Na'aman, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is best known for his miraculous healing from leprosy as recorded in 2 Kings 5. He was a commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria), a man of great valor and high standing, but afflicted with leprosy. His account is a profound testament to the power of God and the importance of faith and obedience.

Background and Historical Context

Na'aman lived during the time of the prophet Elisha, in the 9th century BC. Aram, where Na'aman served, was a neighboring kingdom to Israel, often in conflict with it. Despite the hostilities, there were periods of peace and interaction between the two nations, which set the stage for Na'aman's encounter with the God of Israel.

The Account of Na'aman's Healing

The narrative of Na'aman's healing begins with a young Israelite girl, taken captive during one of Aram's raids, who served Na'aman's wife. She expressed faith in the prophet Elisha's ability to heal Na'aman, saying, "If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy" (2 Kings 5:3).

Na'aman, desperate for a cure, sought permission from the king of Aram to visit Israel. He carried a letter from the king to the king of Israel, along with gifts of silver, gold, and clothing. The king of Israel, distressed by the request, exclaimed, "Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy?" (2 Kings 5:7).

Elisha, hearing of the king's distress, invited Na'aman to come to him, demonstrating that there was a prophet in Israel. When Na'aman arrived at Elisha's house, the prophet sent a messenger instructing him to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed. Initially, Na'aman was angered by the simplicity of the command and the lack of personal attention from Elisha, saying, "Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?" (2 Kings 5:12).

However, his servants persuaded him to follow the prophet's instructions. Na'aman obeyed, and upon dipping himself seven times in the Jordan, "his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy" (2 Kings 5:14).

Na'aman's Conversion and Gratitude

Following his healing, Na'aman returned to Elisha, acknowledging the God of Israel as the only true God. He declared, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15). Na'aman offered gifts to Elisha, which the prophet refused, emphasizing that the healing was an act of God's grace, not a transaction.

Na'aman then requested to take two mule-loads of earth from Israel, intending to worship the Lord on it in his homeland, signifying his conversion and commitment to the God of Israel. He also sought forgiveness for future instances when he would have to accompany his master into the temple of Rimmon, showing his desire to remain faithful to the Lord despite his official duties.

Theological Significance

Na'aman's account highlights several key theological themes. It underscores the universality of God's grace, extending beyond the boundaries of Israel to a Gentile. His healing illustrates the power of faith and obedience, as Na'aman's initial reluctance gave way to submission, resulting in his miraculous cure. The narrative also emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who works through unexpected means and people, such as a captive servant girl and a foreign military commander, to reveal His glory.

Na'aman's transformation from a pagan worshiper to a believer in the God of Israel serves as a powerful example of God's redemptive work in the lives of individuals, regardless of their background or status. His account is a reminder of the importance of humility, faith, and the willingness to follow God's instructions, no matter how simple or unconventional they may seem.3497. Neeman -- Naaman.
... Naaman. Of Hebrew origin (Na'aman); Neeman (ie Naaman), a Syrian -- Naaman. see
HEBREW Na'aman. (naiman) -- 1 Occurrence. 3496, 3497. Neeman. 3498 . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3497.htm - 6k5283. Naaman -- a descendant of Benjamin, also an Aramean (Syrian) ...
... Naaman. The same as na'aman; Naaman, the name of an Israelite and of a Damascene --
Naaman. see HEBREW na'aman. 5282, 5283. Naaman. 5284 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/5283.htm - 6k

5280. Naami -- descendant of Naaman
... Naamites. Patronymic from Na'aman; a Naamanite, or descendant of Naaman (collectively)
-- Naamites. see HEBREW Na'aman. 5279b, 5280. Naami. 5281 . ...
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Na'aman (15 Occurrences)
Na'aman. Naaman, Na'aman. Naaman's . Multi-Version Concordance Na'aman
(15 Occurrences). Luke 4:27 There were many lepers in Israel ...
/n/na'aman.htm - 10k

Na'aman's (1 Occurrence)
Na'aman's. Naaman's, Na'aman's. Naamathite . Multi-Version Concordance
Na'aman's (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 5:2 The Syrians had gone ...
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Naaman (19 Occurrences)
... na'-a-man (na`aman, "pleasantness"; Septuagint; Codices Vaticanus and Alexandrinus
Naiman; so Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek in the New Testament ...
/n/naaman.htm - 15k

Naamathite (4 Occurrences)

/n/naamathite.htm - 8k

Naaman's (1 Occurrence)

/n/naaman's.htm - 6k

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