N. M. John

Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army. The LORD had helped him and his troops to defeat their enemies so the King of Syria respected Naaman very much. Naaman was a brave soldier, but he had leprosy. One day while the Syrian troops were raiding Israel, they captured a girl, and she became a servant of Naaman's wife. Some time later the girl said, "If your husband Naaman would go to the prophet in Samaria, he would be cured of his leprosy. When Naaman told the King what the girl had said, the king replied "Go ahead! I will give you a letter to take to the king of Israel." Naaman left and took along seven hundred fifty pounds of silver, one hundred fifty pounds of gold, and ten new outfits. He also carried the letter to king of Israel. He said," I am sending my servant Naaman to you. Would you cure him of his leprosy? 2 King 5:6.

When the King of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in fear and shouted, "That syrian king believes I can cure this man of leprosy! Does he think I am God with power over life and death? He must be trying to pick a fight with me" As soon as Elisha the prophet heard what had happened, he sent the Israelite king this message: Why are you so afraid? Send the man to me, so that he will know there is a prophet in Israel. Naaman left with his horses and chariot and stopped at the door of Elisha's house. Elisha sent someone outside to say to him, "Go wash seven times in the Jordan River then you will be completely cured" 2 King 5:10.

But Naaman left in a range, saying why couldn't he come out and talk to me? I thought for sure he would stand in front me and pray to LORD his God, then wave his hand over my skin and cure me. What about the Abana River or the Pharpar River? Those Rivers in Damascus are just as good as any river in Israel. I could have washed in them and been cured. His servants went over to him and said, sir if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it so why don't you do what he said? Go wash and be cured". Naaman walked down to the Jordan, he waded out in to the water and stooped down in it seven times just as Elisha had told him. Instantly he was cured, and his skin became as smooth as that of a child. 2 King 5:14

1 King 5:15 Naaman and his officials went back to Elisha. Naaman stood in front of him and announced, Now I know that the God of Israel is the only God in the whole world sir, would you please accept a gift from me? "I am a servant of the living LORD" Elisha answered and I swear that I will not take anything from you."

Naaman kept begging, but Elisha kept on refusing. Finally Naaman said "If you wont accept a gift, then please let me take home as much soil as two mules can pull in a wagon. Sir from now on I will offer sacrifices only to the LORD. But I pray that the Lord will forgive me when I go into the temple of the God Rimon and bow down there with the King of Syria.

Go on home, and don't worry about that "Elisha replied. Then Naaman left.