faithfulness of God.
2 Kings 5 kjv
2 Kings 5 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible details the story of Naaman, the army captain of the king of Syria. He was a great and respected man, but he had leprosy.
Here’s a summary:
1. Naaman, the commendable commander of the Aramean king, suffers from leprosy. He learns from a young Israelite girl, who was captured and serves Naaman’s wife, about a prophet (Elisha) in Israel who can heal him.
2. Naaman tells his king about the prophet, and the king sends him to Israel with a letter addressed to the king of Israel. Naaman also brings with him ten talents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of clothing to pay for his healing.
3. The king of Israel misinterprets the letter as a ruse to pick a fight, thinking that he is being asked to cure Naaman of his leprosy, which is of course impossible for him to do. When Elisha hears about the king’s distress, he sends a message to the king, asking for Naaman to be sent to him so that Naaman might know that there is a true prophet in Israel.
4. Naaman comes to Elisha’s house, but Elisha himself does not greet him. Instead, he sends a messenger telling Naaman to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River, which will clean him of his disease.
5. Naaman initially gets angry and rejects the instructions. He thought that Elisha would perform a special miracle or invocation and not just ask him to bathe in the river. His servants, however, persuade him to follow Elisha’s instructions.
6. Naaman finally decides to follow the advice and dips himself seven times in the Jordan River. Miraculously, his flesh is restored and becomes as clean as a young boy’s.
7. Astouned and thankful, Naaman returns to Elisha and pledges allegiance to God, acknowledging that there is no God on earth except in Israel.
8. Naaman wants to give Elisha the gifts he has brought, but Elisha refuses to accept any of them. As Naaman leaves, Elisha’s servant Gehazi dishonestly runs after him, lies that Elisha has changed his mind, and takes some of the gifts.
9. When Gehazi returns, Elisha confronts him and curses him and his descendants with Naaman’s leprosy due to his greed and lies. Gehazi then leaves Elisha’s presence, himself now a leper.
The chapter is a powerful account of faith, trust in God, and it also serves as a warning against greed and dishonesty.
2 Kings 5 nkjv
The passage of 2 Kings Chapter 5 in the New King James Version (NKJV) recounts the story of Naaman who was a commander of the army of the king of Syria. Despite being a great man and highly respects, he was a leper.
The Syrians had previously brought back a little girl from the land of Israel, who became a servant to Naaman’s wife. The girl told her mistress that there was a prophet in Samaria who could heal Naaman of his leprosy. Naaman then went to his master, the King of Syria, and told him what the servant girl from the land of Israel had said. The king gave him a letter to take to the king of Israel, along with gifts of silver, gold, and clothing.
After reading the letter, the king of Israel was distressed, believing he was being set up to fail, since he was not God and could not cure leprosy. When Elisha the man of God heard about this, he sent a message to the king, telling him to send Naaman to him, so that Naaman would know there was a prophet in Israel.
Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying he should wash seven times in the Jordan and his flesh would be restored and he would be clean.
Naaman was upset that Elisha did not come out to meet him personally and call on the name of the Lord his God, waving his hands over the place and healing the leprosy. He felt the rivers in his homeland were better than all the waters in Israel.
His servants approached him and convinced him to follow Elisha’s instructions. He went down and dunked himself in the Jordan seven times, as directed by the man of God and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Naaman returned to the man of God, now believing in the God of Israel above all other gods, and offered him gifts. Elisha refused the gifts. Then Naaman asked for two mule loads of earth, for he would no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the Lord. Before leaving, Naaman asked for pardon in advance for when he would have to enter the temple of Rimmon to worship there with his master. Elisha told him to go in peace.
