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Naaman: The Dip of Faith
Ahab’s reign as monarch over Israel ended ingloriously on the battlefield against Ben-Hadad, King of Syria. With Ahab’s death came a change of guard in Israel both politically and spiritually. Elijah had been taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire and his disciple Elisha had taken his place as God’s messenger to Israel.
After Ahab’s defeat the Syrians became bolder in their aggression towards Israel. There were constant border raids and a pervading sense of fear throughout Israel of imminent Syrian attack. The border raids led to enslavement as well as destruction of property and loss of life. During one of these raids, Syrian soldiers abducted a young Israelite girl who was then sold into slavery in the house of Naaman.
Naaman is introduced to us as Captain of the Syrian Army. He was, as a result of his position, one of the kings most trusted advisors and counsellors. He was also tasked with the protection of the realm and the acquisition of territory. Naaman was most likely extremely wealthy, powerful, influential and accustomed to getting his own way.
But then disaster struck his tidy and opulent life. Naaman was diagnosed with leprosy which was akin to a death sentence. No one recovered from leprosy, except by some miracle. Leprosy didn’t just mean death, it meant a slow, painful and undignified death ostracised from all society.
Naaman’s diagnosis most likely plunged the entire household into mourning and picking up on the heaviness around her, the little slave girl questioned her mistress, Naaman’s wife about the cause of the sadness. When she was told of her master's illness she promptly told her mistress about the prophet of Israel. She was sure that Elisha would be able to heal Naaman.
Having no other viable options, desperation drove Naaman to Israel. Armed with a letter of recommendation from the King of Syria, 6,000 shekels of gold, 10,000 talents of silver and 10 changes of clothing Naaman went to Israel.
The letter from the King of Assyria read “and now as this letter comes to you behold I have sent Naaman my servant to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy” Naaman first sought an audience with the King of Israel and presented the letter to him. When the King of Israel read it he tore his clothes and cried out “Am I God, to kill and to keep alive, that this man is sending word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? But consider now, and see how he is seeking a quarrel against me!”
The King of Israel momentarily forgot that the God he served was fully capable of healing leprosy and also that there was a prophet in Israel who was able to do the job. When Elisha heard what happened he sent word to the king saying “Why did you tear your clothes? JUst have him come to me and he shall learn that there is a prophet in Israel”
Naaman goes to Elisha and there he is met with bitter disappointment. Naaman supposed that Elisha would come out of his house, see Naaman’s impressive retinue, raise his arms and dramatically strike the leprosy and heal him. Unfortunately for Naaman Elisha just sent his servant out with a quick message “go down and wash in the Jordan seven times and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean”
Incensed by this perceived lack of respect for his person and his station, Naaman turns his chariot around and heads home. On the way his courtiers approach him, deferentially and try to speak sense to their seething master. “If he had told you to do some great thing wouldn’t you have done it?” they asked him “How much easier is it then to do something as simple as dipping yourself seven times in a river?”
Of course, the river itself was a problem. The Jordan was a muddy trickle compared to some of the cleaner, more lush rivers of Syria. Choosing to obey Elisha’s words meant that Naaman had to both take a leap of faith and also humble himself. Ultimately he chose to listen to his counsellors and bite the bullet. And it worked. When he came up out of the waters after his seventh plunge he was completely restored.
Ecstatic, he drove back to Elisha’s house ready to lavish the man with gifts and praise but again Elisha acted counterintuitively. When Naaman said to him “Behold now, I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel, so please accept a gift from your servant now” Elisah calmly responded “As surely as the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will accept nothing”
Elisha’s refusal sent a clear signal to everyone that would hear about Naaman’s miracle, namely that God’s blessings were not for sale. God’s blessings were free.
When Elisha’s servant Gehazi saw the amount of gold and silver on offer he was sorely tempted. When Naaman had left he slipped out of the house, caught up with his retinue and told them that Elisha had changed his mind and he wanted a few of the talents of silver. Naaman was more than happy to oblige and sent Gehazi home richer than when he had set off. When he got home Elisha immediately confronted him and demanded to know where he had been. When Gehazi confessed what he had done Elisha rebuked him for his greed and covetousness. He then pronounced that Naaman’s leprosy would fall on him. The Bible says that Gehazi was immediately stricken by leprosy and became a leper, as white as snow.
So many lessons to be gleaned from the story of Naaman. The importance of being a faithful witness even in the midst of trying circumstances and even among those who do not believe in God is first and foremost, as demonstrated by the example of the little slave girl. Then there is the importance of humility and faith. A heart that is willing to obey God. The reality that God’s blessings are freely given to those who are willing to exercise no more than their faith and finally the peril of covetousness and greed.
All in all the story of Naaman is rich with meaning and is a reminder of how God is willing to provide for us, regardless of who we are and even what we believe as long as we are willing to step out in faith in obedience to His word.
