2 Kings 5:13

Naaman's servants, however, approached him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'?"

Study Bible

Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said,
Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a man of great status and power, yet he suffered from leprosy. His servants play a crucial role in this narrative, demonstrating the importance of humility and listening to wise counsel, regardless of social status. Servants in ancient Near Eastern cultures often had close relationships with their masters, sometimes acting as advisors. This reflects the biblical theme of God using the humble and lowly to convey His messages, as seen in other scriptures like 1 Samuel 3 with young Samuel.

“My father,
The term "my father" is a respectful and affectionate address, indicating the close relationship between Naaman and his servants. It reflects the cultural practice of using familial terms to express respect and loyalty. This phrase also highlights the humility required to accept guidance from those considered socially inferior, a recurring biblical theme seen in Proverbs 12:15, which emphasizes the wisdom of heeding advice.

if the prophet had told you to do some great thing,
This phrase underscores human nature's tendency to value grand gestures over simple acts. Naaman, a man of valor, might have expected a dramatic or difficult task to match his status. The reference to "the prophet" is to Elisha, who, like other prophets, often delivered God's messages in unexpected ways. This reflects the biblical principle that God's ways are not man's ways, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9.

would you not have done it?
This rhetorical question challenges Naaman's pride and assumptions, prompting self-reflection. It suggests that Naaman would have been willing to undertake a significant challenge, highlighting the irony that he hesitates at a simple command. This mirrors the biblical theme of faith and obedience, as seen in the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22).

How much more, then, when he tells you,
The phrase "how much more" is a common biblical rhetorical device used to emphasize a point by comparison. It invites Naaman to reconsider the simplicity of the prophet's command. This reflects the biblical teaching that God's instructions, though sometimes simple, require faith and trust, as seen in the healing of the blind man in John 9:7.

‘Wash and be cleansed’?”
The command to "wash and be cleansed" is both literal and symbolic. Geographically, the Jordan River, where Naaman was instructed to wash, holds significant biblical importance, being the site of Israel's crossing into the Promised Land (Joshua 3) and later, the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17). The act of washing symbolizes purification and obedience, prefiguring Christian baptism as a sign of spiritual cleansing and renewal. This reflects the biblical theme of faith leading to healing and salvation, as seen in the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Naaman
A commander of the army of the king of Aram, who suffered from leprosy. He is a central figure in this chapter, seeking healing from the prophet Elisha.

2. Elisha
A prophet in Israel who instructs Naaman to wash in the Jordan River to be healed of his leprosy.

3. Naaman's Servants
They play a crucial role in persuading Naaman to follow Elisha's simple instructions, demonstrating wisdom and humility.

4. Jordan River
The river in which Naaman is instructed to wash seven times to be cleansed of his leprosy.

5. Aram (Syria)
The nation where Naaman serves as a military commander, often in conflict with Israel.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Humility
Naaman's initial reaction to Elisha's instructions was one of pride and anger. His healing required humility to accept a simple solution. We must be willing to humble ourselves to receive God's blessings.

Obedience to God's Word
The servants' advice to Naaman underscores the importance of obedience, even when God's instructions seem too simple or beneath us. Obedience is a key component of faith.

God's Ways Are Not Our Ways
Naaman expected a grand gesture for his healing, but God often works through simple, ordinary means. We should remain open to God's unexpected methods.

The Role of Wise Counsel
Naaman's servants provide wise counsel that leads to his healing. We should seek and listen to godly advice from those around us.

Faith in Action
Naaman's eventual obedience to wash in the Jordan demonstrates faith in action. Our faith should lead us to act according to God's instructions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Naaman's account illustrate the importance of humility in our relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience to God's Word in our daily lives, even when it seems counterintuitive?

3. How can we ensure that we are open to God's methods, which may differ from our expectations?

4. What role does wise counsel play in our spiritual journey, and how can we discern godly advice?

5. How does Naaman's healing account connect with the New Testament teachings on faith and obedience? Consider the parallels with other biblical healings.

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 9
The healing of the blind man by Jesus, who is instructed to wash in the Pool of Siloam, parallels Naaman's healing, emphasizing obedience to God's instructions.

Luke 4:27
Jesus references Naaman's healing to illustrate God's grace extending beyond Israel, highlighting the universality of God's mercy.

James 4:6
This verse speaks to the theme of humility, which is essential for Naaman's healing, as he must humble himself to follow the prophet's simple command.