Naaman's Story
Naaman was a rich man famed for his bravery and military prowess.
Although respected by the King of Aram, he suffered; from leprosy.
Among his servants, a Hebrew maid told of the ministry of Elisha the prophet in Israel
On hearing this the King of Aram sent him to the King of Israel, with gifts, saying 'make him well'!
This request was considered to be a ruse to cause war, the King was In anguish and tore his robes as well.
Elisha then sent word ; 'send him to me, I will show him there is a prophet in Israel.'
When he came Naaman too was given a message from Elisha's servant concerning his cure
This was seen as disrespectful by the proud commander who expected at least to meet his deliverer.
He was further annoyed by Elisha's instructions to him concerning what he should do
Go, bathe in the Jordan River seven times, he was told, your skin will then be as new
Finally, persuaded by his attendants who appealed to his prowess, Naaman succumbed and did it…….
…...after he bathed seven times the cure was effective! Naaman was again whole and fit.!
In joy he returned to thank Elisha, offering him all the goods he had brought as well
These were refused by the prophet, who attributed the cure to the God of Israel
Having unsuccessfully urged him to take the gifts, Naaman recognised the God of Elisha.
He requested some of Israel's soil to stand on as he worshipped ;
so Naaman returned to Aram, a cleansed and changed man.
The subsequent actions of Elisha's servant provides a salutary warning to all mankind
Seeking to make some personal gain, he lied to Naaman, claiming Elisha had changed his mind.
But our God is not mocked, Elisha perceived Gehazi's sin, warning him of the consequences of his action.
There being no repentance the punishment was grave, his body became leprous to remind him of what he had done.
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