2 Kings 5:11

But Naaman went away angry, saying, "I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy.

Study Bible

But Naaman went away angry
Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a man of great importance and valor, yet he suffered from leprosy. His anger reflects his pride and expectations of how he should be treated, especially given his status. This reaction highlights the human tendency to rely on personal expectations rather than divine instructions. Naaman's anger can be compared to Jonah's anger in Jonah 4:1, where personal expectations clash with God's plans.

saying, “I thought that he would surely come out
Naaman expected Elisha, the prophet, to personally attend to him, reflecting the cultural norms of honor and respect for high-ranking individuals. This expectation shows a misunderstanding of how God often works through humility and simplicity, rather than through grand gestures. It also underscores the theme of God's ways being higher than human ways, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9.

stand and call on the name of the LORD his God
Naaman anticipated a dramatic, ritualistic healing, which was common in pagan practices. This expectation reveals his lack of understanding of the God of Israel, who does not require elaborate rituals to act. The phrase "call on the name of the LORD" is significant throughout Scripture, indicating reliance on God's power and presence, as seen in Genesis 4:26 and Joel 2:32.

and wave his hand over the spot
This expectation of a physical gesture for healing reflects the influence of magical practices common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Naaman's assumption shows his unfamiliarity with the prophetic tradition in Israel, where God's power is not dependent on human actions or rituals. This contrasts with Jesus' healing ministry, where physical touch or gestures were sometimes used, but always as a demonstration of divine authority (e.g., Mark 7:32-35).

to cure my leprosy
Leprosy in the Bible often symbolizes sin and impurity, requiring divine intervention for cleansing. Naaman's desire for healing is not just physical but also carries a deeper spiritual significance. The cleansing of leprosy is a type of the cleansing from sin that Jesus offers, as seen in the healing of lepers in the Gospels (e.g., Luke 5:12-13). Naaman's eventual healing foreshadows the inclusivity of God's grace, extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles, as prophesied in Isaiah 49:6.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Naaman
A commander of the army of the king of Aram, Naaman was a valiant soldier but suffered from leprosy. His account is central to this passage as it highlights his expectations and subsequent disappointment.

2. Elisha
The prophet of God in Israel who instructed Naaman to wash in the Jordan River to be healed of his leprosy. Elisha's actions and instructions are pivotal in demonstrating God's power and the importance of obedience.

3. Jordan River
The river in which Naaman was instructed to wash seven times to be cleansed of his leprosy. It symbolizes humility and obedience to God's instructions.

4. Aram (Syria)
The nation where Naaman served as a military commander. It was often in conflict with Israel, adding a layer of complexity to Naaman's journey to seek healing in Israel.

5. Leprosy
A chronic skin disease that rendered individuals ceremonially unclean in Israel. Naaman's healing from leprosy serves as a metaphor for spiritual cleansing and redemption.

Teaching Points

Expectations vs. God's Ways
Naaman's anger stemmed from unmet expectations. We must be open to God's methods, which may differ from our own preconceived notions.

The Role of Humility in Receiving God's Blessings
Naaman's healing required humility. Similarly, we must humble ourselves to receive God's grace and guidance.

Obedience to God's Instructions
Naaman's healing was contingent on his obedience. Our spiritual growth often requires us to follow God's commands, even when they seem simple or insignificant.

God's Grace Extends Beyond Boundaries
Naaman, a foreigner, received God's healing, illustrating that God's grace is available to all who seek Him in faith.

The Danger of Pride
Naaman's initial pride almost cost him his healing. Pride can be a barrier to experiencing God's full blessings in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do Naaman's expectations of how he should be healed reflect our own expectations of how God should work in our lives?

2. In what ways does Naaman's account challenge us to examine areas of pride that may hinder our relationship with God?

3. How can we apply the principle of humility in our daily walk with God, especially when His instructions seem simple or counterintuitive?

4. What does Naaman's healing teach us about God's willingness to extend grace and healing beyond cultural and national boundaries?

5. How can we ensure that we are obedient to God's instructions, even when they do not align with our personal expectations or desires?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Luke 4:27
Jesus references Naaman's healing to illustrate God's grace extending beyond Israel, emphasizing faith and obedience over nationality or status.

James 4:6
This verse speaks to the theme of humility, which is a key lesson in Naaman's account. Naaman's initial pride is contrasted with the humility required to follow Elisha's simple instructions.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting in the Lord with all one's heart and not leaning on one's own understanding is a principle that Naaman had to learn through his experience.