2 Kings chapter 5: THE BRAVE LITTLE MAID

2 Kings chapter 5 tells the story of Naaman and teaches us about obedience, humility, and God’s power to heal.

Naaman was the commander of the army of Syria. He was a brave and important man, but he had a serious skin disease called leprosy. Even though he was rich and powerful, he could not heal himself.

A young Israelite girl worked as a servant in Naaman’s house. She had been taken from her home during a raid. She told Naaman’s wife that there was a prophet in Israel who could heal Naaman. Naaman listened to her words.

Naaman went to the king of Syria, who sent him to the king of Israel with a letter and many gifts. When the king of Israel read the letter, he became afraid because he thought Syria wanted to start a war. Elisha heard about this and asked for Naaman to be sent to him.

Naaman arrived at Elisha’s house with his horses and chariot. Elisha did not come out to meet him. Instead, he sent a messenger to tell Naaman to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman became angry. He expected Elisha to come out and perform a big miracle. He also thought the rivers in his country were better than the Jordan River.

Naaman’s servants spoke kindly to him and encouraged him to obey. Naaman finally listened. He went to the Jordan River and washed seven times, just as Elisha had said. After the seventh time, his skin became clean like that of a young child. He was completely healed.

Naaman returned to Elisha and thanked him. He said he now knew that there was no God except the Lord. He offered Elisha gifts, but Elisha refused to take anything.

Later, Elisha’s servant Gehazi ran after Naaman and lied to him, saying Elisha needed gifts. Naaman gave him silver and clothes. Gehazi hid them and then lied to Elisha. Because of his greed and dishonesty, Elisha said that Naaman’s leprosy would come upon Gehazi. Gehazi left with leprosy.

This chapter teaches us that God’s blessings cannot be bought. It also shows that obedience and humility bring blessings, but greed and lying bring punishment.