The story then shifts to Gehazi, Elisha’s servant. Seeing that his master had refused the gifts from Naaman, Gehazi ran after Naaman and lied, saying Elisha had sent him to request a talent of silver and two changes of garments. Naaman was more than happy to give these items. Gehazi hid the gifts, but when questioned by Elisha, he lied again. Elisha cursed Gehazi, saying the leprosy that Naaman had been cured of would cling to Gehazi and his descendants forever. Gehazi left Elisha’s presence a leper, white as snow.
2 Kings 5 niv
2 Kings 5(NIV) focuses on the story of Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, who had leprosy. The beginning of the chapter notes Naaman’s great valor as a warrior despite his skin disease.
A young girl from Israel, who served Naaman’s wife, tells them about a prophet in Samaria (Elisha) who could heal him. Naaman then receives permission from his king to go to Israel, bringing with him many valuable gifts. The King of Israel, upon receiving his letter, is distraught, thinking that he is being set up for failure.
But, when Elisha hears about this, he invites Naaman to his house. Naaman arrives expecting to be healed with a grand gesture, but Elisha simply sends a servant to tell him to dip himself seven times in the Jordan river. Naaman is initially enraged at the simplicity and seeming indifference of Elisha.
However, upon his servants’ persuasion, Naaman finally dips himself in the Jordan, emerging with his skin healed like a young boy’s. He becomes convinced that there is no other God in all the earth, except in Israel, and he promises that he will make offerings and sacrifices only to God.
As Naaman leaves, Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, feeling that Naaman had got off too readily, runs after him to request a talent of silver and two sets of clothing. Naaman, out of gratitude, gives him even more than what he asked for. But when Gehazi returns, Elisha confronts him about his greed. Elisha tells Gehazi the leprosy that Naaman once carried will cling to Gehazi and his descendants forever. The chapter ends with Gehazi leaving Elisha’s presence, his skin now leprous and white as snow.
Therefore, 2 Kings 5 outlines the power of faith, obedience, and humility, and serves as a warning against greed.
What is 2 Kings 5 all about?
2 Kings 5 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible that tells the story of Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army. Naaman held a high position and was highly respected by his men. However, he suffered from leprosy, a debilitating skin disease.
He hears from a young Israelite girl, who was captured and became a servant in his household, that there is a prophet in Samaria (Elisha) who could cure him of his leprosy. With the king’s permission, Naaman embarks on his journey to meet Elisha taking along gifts.
When he arrives, Elisha sends a messenger instructing Naaman to wash seven times in the River Jordan. Naaman is initially displeased as he expected Elisha to heal him in a grand manner, not through simple instructions. Upon the persuasion of his servants, Naaman dips himself in the Jordan River seven times and gets healed from his leprosy.
The narrative then turns to Elisha’s servant Gehazi. Seeing that Elisha did not accept any gifts from Naaman, Gehazi discreetly follows Naaman, lies to him about needing silver and clothing for visitors. Naaman gives these willingly, but when Gehazi returns, Elisha reveals he knew about the deceit. As a result, Elisha curses Gehazi by transferring Naaman’s leprosy to Gehazi and his descendants forever.
Overall, 2 Kings 5 brings up themes of faith, humility, obedience to God’s will, and the consequences of greed and deceit. The story showcases that God’s healing and blessings are free and not purchasable. It also illustrates God’s power to heal, not only physical illness but also spiritual malaise, if one is willing to believe and humble oneself.
What does 2 Kings 5 teaches?
2 Kings 5 is a chapter in the Bible that tells the story of Naaman, a captain of the army of the king of Syria who had leprosy. Here are the main teachings:
1. God’s Power Transcends Borders: Naaman was not an Israelite, yet he was healed by the God of Israel. This shows that God’s power and mercy are not limited to a certain group of people or geographical boundaries, but touch all.
2. Humility: Despite his high status, Naaman had to humble himself to follow Prophet Elisha’s simple instructions. This teaches that humility is crucial when seeking God’s intervention.
3. God’s Healing Is Not Earned: Naaman thought he had to do something grand to be healed, but Elisha asked him to wash in the Jordan River. God’s grace and healing cannot be earned by grand gestures or offerings; it’s a gift from God.
