II Kings Chapter 5
Please read: II Kings 5 –
Leprosy was a terrible flesh-eating disease. There was no cure for the disease apart from a miracle of God. This disease started as a rash on the skin of small red dots that grew to white flaky spots as the disease ate away at the skin. The disease would eventually take the life of its victim. In this chapter a man named Naaman had leprosy. Naaman, is described as being a great man of valor and the commander of the army of the Syrian king.
There is a very interesting statement in verse 1 that says that Naaman was in high favor “because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria.” It is believed by ancient historians that Naaman was the one who shot the arrow that killed the wicked king of Israel, Ahab. And yet we see that Naaman participated in carrying away captive a young girl from their raids of Israel. This little girl had the beautiful faith of a little child – she suggested that God could heal Naaman if only he would visit the prophet that lived in Samaria. The prophet she was talking about was Elisha, a man who had become well known because of the miracles he did.
Let's Reflect
1. The king of Syria was happy to allow his commanding officer of his army to go and seek help for his disease. The king sent Naaman with a letter to help with the request. What did the king of Israel assume when he read the letter?
2. When a man tore his clothes, it usually meant that something awful had happened. This would be especially so when it was the king who tore his clothes. Elisha heard about the whole matter and sent one of his servants with a message for the king. What was the message?
3. You can imagine that Naaman probably rode as quickly as possible to Elisha’s house. Only when they arrived Elisha did not come out to meet Naaman instead he sent a message for Naaman. How did Naaman feel about Elisha not coming out of his house to look Naaman in the eye and to heal him?
4. Naaman was instructed to dip 7 times in the Jordan. This sounded like the most ridiculous thing to him. We read in the last chapter that Elisha often called upon people to take a step of faith before they received a miracle. This was exactly what Elisha was doing with Naaman. A servant of Elisha convinced Naaman to do as he was instructed. It was as if he said to him swallow your pride if you want to be healed. What did the servant say to Naaman? And was Naaman healed?
5. The miracle had exactly the result that God wanted. What did Naaman say about God?
6. Elisha was not a miracle worker for hire, and he would not accept the gifts that Naaman offered. But who would accept them?
7. What happened to the servant who chased down Naaman to get the reward money?
