Topical Bible: Covetousness: Gehazi

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Introduction

Covetousness, a strong desire for possessions or wealth that belongs to another, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often leading to sin and separation from God. One of the most illustrative examples of covetousness is found in the account of Gehazi, the servant of the prophet Elisha. Gehazi's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the consequences of succumbing to covetous desires.

Biblical Account

The account of Gehazi is recorded in 2 Kings 5. Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, was afflicted with leprosy. Hearing of Elisha's miraculous powers, Naaman sought healing from the prophet. Elisha instructed Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times, and upon doing so, Naaman was healed of his leprosy. In gratitude, Naaman offered Elisha gifts, but the prophet refused, saying, "As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it" (2 Kings 5:16).

Despite Elisha's refusal, Gehazi saw an opportunity to gain wealth. Driven by covetousness, he pursued Naaman and deceitfully requested gifts on behalf of Elisha. Gehazi said, "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 deception, gladly gave Gehazi the requested items.

Consequences of Covetousness

Upon returning, Gehazi hid the gifts and stood before Elisha, who questioned him about his whereabouts. Gehazi lied, saying he had not gone anywhere. Elisha, however, was aware of Gehazi's actions and confronted him, saying, "Did not my spirit go 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). As a result of his covetousness and deceit, Gehazi was struck with Naaman's leprosy, which would cling to him and his descendants forever (2 Kings 5:27).

Theological Implications

Gehazi's account highlights the destructive nature of covetousness. His desire for material wealth led him to betray his master's trust and disregard God's will. The narrative underscores the biblical teaching that covetousness is idolatry, as it places material desires above obedience to God (Colossians 3:5). Gehazi's punishment serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual and physical consequences of allowing greed to overshadow faithfulness.

Moral Lessons

The account of Gehazi warns believers of the perils of covetousness. It encourages Christians to cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision, as emphasized in Hebrews 13:5: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'" . Gehazi's account also illustrates the importance of integrity and honesty, as deceit and greed ultimately lead to ruin.

Conclusion

The account of Gehazi is a powerful biblical example of the consequences of covetousness. It serves as a reminder to guard one's heart against the allure of material wealth and to remain steadfast in faith and obedience to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 5:20-24
But 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Remedies against the Disease of Covetousness.
... Let us also fear the example of Gehazi, who for the sin of covetousness
was chastised with the punishment of perpetual leprosy. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxx the remedies against.htm

That Covetousness Brings Upon the Soul a Spiritual Leprosy.
... That covetousness brings upon the soul a spiritual leprosy. And such are seen to
be lepers in spirit and heart, after the likeness of Gehazi, who, desiring the ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxvi that covetousness brings.htm

Instances to Show that the Disease of Covetousness is Threefold.
... Instances to show that the disease of covetousness is threefold. ... For when Gehazi
wished to acquire what he had never had before, not only did he fail to obtain ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xiv instances to show.htm

Tenth Commandment
... Then consider the case of Gehazi. There is another man who was drowned
in destruction and perdition by covetousness. He got more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

Internal Foes.
... Covetousness enticed Lot into Sodom. It caused the destruction of Achan and all
his house. ... It was the sin of Samuel's sons. It left Gehazi a leper. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part ii internal foes.htm

Matt. xxviii. 11-14.
... with this all the apostles; but with the other, Ahab, Jezebel, Gehazi, Judas, Nero ...
piercing, having nothing turbid in it, like the eye of covetousness, which is ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xc matt xxviii 11-14.htm

Letter Xlii. To Chilo, his Disciple.
... land? What became of the companionship of Gehazi with Eliss??us, when he brought
leprosy on himself by his covetousness? What availed ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xlii to chilo his.htm

The Way of Life and the Way of Death.
... in Israel at Jericho, was stoned to death; [3376] and Gehazi, who stole ... and Passion,
of Deceitful Conduct, or Idle Words, Lies, Covetousness, and Hypocrisy. IV. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the two ways.htm

Matt. xxvi. 6, 7
... he became such as he was, thou wilt find him to have been ruined by covetousness. ...
For Gehazi also lived with a holy man, and he too became depraved from the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxx matt xxvi 6.htm

1 Cor. v. 1, 2
... meaning of being "present in spirit:" as Elisha was present with Gehazi, and said ...
For surely covetousness is an "old leaven;" and whenever it lights and into ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xv 1 cor v.htm