Podcast 81, Story if Elisha, “Pt 7”

In the previous podcast we discussed the Story of the miracle of the healing of Naaman, the Captain of the Syrian army. In this podcast we complete that story.

We learn another great lesson from the healing of Naaman. Consistent with other miracles, something is required of the person receiving the miracle. There is a law irrevocable with God that faith must precede the miracle. Without faith there can be no miracles performed. Remember the following incident in the life of the Savior himself.

Matthew 13:53-58

And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Naaman appears at Elisha’s door, but Elisha doesn’t see the Captain of the Kings army himself. As a test of his faith, he sends a messenger. In context, we must remember the high station of Naaman. He is used to commanding respect. It must have been hard for him to be slighted. He didn’t expect to see a messenger. He expected to meet a prophet. Furthermore, he is very annoyed at the impertinent message.

2 Kings 5:9-11

So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

Now notice the logic of Naaman who does not know the ways of the true God.

2 Kings 5:12

Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

The Israelites were a conquered people, partially brought about by Naaman’s own skills as a Captain. You can see why Elisah did not go himself. Why he sent a messenger. Before being healed. Naaman had to be humbled. He was proud. He had no respect for Israel, for Israel’s prophet, or Israel’s God. He was used to giving commands not taking them, especially from the enemy. Elisha is so much like his mentor Elijah.

Naaman’s own servants come to his rescue. They speak with much greater wisdom than the proud Captain displayed.

2 Kings 5:13

And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

Namaan is calmed from his rage. One cannot help but think that the spirit of the Lord was with his servants, for with their voice came peace. One is reminded of the proverb, ‘A soft word turneth away wrath.’

Because of his humility and obedience to a prophet’s voice, Naaman is healed.

2 Kings 5:14

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

More than being healed from leprosy happened to the humbled captain that day. He is converted to the God of Israel. What became of that we will never know, but he was a man of great authority under the king.