Naaman Healed of Leprosy

II Kings 5:1–14
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Probably one of the best known accounts from the book of Kings is the one in this passage concerning a Gentile who had leprosy and was healed. This person was a well-known Syrian army officer named Naaman. An Israelite girl who the Syrians had taken prisoner was serving in Naaman’s home as a servant to Naaman’s wife. She told her mistress, who told her husband, that a prophet living in Israel could cure leprosy. The girl apparently had heard of Elisha and assumed he could cleanse leprosy by his supernatural power. No leper in Israel, however, was healed in Elisha’s day.

When Naaman heard about Elisha, he went to his king asking for permission to go to Israel to visit him. The Aramean king was anxious for his valuable commander to be cleansed so Naaman soon set out to visit King Jehoram. He evidently assumed that the king would order Elisha the prophet to cure him. What he didn’t know was that the Israelite king had no use for the prophet.

When Elisha learned that Naaman wanted to see him he sent a message that he would be glad to have him come and he would cure him. Before long Naaman and all his servants arrived at Elisha’s door. Elisha was not awed by the great general so he didn’t go to see him personally, but sent a messenger to tell Naaman to go and dip in the Jordan River seven times and he would be healed. Naaman was upset because Elisha had not seen him personally and now wants him to dip in this muddy river. However, his servants convince him to do as Elisha said, and as he obeyed, he was cleansed.

Application

Naaman was a proud man who had to humble himself and obey Elisha’s commands in order to be healed. I must humble myself and obey God if I expect Him to use me for His glory (Heb. 11:6).