Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet(J) in Israel. 9So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elishas house. If youre all in, God is all in as well. Note that she could have thought, as many would, that he was getting just what he deserved. And Elisha, as Gods representative, said let him come to me, words which the Lord wants to speak to every unsaved person. The second lesson from the story of Naaman, has to do with pride. His soul was washed as well. Naaman plunged himself into the Jordan. It is most likely to appear on the brow, nose, ear, cheek or chin.46, (1) The Lepromatous Type: As this form begins to spread, portions of the eyebrow may disappear, then spongy tumor like swellings appear on the face and body. Klostermann, while supplying, with the Alexandrian codex, the word , connects this passage with Naaman's departure with the loads of earth, and renders the passage as "and he carried away from him about a cor of the earth of Israel."[16][11]. How did Elisha heal Naaman the leper? - BibleAsk Despite all this, Naaman had a big problem: he was a leper. / Is leprosy contagious? Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. As the Lord put it, we are to be in the world, but not of it (John 17:15-17). How? 6 Meaningful lessons from the story of Naaman (8) Because of the nature of the disease, the leper was often considered as dead; it was a kind of living death though physically alive. Is leprosy contagious? May God bless you more. The exact reason is not specified, only implied. With him he took a large amount of silver, gold and clothes as payment. Learn how your comment data is processed. His actions would be viewed as unloving, rude, and arrogant. Leprosy makes your body rot while youre still living.Those red bumps become white, shiny scaly sores. Naaman, a great personage, had come to make a request of a king and pay handsomely for services rendered. 3:7-8 with Phil. See also 2 Kings 5:14. A mans pride will bring him low . 2:1f). The Story of Naaman: The Story of Grace - cathedralatl.org He was very upset about this instruction and initially refused to do it. "If only my master would present himself to the prophet in Samaria! He needed to learn, as all of us do, that we must never trust in the uncertainty of riches, or power, or position, but instead, to trust only in Gods grace and work in His Son. Through him, Syria had won many wars against Israel. . How much more, then, when he tells you, Wash and be cleansed! 14So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times,(Q) as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored(R) and became clean like that of a young boy. Naaman had leprosy, but the disease did not seem to weaken him. (Ps. If that was true, then water baptism would be a part of the gospel message but the apostle Paul repudiates that idea in 1 Corinthians 1:14-17. But rather than personally receiving Naaman when the latter arrives at Elisha's house, Elisha merely sends a messenger to the door who tells Naaman to cure his affliction by dipping himself seven times in the Jordan River. And this is what it would continue to take for him to worship the true God. Glad you found it useful Nekky. Study the lesson and decide how you want to teach the children the scripture account (see "Preparing Your Lessons," p. vi, and "Teaching from the . Anyone who had leprosy was called a leper.We now know that it is a disease that causes the nerves in the body to deteriorate. Thinking that certain tasks are beneath us. Naaman was furious. THIS STORY OF NAAMAN IS SO INSPIRNG While many other human diseases have been around as long as human beings have . "He was a leper." Leprosy was a terrible disease - hereditary, painful, contagious, loathsome, and fatal. Here we see a holy Gods perspective of man without Jesus Christ and the ravages of sin. In the case of Miriam and Moses, God performed a miracle. This is a story rich with meaning. The expression "So he departed from him a little way" ( ; verse 2 Kings 5:19) seems to contradict the assertion of Naaman's intention to return to Syria with the two loads of earth. Thereafter, he stopped worshiping false gods and turned his faith toward the God of Israel. The Greek word is lepra from lepw which means, to peel off in scales. It is equivalent to psoriasis, only it was far more serious than the psoriasis we think of today. The ten lessons. 12Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters(N) of Israel? On: July 7, 2022 Asked by: Elliot Howell Advertisement According to the biblical record, Uzziah's strength caused him to become proud, which led to his destruction. He won many victories but he was unable to gain the victory over his leprosy. But his servants spoke some sense into him and he decided to follow Elishas direction. This verse gives us an illustration of the value of loving care and of the importance of the right words at the right time to the unsaved (cf. A man named Naaman commanded the king of Aram's army. But simple faith is not so simple; men object. Man is so self willed. So with the approval of Ben-hadad, the king of . The word used for dip in 2 Kings 5:14 is tabal. 119:67, 71, 73). This says something about the kind of relationships he had with them. (4) The rite of purification in the Old Testament did not cure, it only recognized the fact a leper was cured, he was clean of the disease, or that he never really had the incurable type of leprosy. Go wash in the Jordan seven times . In Scripture, leprosy is a portrait of sin and mans true spiritual condition without the saving grace (spiritual healing) of Gods salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. 