4. Beware of Greed: Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, was punished with leprosy after he deceived Naaman to get gifts. This warns against greed and dishonesty.
5. Prejudices Can Hinder Blessings: Naaman initially resisted Elisha’s instructions, expecting a grander cure and underestimating the Jordan River. This teaches us that prejudice and preconceived notions can be a barrier to our blessings.
Overall, this chapter teaches about God’s power, the importance of humility, the dangers of greed and prejudice, and unmerited grace.
A Sermon on 2 Kings 5
2 Kings 5 tells the story of Naaman, a commander of the army of Syria, who was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because through him, the Lord had given victory to Syria. Despite his status and victory, Naaman was a leper, a skin disease prevalent in the era that caused great stigma and isolation.
A servant girl from Israel, who served Naaman’s wife, mentioned that a prophet in Samaria could cure him of his leprosy. After hearing this, the king of Syria sent Naaman to the king of Israel with gifts and a letter explaining Naaman’s visit. The king of Israel, misunderstanding, thought he was being provoked and made to start a war because he himself could not cure leprosy.
Elisha, the prophet of God, heard about this incident and sent for Naaman. When Naaman arrived, Elisha sent a message, instructing him to go and wash in the Jordan seven times. This annoyed Naaman as he expected Elisha to come out to meet him and perform some extraordinary act to heal him. However, his servants convinced him to follow Elisha’s instructions. When he dipped in the Jordan seven times, he was healed completely.
Naaman returned to Elisha, now knowing that the God of Israel was the true God. He tried to give Elisha his gifts, but Elisha rejected them. So, Naaman asked for two mule-load of earth to take back to Syria to worship God. He also asked for pardon when he will have to enter the temple of Rimmon, the Syrian deity, with his master, and bow there.
The chapter ends with Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, being greedy and lying to Naaman to get the gifts. When he returned, Elisha confronted him, and the leprosy of Naaman clung to Gehazi because of his greed and deceit.
In preaching this chapter, the main themes can be God’s power to heal, His grace and mercy, the importance of obedience in faith, the unexpected sources of wisdom (the servant girl, the servants of Naaman), and the consequences of greed and lying (Gehazi’s example).
Key people in 2 Kings 5
In the biblical chapter 2 Kings 5, four key people are highlighted.
1. Naaman: He was a powerful and important army commander of the King of Aram who suffered from leprosy. Despite his military achievements, Naaman’s leprosy made him desperate for a cure.
2. The Israelite girl: A young Israelite slave girl served Naaman’s wife. She informed Naaman’s wife about the prophet in Samaria (Elisha) who could cure Naaman’s leprosy. She plays a crucial role since she is the one who points Naaman to the solution for his problem.
3. Elisha: Elisha was a prophet in Israel who had performed many miracles by the power of God. He is the one who gives Naaman instructions on how to be healed of his leprosy. Elisha told Naaman to wash seven times in the River Jordan.
4. Gehazi: He was Elisha’s servant. After Naaman was healed, he gratefully offered Elisha gifts, but Elisha refused them. Gehazi, however, chased after Naaman to dishonestly claim the gifts for himself. As punishment for his greed and lies, Elisha cursed Gehazi with Naaman’s leprosy.
Real world examples on 2 Kings 5
2 Kings 5 is the story about the healing of Naaman, a commander of the king of Aram, who was a leper. In the narrative, Naaman goes to the prophet Elisha, as directed by a servant girl, to seek healing. Here are some real-world examples or applications that can be derived from this story:
1. The Role of a Simple Servant Girl: In the world, you can often see unassuming individuals, like the servant girl, playing significant roles – be they personal aides, clerks, nurses, or assistants. Just like the servant girl informed Naaman of Prophet Elisha who could cure him, these people guide or assist their superiors (or anyone in need) with essential information or help. So, the story demonstrates the value of every individual, regardless of their status.
