(5:1) Leprosy is Feared - Leprosy was one of the most feared diseases of the time. Some forms were extremely contagious and, in many cases, incurable. In its worst forms, leprosy led to death. Many who had leprosy were forced out of the cities into quarantined camps, not only because they were contagious, but also because their disease made them ritually unclean and so unable to live and worship in the community. Because Naaman still held his post, he probably had a mild form of the disease, or perhaps it was still in the early stages. In either case, his life would have been tragically shortened by his disease. (For more about leprosy in biblical times, see the note on Leviticus 13:1-46.)

(5:2) Syria and Naaman - Syria was Israel's neighbor to the northeast, but the two nations were rarely on friendly terms. Under David, Syria paid tribute to Israel. In Elisha's day, Syria was growing in power and frequently conducted raids on Israel, trying to frustrate the people and bring about political confusion. Israelite captives would often be taken back to Syria after successful raids. Naaman's servant girl was an Israelite, kidnapped from her home and family. Ironically, Naaman's only hope of being cured came from Israel.

(5:3-4) A Little Girl's Faith -  The little girl's faith and Naaman's quest contrast with the stubbornness of Israel's king (5:7). A leader in mighty Syria sought the God of Israel; Israel's own king would not. We don't know the little girl's name or much about her, but her brief word to her mistress brought healing and faith in God to a powerful Syrian captain. God had placed her with them for a purpose, and she was faithful. Where has God put you? No matter how humble or small your position, God can use you to spread his Good News. Look for opportunities to tell others what God can do. There's no telling who will hear your message!

(5:5) Elisha's Ministry - The name of Israel's king is not mentioned in this story. The events of 2 Kings 1-8 are mainly about Elisha's ministry and are not intended to be chronological. The king was most likely Jehoram (3:1), but we cannot know for sure.

(5:7) A King's Frustration - King Ben-hadad of Syria sent Naaman to the king of Israel, thinking the king could order Elisha to cure Naaman. He thought God's gift of healing could be bought. The king of Israel was upset because he knew he had no control over the situation, and he thought the Syrian king was trying to find an excuse to fight. He was completely ignorant of God's power working through Elisha. He did not understand that God's power could transform even Israel's enemies.

(5:9-15) Naaman's Pride - Naaman, a great hero, was used to getting respect, so he was outraged when Elisha treated him like an ordinary person. A proud man, he expected royal treatment. To wash in a great river would be one thing, but the Jordan was small and insignificant. To wash in the Jordan, Naaman thought, was bensath a man of his position But Naaman had to humble himself and obey Elisha's commands in order to be healed.

Obedience to God begins with humility. We must believe that his way is better than our own. We may not always understand his ways of working, but by humbly obeying, we will receive his blessings. We must remember that (1) God's ways are best; (2) God wants our obedience for our own good; and (3) God can use anything to accomplish his purposes.

(5:12) Naaman's Lack of Faith - Naaman left in a rage because the cure for his disease seemed demeaning. He was a hero, and he expected a heroic cure. Full of pride and self-will, Naaman could not accept the simple cure of faith. Sometimes people react to God's offer of forgiveness in the same way. To them, just to believe in Jesus Christ somehow doesn't seem significant enough to bring eternal life; to obey God's commands doesn't seem heroic. What Naaman had to do to have his leprosy washed away is similar to what we must do to have our sin washed away--humbly accept God's mercy. Don't let your reaction to the way of faith keep you from the cure you need the most.

(5:16) Faith not Funds - Elisha refused Naaman's money to show that God's favor cannot be purchased. Our money, like Naaman's, is useless when we face death. No matter how much wealth we accumulate in this life, it won't be with us when we stand before God, our creator. Our faith in Jesus Christ will save us, not our bank accounts.

(5:18-19) Naaman's Repentance - How could Naaman be forgiven for bowing to a pagan idol? Naaman was not asking for permission to worship the god Rimmon but to do his civil duty, helping the king get down and up as he bowed. Also known as Hadad, Rimmon, the god of Damascus, was believed to be a god of rain and thunder. Unlike most of his contemporaries, Naaman showed a keen awareness of God's power. Instead of adding the Lord to his nation's collection of idols, he acknowledged that there was only one true God. He did not intend to worship other gods. His asking for pardon in this one area shows the marked contrast between Naaman and the Israelites, who were continually worshiping many idols.

(5:20-27) Gehazi Plan - Gehazi saw a perfect opportunity to get rich by selfishly asking for the reward Elisha had refused. But his plan had three problems: (1) He willingly accepted money that had been offered to someone else; (2) he wrongly implied that money could be exchanged for God's free gift of healing and mercy; and (3) he lied and tried to cover up his motives for accepting the money. Although Ghazi had been a helpful servant, personal gain had become more important to him than serving God. This passage is not teaching that money is evil or that ministers should not get paid; instead, it is warning against greed, deceit, and exploiting God's blessings for money. True service is motivated by love and devotion to God and seeks no personal gain. As you serve God, check your motives--you can't serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24).