2 Kings 05:08-15 Naaman and his Leprosy – audio

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Text: 2 Kings 5:8-15

Introduction

It is important to review the events found in the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul told the Romans, “for whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).”

Let us now review the story of Naaman, and how he received hope from his leprosy (2 Kings 5:8-15).

Body

I. Background.

Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Syria, a mighty man of valor—a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master because the LORD had given the Syrians victory through him (2 Kings 5:1).

While on raids, the Syrians took captive a young Israelite girl who would wait on Naaman’s wife (2 Kings 5:2). Through her, Naaman told his master that he could be healed of his leprosy.

The king of Syria then sent a letter to the king of Israel asking him to heal him. Naturally, the king was upset because he knew he could not do that which God alone could do (2 Kings 5:3-7).

II. Elisha wanted everyone to know there is a prophet in Israel.

Naaman needed assurance that he could be healed of his leprosy, and the kings of Israel and Syria needed to know that they did not have the power to heal him, but rather a man of God did (2 Kings 5:8).

A. Having a prophet in Israel assures them that God is in Israel. The LORD told Aaron and Miriam that He reveals Himself to His prophet, who would then speak His word to the people (Numbers 12:6). Moses was excepted because He spoke to him face to face (Numbers 12:7-8).

B. The people would be blessed by heeding the words of the prophet, and thus the words of the LORD. Jehoshaphat said, “…Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper (2 Chronicles 20:20).”

C. As God spoke to the people through His prophets, He speaks to us through His Son and His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16). We too will be blessed when we heed God’s Word!

III. Naaman had a perception of Elisha.

A. He eagerly went to Elisha’s house and waited at the door expecting Elisha to come to him. Instead, he sent a messenger (2 Kings 5:9-11). Similarly, God sent us His messenger, and we must to go Him through faith (Hebrews 11:6).

B. He expected him to call on the name of the LORD his God (2 Kings 5:11), as Elijah called upon God at Mount Carmel in front of the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:24).

C. He expected to be healed with just a wave of the hand (2 Kings 5:11). Today many Jews, scribes, and Pharisees also want to see a sign from Jesus (Matthew 12:38; 1 Corinthians 1:22).

D. He was disappointed to be commanded to dip in the Jordan River when the Abanah and Pharpar were better (2 Kings 5:12).

1) The Abanah River is often called the “stony river, “and is purported to have healing qualities. In the Anti-Lebanon range, it originates 23 miles northwest of Damascus and flows south into Damascus, splitting into 3 rivers. The chief river of Damascus flows right through the middle of the city.

2) The Pharpar River is often called “that which produces fruit,” and is a small, lively river on the east side of Damascus.

E. After his leprosy was removed, his perception changed (verse 15). It was then he realized “…there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel (2 Kings 5:15)…” Nebuchadnezzar confessed, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings (Daniel 2:47)…” after Daniel interpreted his dream with His help.

Later, he made a decree that “any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this (Daniel 3:29)” after they were saved from the fiery furnace.

King Darius also wrote: “I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions (Daniel 6:26-27).”

Conclusion

Three applications from the story of Naaman.

A. It matters not who we are, we must all be subject to the will of God.

Naaman may have been a commander of an army, a mighty man of valor, and considered great and honorable by some, but he still had to do what Elisha commanded him. Thus, God is no respecter of persons. Peter learned this as he was sent to Cornelius (Acts 10:34). Moses said that God does not show partiality (Deuteronomy 10:17). Jehoshaphat taught the judges of Judah there is no iniquity, partiality, or taking of bribes with the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:7). Paul taught this very lesson (Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6; Ephesians 6:9), and thus showed the gospel is for all (Romans 1:16).

B. Naaman could not be healed by the king of Syria, nor the king of Israel. He could only be healed by God.

The LORD taught Moses, “…There is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand (Deuteronomy 32:39).” As the king of Israel recognized he is a man and not God, so are we. When Cornelius tried to worship Peter, he replied “Stand up; I myself also am a man (Acts 10:26).”

C. Naaman was cleansed only after completing the task commanded by God of him through Elisha.

He had to dip, or wash in the Jordan River! Interestingly, Jesus also dipped (was baptized) in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17). He commands us to be baptized and wash away our sins in order to be saved (Luke 4:27; Acts 22:16; Hebrews 10:22; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21).