Who was Naaman in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Naaman was a revered Syrian captain who suffered from leprosy. Despite his esteemed status and wealth, Naaman's humility emerged as he recognized the limits of his own power, prompting him to heed the counsel of a servant girl to go to the prophet Elisha in Israel for healing. Upon reaching Elisha, Naaman's initial pride clashed with the simplicity of the prophet's directive to wash in the Jordan River. However, through the gentle persuasion of his servants, Naaman humbled himself and obeyed, experiencing both physical and spiritual renewal. His return home marked not only the restoration of his health but also a profound acknowledgment of the God of Israel as the true source of healing. Naaman's journey stands as a timeless testament to the transformative power of humility and faith in the pursuit of wholeness.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Naaman was a Syrian captain who was healed by the prophet Elisha; his story is found in 2 Kings 5.
• Naaman is described in the Bible as "a mighty man of valor" (2 Kings 5:1) and was highly respected by the king of Syria because of the battles he had won for his country.
• Naaman was a man who had everything—wealth, recognition, honor, power. However, he suffered from one thing: he was a leper, having a contagious, incurable skin disease.
• Naaman's wife had a servant girl from Israel, who pitied her master's condition and said, "Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy" (2 Kings 5:3). Naaman told the king what the Israelite girl had said. The king allowed Naaman to go to Israel, sending with him a letter to the king of Israel asking for Naaman's healing. Naaman set out for Israel with the letter and a great deal of silver, gold, and clothing to buy his healing (2 Kings 5:4–6).
• When the king of Israel received the letter, he tore his clothes and cried out, "Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me" (2 Kings 5:7). Unlike the surrounding regions, the Israelites knew they couldn't command God to move according to their whims, and the king knew he would not be able to cure Naaman. When Elisha heard of the king's distress, he asked why he tore his clothes and told the king to send Naaman to him (2 Kings 5:8).
• Naaman arrived at Elisha's house, and instead of being greeted personally, a messenger came out to greet Naaman, telling him to wash in the Jordan river seven times and that he would then be cleansed. Naaman became angry and was offended because he expected to be greeted by Elisha and healed by a spectacle or display of might. He considered the rivers of Damascus far better than the waters of Israel and was humiliated that it would take no great feat to be healed (2 Kings 5:9–12). Naaman’s servants called him to humble himself and receive healing. They said to him "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" (2 Kings 5:13, NKJV). Naaman humbled himself, washed in the Jordan seven times, and was cleansed (2 Kings 5:14).
• Naaman returned to Elisha cleansed inside and out, saying, "Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15). Realizing that his healing did not come out of his own merit, because of some great feat or his costly gift, Naaman offered Elisha his wealth as a gift, but Elisha refused (2 Kings 5:16). Then Naaman asked for two mule loads of earth on which to make sacrifices to God in his own country (2 Kings 5:17).
• Being fully convinced that the God of Israel was the only true God, he had one concern left. Naaman asked, "In this matter may the LORD pardon your servant; when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon your servant in this matter" (2 Kings 5:18). Seeing the sincerity in his request, Elisha told him to go in peace because God would know in Naaman's heart that he only worshiped the God of Israel (2 Kings 5:19). Naaman returned home not only cleansed of his leprosy, but also rejoicing in the knowledge of the one true God.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus refers to Naaman in Luke 4:27 when the people of Nazareth rejected Him.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Naaman's story of healing and faith serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of humility and the importance of humility in receiving faith and healing. Despite his stature as a "mighty man of valor," Naaman's affliction humbled him, prompting him to seek help and recognizing that healing was beyond his own capabilities. Through the guidance of unexpected sources and the gentle urging of his servants, Naaman humbled himself, setting aside his pride and submitting to the simple yet profound instructions of the prophet Elisha. In doing so, Naaman not only experienced physical healing but also underwent a profound spiritual transformation, seeing that the One True God brings healing. The same is true for us today. Those who humble themselves find that God alone brings healing and restoration.

UNDERSTAND

• Naaman, a Syrian captain, was healed from leprosy by following the prophet Elisha’s instructions.
• Despite his esteemed position and military prowess, Naaman suffered from leprosy, an incurable skin disease.
• Through the guidance of a servant girl and the prophet Elisha, Naaman humbled himself, obeying simple instructions to wash in the Jordan river and receiving both physical and spiritual healing.

REFLECT

• How does Naaman's journey of healing resonate with your own experiences of seeking help or guidance in times of difficulty?
• Reflecting on Naaman's initial resistance to Elisha's simple instructions, in what ways have you struggled with accepting humility in your own life?
• Naaman's story emphasizes the transformative power of faith and humility. How has encountering stories like Naaman's in the Bible impacted your understanding of God's work in your life?

ENGAGE

• Consider Naaman's status as a military leader. How does power and position impact humility?
• Naaman's story involves various characters who play significant roles in his journey, such as the servant girl and Elisha's messenger. How do these supporting characters contribute to the overarching themes of humility and faith in the narrative?
• Naaman's recognition of the God of Israel as the true source of healing marks a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey. How does this aspect of his story challenge or inspire our own understanding of faith and healing today?