51:5; 58:3; Matt. A servant of Elisha, Gehazi, seeing Naaman being turned away from offering God offerings, ran after him and falsely asked for clothing and silver for visitors. He did not want to wash in the Jordan because it was the muddiest, dirtiest river around. Naaman's future was destined to be one of loneliness and isolation. God Healed Naaman 2 Kings 5 (Sunday School Lesson) Naaman was such a great example of faith that Jesus talked about him. Wrap-up: Apply the message to our own lives; work on memory verse Let's review last week: What is humility? Blessings. So please accept a gift(V) from your servant., 16The prophet answered, As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing. And even though Naaman urged him, he refused. Jesus was talking Jews who were raised to believe gentiles were created for hell. Even the slightest blemish in the skin, a swelling (a boil), a scab (a small tumor), or a bright spot (a red or scaly place) was to be carefully observed to see if it was the product of something deeper, i.e., some form of true leprosy. Because of mans separation from God, because of his spiritually dead condition and the hardness of his soul, he becomes insensitive, callused, restless and never satisfied. Naaman is mentioned in 2 Kings 5 of the Tanakh in Hebrew as " " or "Naaman captain of the army of the King of Aram". Her life had been such a testimony that it gave credibility to her words. Although he was valiant and respected, Naaman was a leper. What was the issue here? By faith. Thanks for stopping by. However, the contents of this blog post may not be modified, compiled, combined with other content, copied, recorded, synchronized, transmitted, translated, formatted, distributed, publicly displayed, publicly performed, reproduced, given away, used to create derivative works and otherwise used or exploited (including for-profit or commercial gain) without the creators expressed permission. 11:28; Rev. Naaman had to be brought low; he had to be knocked off his high horse! After Elisha heals him, Naaman asks to take some soil from Israel back to Syria. The biblical meaning of Naaman means "pleasant". Naaman had everything he could need - except for good health. Naaman was not happy with Elishas instructions. God works with even imperfect faith. What does the Bible say about the man with leprosy? Home / What is leprosy? Would that cure him? He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. History of Naaman's Disease and Cure - Bible Hub 16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. God uses problems in life to force us to face our deeper problem, the problem of sin, and the need of Gods forgiveness and salvation in Jesus Christ. Sure Naaman reacted and snorted off. Why did Naaman have leprosy in the Bible? | Homework.Study.com 6:6) So why did he refuse to accept a gift from Naaman? Humility: Naaman's Leprosy - Lifeword Media Ministry Nevertheless, this may also illustrate the importance of wise and timely persuasion needed in personal evangelism. Naaman was about to walk away from his opportunity to live because he felt disrespected. Thanks for stopping by. [7] Naaman is understood as Moab in the expression "Moab is my washpot" (Psalms 60:10), which the Rabbis regard as an allusion to Naaman's bathing in the Jordan; the appellation "Moab" is a play on the word "abi" (= "my father"), by which Naaman was addressed by his servants in 2 Kings 5:13. Thanks for sharing with us. Soon, the whole body is covered with them. I receive your blessings and wish the same for you. When they were the lepromatous type, they were incurable and led to horrible consequences. New Living Translation Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman's leprosy forever." (3) His problem. But, it was precisely this, Naamans pride and his personal opinion which was keeping Naaman from being healed. James gives us part of the answer. (Proverbs 16:18). 23By all means, take two talents, said Naaman. To realize ones lost condition before God, and to desire to escape from it are the first steps toward salvation. Naaman was not just cleansed from leprosy. The Septuagint, the Greek Old Testament, uses the word baptizein for the dipping that heals the heathen Naaman from the skin disease called tzaraath. 2:1). Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever." Then Gehazi went from Elisha's presence and his skin was leprousit had become as white as snow. His Israelite slave girl told him to seek the prophet Elisha for healing. Other types of skin diseases were observed and when found not be to true leprosy or they disappeared, the people with these forms were also declared clean. 2 Kings 5:10-19 Naaman is healed. All rights reserved worldwide. 10Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, Go, wash(K) yourself seven times(L) in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed., 11But Naaman went away angry and said, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand(M) over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. In those days, leprosy was said to be contagious. (1) The leper was considered unclean and had to be isolated from society to a certain degree. (1) They were courteous. It was a means of showing Naaman his pride so he could receive Gods grace and begin to count for God himself. But man must submit humbly to the wise plans of God or there can be no salvation, no real joy and fruitfulness, no deliverance. Other than by Gods direct intervention, it appears the Hebrews had no cure for leprosy. The word is transliterated in the Septuagint (Vatican) and (Lucian) , while the Alexandrian codex has ' , apparently reading . (5) Leprosy, like sin, begins within (with what we are) and then erupts on the skin (on the surface). ALTHOUGH POWERFUL AND MIGHTY, HE WAS A LEPER . Irving Jensen says of this: This leprous, dying man had actually the presumption to devise in his own mind exactly the plan by which he wanted his cure to be affected.50. There was a belief that specific gods had power over particular places. Further, his sin separates him from God and even from intimate fellowship with people (cf. [4], According to Rabbinic teaching, Naaman was the archer who drew his bow at a venture and mortally wounded Ahab, King of Israel (1 Kings 22:34). When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. We never realize the value of physical health until it is in jeopardy. 