The story of Elisha and Naaman in 2 Kings 5 teaches us several important lessons about faith, healing, pride, and serving God. Here is an overview of the story and key lessons we can take away:
Overview of the Story
Naaman was a commander in the army of the king of Aram (an enemy of Israel). He was described as a “great man” and “highly regarded” but he had leprosy (2 Kings 5:1). Naaman’s wife had an Israelite servant girl who suggested he go see the prophet Elisha in Israel to be healed.
The king of Aram sent Naaman along with gifts and a letter to the king of Israel. When the king of Israel read the letter asking him to heal Naaman’s leprosy, he was distraught, feeling that the king of Aram was trying to pick a fight. But Elisha heard of the matter and told the king to send Naaman to him so “he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel” (2 Kings 5:8).
When Naaman arrived with his horses and chariots, Elisha didn’t even come out to meet him. He just sent a messenger to tell Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River. This made Naaman furious. He expected the prophet to wave his hand over his leprosy and perform an elaborate ritual. The rivers in Damascus were better than the Jordan, so why couldn’t he wash there?
But Naaman’s servants urged him to just do what Elisha said. When Naaman washed in the Jordan seven times, his flesh was restored and he was healed of his leprosy. He returned to Elisha, declared that there was no God anywhere except in Israel, and offered him gifts. Elisha refused to accept any gifts.
Naaman asked if he could take some dirt from Israel back with him to worship God since he would no longer offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord. Elisha told him to go in peace.
But the story took a twist when Elisha’s servant Gehazi got greedy and ran after Naaman asking for a talent of silver and two changes of clothing, claiming Elisha had sent him. When he returned, Elisha confronted Gehazi and the leprosy of Naaman immediately clung to Gehazi.
Lesson 1: God Can Heal and Restore
The most obvious lesson is that God has the power to heal and restore. Naaman’s leprosy was an incurable disease. But God completely healed Naaman when he obeyed Elisha’s command to wash in the Jordan river.
This showed that God was greater than any other god and had supreme power. Naaman testified “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel…” (2 Kings 5:15). God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Lesson 2: God’s Ways Are Better Than Ours
Naaman almost missed out on his healing because he didn’t like Elisha’s instructions. The rivers in Damascus seemed superior to the muddy Jordan. His pride nearly prevented him from following the simple command that could heal him.
Sometimes God’s ways don’t make sense to us or line up with our expectations. But His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). God’s simple solutions are better than our complex ideas. We need childlike faith to obey God even when we don’t understand.
Lesson 3: Don’t Miss God’s Blessing Through Disobedience
Imagine if Naaman persisted in his anger and refused to wash in the Jordan river? He would have missed out on God’s blessing and gone home in the same condition.
Partial obedience is still disobedience. We need to completely obey God, not just the parts we prefer or understand. Disobedience can cost us greatly, while obedience positions us for blessing.
Lesson 4: Salvation Only Comes Through the True God
By healing Naaman, the living God showed His supremacy over all false gods. Naaman testified there was no God anywhere except the God of Israel. He renounced his idolatry and put his faith in the one true God.
This story foreshadowed that salvation would come through Israel to all nations. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved than Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). We all must turn from false gods and turn to Christ to experience salvation.
Lesson 5: God Values Humble and Thankful Hearts
One lesson we see is that God values humility. Naaman’s proud heart almost prevented his healing. But then he humbled himself, obeyed God’s command, and praised God for healing him.
Naaman also wanted to reward Elisha, but Elisha refused. As servants of God, we shouldn’t serve for money but out of gratitude to God. God values thankful hearts over riches or notoriety. We should serve God with humble and thankful hearts.
Lesson 6: Greed Leads to Destruction
The story takes a tragic turn when Gehazi secretly takes payment from Naaman, lying about Elisha’s wishes. His greed cost him dearly as he inherited Naaman’s leprosy.
Greed destroys us from the inside out. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Instead of being greedy, we should be content and generous with what God gives us. Greed always costs us more than it gains.
Lesson 7: God Values Truthfulness and Integrity
Gehazi told lies to get what he wanted from Naaman. But you can’t fool God. Gehazi’s deception was swiftly punished when Elisha pronounced judgment on his sin.
God cares deeply about truth and integrity. Lying, cheating and stealing have no place in the life of a believer. It’s better to live honestly and transparently before God.
Lesson 8: God Can Use Anyone to Accomplish His Purposes
God used a lowly servant girl to impact the life of a powerful commander. She pointed Naaman to Elisha so he could be healed. God used Elisha, a common prophet, to heal this great man.
God often uses the small to do big things. He takes the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). No matter who we are, God can use us in His purposes. We all have a part to play in God’s work.
Lesson 9: God Values All People Equally
In a time of national division and strife, God healed the commander of Israel’s enemy army. The prophet didn’t hesitate to help this foreigner.
God shows no partiality – He welcomes people of all nations who turn to Him (Acts 10:34-35). As believers, we should not discriminate but love all people as God does. God values all people equally regardless of background.
Lesson 10: Serving God Comes With Responsibility
Elisha refused payment for healing Naaman, but Gehazi dishonored God’s name through deception and greed. Serving God comes with high responsibility.
As stewards of the gifts God gives us, we are expected to serve with integrity. Our conduct as believers should bring glory to God. We represent Christ to the world.
The story of Elisha and Naaman contains many valuable lessons for us today. As we read and reflect on this account, may we become more like Naaman who humbled himself and found new life in the true God.