2 Kings 5
Elisha Heals a Syrian General
5:1 Now Naaman, the commander of the king of Syria’s army, was esteemed and respected by his master,1 for through him the
5:4 Naaman4 went and told his master what the girl from the land of Israel had said. 5:5 The king of Syria said, “Go! I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman5 went, taking with him ten talents6 of silver, six thousand shekels of gold,7 and ten suits of clothes. 5:6 He brought the letter to king of Israel. It read: “This is a letter of introduction for my servant Naaman,8 whom I have sent to be cured of his skin disease.” 5:7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill or restore life? Why does he ask me to cure a man of his skin disease?9 Certainly you must see that he is looking for an excuse to fight me!”10
5:8 When Elisha the prophet11 heard that the king had torn his clothes, he sent this message to the king, “Why did you tear your clothes? Send him12 to me so he may know there is a prophet in Israel.”
5:9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood in the doorway of Elisha’s house.
5:10 Elisha sent out a messenger who told him, “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan; your skin will be restored13 and you will be healed.”
5:11 Naaman went away angry. He said, “Look, I thought for sure he would come out, stand there, invoke the name of the
5:15 He and his entire entourage returned to the prophet. Naaman21 came and stood before him. He said, “For sure22 I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel! Now, please accept a gift from your servant.”
5:16 But Elisha23 replied, “As certainly as the
When he had gone a short distance,30
5:20 Gehazi, the prophet Elisha’s servant, thought,31 “Look, my master did not accept what this Syrian Naaman offered him.32 As certainly as the
5:25 When he came and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” He answered, “Your servant hasn’t been anywhere.” 5:26 Elisha41 replied, “I was there in spirit when a man turned and got down from his chariot to meet you.42 This is not the proper time to accept silver or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, sheep, cattle, and male and female servants.43 5:27 Therefore Naaman’s skin disease will afflict44 you and your descendants forever!” When Gehazi45 went out from his presence, his skin was as white as snow.46