Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings 5:1-27; Luke 4:27)

2022-10-27

And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. (Luke 4:27)

Naaman was the captain of the host over Syria, an enemy of Israel. He was a mighty man but suffered from leprosy. But by the testimony of a little servant girl, he heard of a way to be healed from his condition. “Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy” (2 Kings 5:3).

They sent for the King of Israel, who did not help, but Elisha told the king to send the captain to him.

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. (2 Kings 5:10-11)

Elisha did not even see the leprous captain but rather sent him instructions. The angry Naaman was eventually calmed into following the prophet’s command. He was healed as promised. Elisha helped the helpless captain and required no payment in return. This sounds like what the Lord has done for us.

Things to learn:

  1. Like the little maid, show people where they can find healing. The Lord Jesus Christ provides salvation to all who believe.
  2. Like Naaman, go to the Lord who can provide for your needs.
  3. Like Naaman’s servants’ advice, no matter how absurd God’s ways seem, follow them.
  4. Like Elisha, the Lord requires no payment other than to trust Him. Of course, Gehazi lied and retrieved wealth from Naaman. Do not believe lies that Jesus requires payment in the form of works to receive His blessing.

The Lord Jesus referred to the story of Naaman to show that He extends grace to the Gentiles. In fact, Naaman was the only leper healed in those times. Nobody in Israel sought Elisha; it was a foreigner who went to him. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world; His gift of salvation if offered to all.