Topical Encyclopedia Gehazi, a servant of the prophet Elisha, is a notable biblical figure whose account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception and greed. His actions are recorded in 2 Kings 4 and 5, where his role as Elisha's attendant is initially portrayed as one of service and loyalty. However, his later actions reveal a heart susceptible to deceit and personal gain.Background and Role Gehazi first appears in 2 Kings 4, where he assists Elisha in ministering to the Shunammite woman. His role is supportive, acting as a liaison between Elisha and those seeking the prophet's help. Gehazi's presence during the miraculous events surrounding the Shunammite woman's son highlights his proximity to divine power and prophetic ministry. The Deception The pivotal moment in Gehazi's account occurs in 2 Kings 5, during the account of Naaman, the commander of the Aramean army, who seeks healing from leprosy. Elisha instructs Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times, resulting in his miraculous healing. In gratitude, Naaman offers Elisha gifts, which the prophet refuses, emphasizing that the healing was an act of God, not a transaction. Gehazi, however, sees an opportunity for personal gain. Driven by greed, he pursues Naaman after Elisha's refusal, fabricating a account to obtain silver and garments. Gehazi tells Naaman, "My master has sent me to say, ‘Just now two young men from the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing’” (2 Kings 5:22). Naaman, unaware of the deceit, obliges Gehazi's request. Consequences Upon returning, Gehazi hides the goods and presents himself to Elisha, who confronts him with the truth. Elisha, aware of Gehazi's actions through divine insight, asks, "Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?" (2 Kings 5:26). Gehazi's deception is exposed, and as a consequence, Elisha pronounces that Naaman's leprosy will cling to Gehazi and his descendants forever. Gehazi leaves Elisha's presence, afflicted with leprosy, "as white as snow" (2 Kings 5:27). Theological Implications Gehazi's account serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual and moral dangers of deception and greed. His actions contrast sharply with the integrity and faithfulness expected of those who serve God. Gehazi's deceit not only results in personal physical affliction but also spiritual separation from the prophetic ministry he once served. His account underscores the biblical principle that God sees the heart and that deceit, even when hidden from human eyes, is fully visible to the divine. Gehazi's narrative warns believers of the consequences of allowing greed and dishonesty to overshadow one's commitment to God. It highlights the importance of integrity and the dangers of using one's position for personal gain, reminding the faithful to seek righteousness and truth in all their dealings. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 5:20But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD lives, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. Nave's Topical Index Library Naaman The City of God. Index of Subjects. Acts iv. 36, 37 The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Resources Who is the false prophet of the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does Satan look like? What do demons look like? | GotQuestions.org Is it true that fear is a liar? | GotQuestions.org Deception: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Deception in Representing to Their Father That Joseph had been Destroyed by Wild Beasts Deception: Abraham, in Stating That Sarah Was his Sister Deception: Amnon Deceives Tamar by Feigning Sickness Deception: Ananias and Sapphira Deception: David Feigns Madness Deception: Delilah Deceives Samson Deception: Ehud Deceives Eglon, and Kills Him Deception: Hushai Deceives Absalom Deception: Isaac, in Stating That his Wife Was his Sister Deception: Jacob and Rebekah, in Imposing Jacob on his Father, and Jacob's Impersonating Esau Deception: Jacob's Sons, in Entrapping the Shechemites Deception: Joseph, in his Ruse With his Brothers Deception: Sanballat Tries to Deceive Nehemiah Deception: The Gibeonites, in Misrepresenting Their Habitat Deception: when he Avenged his Sister Deception: when he Began his Conspiracy Self-Deception: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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