2. Importance of Humility: Naaman was advised by Elisha to wash in the river Jordan seven times to be healed. Initially, Naaman was angry and indignant, believing that such a commonplace act couldn’t possibly heal him. However, he humbles himself and follows Elisha’s advice and is healed. This story can be seen reflected in the real world where sometimes solutions to our problems may seem simple or nonsensical but only by humbling ourselves and having faith can we find healing or resolution.
3. Power of Faith and Obedience: Naaman’s healing happens not through any elaborate ritual, but by his faith and obedience to follow Elisha’s instruction even though he doubted it first. In real life, people often experience breakthroughs or miracles not through grand gestures, but through their faith and obedience to spiritual guidance or wisdom.
4. Consequences of Greed: After Naaman is healed, he offers Elisha gifts, but the prophet refuses. However, Elisha’s servant Gehazi secretly chases after Naaman and lies to get the gifts. When Elisha discovers this, he curses Gehazi, who then becomes a leper. In everyday life, individuals often face consequences due to their greed and deception. People are often warned to be honest and to value integrity over material gain.
5. Personal Transformation: After his healing, Naaman not only experiences physical healing but a spiritual transformation as well. He admits that there is no other God except the God of Israel. In real world, major life events, especially those circling around health or crisis situations, often lead people to spiritual or personal transformations.
Remember, these are interpretations and real-world applications of the biblical text, and can be understood and applied differently depending on an individual’s perspective.
Brief Explanation of 2 Kings 5
2 Kings Chapter 5 tells the story of Naaman, the commander of the army of the King of Aram. Despite his valiant status, Naaman was suffering from leprosy. A young Israelite servant girl who served Naaman’s wife told him about Prophet Elisha in Israel who could heal him.
Naaman, with his king’s blessing, went to Israel bringing gifts and a letter from his king to the King of Israel asking for Naaman’s cure. The King of Israel was upset, thinking this was pretense for a conflict, but Elisha asked for Naaman to be sent to him.
When Naaman arrived, Elisha didn’t meet him in person, he simply sent a message telling Naaman to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River and he would be cleansed. Initially, Naaman was angry and disappointed, expecting an immediate miraculous event. But his servants convinced him to follow Elisha’s instructions. Naaman did as told and indeed, he was healed.
After being healed, Naaman returned to Elisha and acknowledged that there was no other God but the God of Israel. Naaman offered gifts to Elisha as a token of gratitude but the prophet refused to accept any gifts. Naaman then asked for some soil on which he could offer his sacrifices to God.
While Naaman was leaving, Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, reasoned that Elisha should not have rejected the gifts. So, Gehazi ran after Naaman, lied that Elisha had changed his mind and asked for the gifts. Naaman gave him silver and clothes. When Gehazi returned, Elisha confronted him and cursed him – he and his descendants would suffer from Naaman’s leprosy. And so, the chapter ends on the note that Gehazi did indeed develop leprosy.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Kings 5
1. Who is Naaman in 2 Kings 5?
– Naaman is a commander of the army of the king of Aram, who is highly regarded and victorious. However, he has leprosy, and the chapter tells the story of his healing.
2. Who is Elisha in 2 Kings 5?
– Elisha is the prophet of Israel whom Naaman goes to for healing. Elisha, through his servant, instructs Naaman to wash in the Jordan seven times to be cured of his leprosy.
3. What role does a little girl play in 2 Kings 5?
– A captured young girl from Israel, who served Naaman’s wife, is the one who suggests that Naaman should visit the prophet in Samaria, Elisha, to be healed from his leprosy.
4. What was Naaman’s initial reaction to Elisha’s instructions for healing?
– Naaman was initially angry because he expected Elisha to come out to him, stand and call on the name of the Lord his God and wave his hands over the spots of leprosy for healing. He was also upset that he was told to wash in the Jordan River, which he considered inferior to the rivers in his homeland.
