Naaman was a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his role as a commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria). His account is primarily recounted in 2 Kings 5, where he is depicted as a man of great valor and high standing, yet afflicted with leprosy, a condition that rendered him ceremonially unclean and socially isolated.

Position and Character

Naaman held a significant position as the commander of the Syrian army, a testament to his military prowess and the trust placed in him by the king of Aram. The Bible describes him as "a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram" (2 Kings 5:1). Despite his success and honor, Naaman's life was overshadowed by his leprosy, a disease that was both physically debilitating and socially stigmatizing.

The Role of the Israelite Servant Girl

The turning point in Naaman's life came through the faith and testimony of a young Israelite girl, who had been taken captive and served Naaman's wife. She expressed her belief that the prophet in Samaria, Elisha, could heal Naaman of his leprosy. Her words, "If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy" (2 Kings 5:3), set in motion the events leading to Naaman's healing.

Journey to Israel and Encounter with Elisha

Encouraged by the servant girl's faith, Naaman sought permission from the king of Aram to visit the prophet in Israel. He carried with him a letter from the king, along with gifts of silver, gold, and clothing, as a gesture of goodwill and expectation of healing. Upon reaching Israel, Naaman initially approached the king of Israel, who was distressed by the request, fearing it was a pretext for conflict. However, Elisha, the prophet, intervened, inviting Naaman to come to him.

Elisha's instructions to Naaman were simple yet profound: "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be clean" (2 Kings 5:10). Naaman, initially angered by the simplicity and perceived indignity of the command, expected a more elaborate ritual. His pride was challenged, but his servants persuaded him to obey the prophet's instructions.

Healing and Conversion

Upon humbling himself and dipping seven times in the Jordan River, Naaman's flesh was restored, becoming "like that of a young boy" (2 Kings 5:14). This miraculous healing led to a profound transformation in Naaman's faith. He returned to Elisha, declaring, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15). Naaman's acknowledgment of the God of Israel marked a significant spiritual conversion, as he vowed to offer sacrifices only to the LORD.

Naaman's Request and Elisha's Response

In gratitude, Naaman offered gifts to Elisha, which the prophet refused, emphasizing that the healing was an act of God's grace, not a transaction. Naaman then requested permission to take two mule-loads of earth back to Syria, intending to worship the LORD on Israelite soil. He also sought pardon for future instances when he would have to accompany his master into the temple of Rimmon, acknowledging the tension between his duties and newfound faith. Elisha's response, "Go in peace" (2 Kings 5:19), signified an understanding of Naaman's situation and the sincerity of his faith.

Legacy

Naaman's account is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and grace, demonstrating that His mercy extends beyond the boundaries of Israel to those who seek Him with humility and faith. Naaman's healing and conversion underscore the transformative power of obedience and the universal reach of God's love. His narrative continues to inspire believers, illustrating the importance of faith, humility, and the willingness to follow God's instructions, no matter how simple they may seem.2 Kings 5:1-23
Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance to Syria: he was also a mighty man in valor, but he was a leper.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 4:27
And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
Nave's Topical Index

Naaman the Syrian
... very much exalted and flattered that I, the great Syrian general, should come ... But
General Grant sent word: ... Naaman goes down to the river and takes the first dip ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/iii naaman the syrian.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... to deal, as they were murderers of our Lord, and to be charged in the general with
his ... And why the woman of Sarepta, and why Naaman the Syrian, rather than ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... constantly makes mention of the horsemen of the Aramaean and Syrian principalities,
whom ... If we consider the general direction of the campaign, we are inclined ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Who were the Arameans? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about 2 Kings | GotQuestions.org

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