5. Who convinced Naaman to follow Elisha’s instructions?
– Naaman’s servants persuaded him to follow Elisha’s instructions, pointing out that he would have done something much more difficult if Elisha had asked, so why not try something simple like washing in the Jordan?
6. What happened after Naaman followed Elisha’s instructions?
– Naaman’s flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.
7. Why was Elisha’s servant Gehazi punished in 2 Kings 5?
– Elisha’s servant Gehazi was punished because he lied to Naaman about Elisha needing a talent of silver and two sets of clothing, items which Gehazi desired for himself. After he took them and lied to Elisha about his actions, Gehazi was stricken with the leprosy previously plaguing Naaman.
8. What did Naaman declare after his healing?
– Naaman declared that there was no other god in all the world except in Israel, showing his belief in God after he was healed.
9. What is the primary message or lesson of 2 Kings 5?
– The primary lesson or message of 2 Kings 5 is about faith in God, obedience, the power of God to heal, and the inappropriateness of greed and deceit.
Possible References for 2 Kings 5
“2 Kings 5” is a chapter in the Bible, more specifically in the Old Testament. It tells the story of Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, who suffers from leprosy. Here are some possible references:
1. Naaman’s leprosy – This could be a reference to any situation of severe suffering or hardship. Throughout the Bible, leprosy is commonly used to symbolize sin, impurity, or a condition that separates one from society.
2. Servant girl – She is the one that tells Naaman’s wife about prophet Elisha who could cure Naaman. Despite her circumstances, she showed kindness and concern. This could refer to the use of unlikely or humble sources as vessels of important information and the value of all individuals, regardless of their status.
3. Naaman’s cure – Naaman is instructed by Elisha to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed. Initially, he was angry due to his expectation but later complied and got healed. This could be a reference to obedience and humility, as well as about the efficacy of faith.
4. Elisha’s refusal of payment – After Naaman is cured, he offers Elisha gifts, but Elisha refuses. This could represent the concept that God’s blessings and miracles cannot be bought and are given freely.
5. Gehazi’s greed – Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, deceives Naaman and takes the gifts that Elisha had refused. For his greed and dishonesty, he is punished with leprosy. This could be a reference to the consequences of greed, dishonesty, and abuse of one’s position for personal gains.
6. The River Jordan – This often symbolizes a place of transition or of spiritual cleansing in biblical context.
Each reference could have a different interpretation, depending on one’s religious tradition and personal beliefs.
Conclusion on 2 Kings 5
The conclusion of 2 Kings 5 in the Bible focuses on the narrative of Naaman, a significant Syrian army commander, and Gehazi, the servant of the prophet Elisha.
Naaman, although an accomplished soldier, suffers from leprosy. After learning there’s a prophet in Samaria who could potentially heal him, he visits Elisha. Elisha advises Naaman to wash himself seven times in the River Jordan. Initially, Naaman is offended by the prophet’s instruction as it seemed too simple and the Jordan was not as prestigious as the rivers in his own country. However, upon his servants’ persuasion, he decides to follow Elisha’s instructions and gets healed of his leprosy.
Overjoyed, Naaman offers Elisha gifts, but Elisha declines them, emphasizing that his healing services are given freely through God’s grace. However, Elisha’s servant Gehazi deceitfully pursues Naaman, lying that Elisha changed his mind and now wants payment. Naaman willingly gives him silver and fine clothing.
When Gehazi returns, Elisha confronts him about his dishonesty and tells him that Naaman’s leprosy would cling to Gehazi and his descendants forever. And so Gehazi becomes leprous, his skin turning as white as snow, reinforcing the moral lesson of truthfulness and honesty.
The conclusion of 2 Kings 5 emphasizes God’s willingness to heal and restore, irrespective of one’s nationality or status. It also conveys the serious consequences of greed and lies, embodied by Gehazi’s punishment.