16:18). 1:4-5; 73:1-28). Only Gods grace and his gifts and blessings in Jesus Christ can do that. Naaman's wife had a servant girl from Israel who said that a prophet there would be able to heal him. IT INSPIRED ME THIS MORNING TOGETHER WITH OTHER INTERCESSORS AS WE READ THROUGH THE STORY OF NAAMAN (AD) 27Naamans leprosy(AE) will cling to you and to your descendants forever. Then Gehazi(AF) went from Elishas presence and his skin was leprousit had become as white as snow.(AG). What can we learn from this story about mans condition in sin and what God does for man in Jesus Christ to heal him from the leprosy of sin? (2) God uses any committed believer, no matter how ordinary or insignificant he may be. So Naaman was sent to the king of Israel rather than to the prophet of God. The issue was his attitude and heart. So he turned away in a rage, and it seemed as though Satan had won.53. Naaman complaining by river. Blessings. 1 Cor. They called Naaman my father, showing respect and submission. Lesson 35: Naaman Is Healed - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day On this he could offer sacrifices as an evidence of his determination to forsake all other gods. Naaman's leprosy is cured. It is deep seated in the bones, joints and marrow of the body resulting in the deterioration of the tissues between the bones. get to know the Bible better! 24When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the things from the servants and put them away in the house. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. So today, since Christ has provided cleansing from sin, every believer as a believer priest is to detect sin in their own life and pronounce it sin when it first appears (1 John 1:8-10).49. Naaman took a step in the right direction and God acknowledged it. All illustrate the various good and evil persuasions of people that either aid or hinder bringing men to Christ. Thank you so much for sharing Dorcas. We need to understand that God often uses the personal failures, sicknesses, and problems of men as a means so bring them to the end of themselves and to a knowledge of the Lord and His salvation. May God Continue To Pour Into You. 6 He brought the letter to king of Israel. And the leprosy from Naaman fell on Gehazi and would remain in his descendants. 5By all means, go, the king of Aram replied. [15][11], The request of Naaman to be permitted to carry away two mules' burden of Israelite earth for the purpose of erecting upon it an altar on which to offer sacrifices to Yhwh, reflects the belief of those days that the god of each land could be worshiped only on his own soil. Naaman was a powerful warrior in the Syrian army who had leprosy. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.. 4 Naaman went and told his master what the girl from the land of Israel had said. Your whole face could be eaten away by this disease before you die. (1) God is constantly at work to lead people to Himself, no matter how dark their condition. But what kind of messenger does God use? What can we learn from the story of Elisha and Naaman? We see his pride expressing itself in verses 9, 11 and 12, but especially in his anger at being told to go and wash seven times in the Jordan. Notice the following points about the wisdom of their answer, an answer of the tongue as a timely word with sweetness of speech, yet honest and courageous evaluation. Thank You So Much For Enlightening Me. In this we have a picture of the sinner before he comes to God. Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man with his master, and highly respected, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a Leper. They thought they could buy the favors of God from the prophet of Yahweh through the king of Israel. Regardless of how men may see us or we may see ourselves, in Gods Holy eyes, we are leprous without the righteousness of Christ imputed to us through faith in the person and work of the Savior. Jun 07, 2021 18:00pm Humility: Naaman's Leprosy 1333 Views There are three segments to our Legacy Lesson: Icebreaker Legacy Lesson-Bible point: Listening and obeying help us become more humble! A plague to rule them all, leprosy is very likely the oldest infectious disease in human history. The results are deformity, loss of feeling in the appendages, and in the fingers and toes eventually falling off. 2:8-9; Tit. 2 Kings 5 New International Version Naaman Healed of Leprosy 5 Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. When the Lord healed a leper, therefore, the picture should have been obvious. But thats not all. Here is a typical man who recognized his need to some extent, but he wanted to have a part in his healing. Naaman and Leprosy in the Bible - Knowing God through His Word Thank you so much Im so blessed after reading this. Though he had power, position and wealth, yet unlike the little slave girl, he had no witness. He was cleansed instantly and completely so that his flesh became like that of a little child, but not only his flesh, but his heart also. Isa. Why will a mans pride bring him low? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Josephs coat of many colors: Meaning, significance and lessons learned. 2:2-8; 1 Pet. Before we continue, lets look at the subject of leprosy itself. He went to visit Elisha who told him to go dip in the Jordan river 7 times. It is notable that his servants felt comfortable enough to talk with him. It is so hard to realize just who we are, mere creatures, and to submit to Gods plan. Elisha did not accept Naamans gifts because he wanted Naaman to know that his healing had nothing to do with Elisha but everything to do with the God of Israel. 46 The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Vol. 2 Kings 5:27 Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and It wasn't exactly like a skin cancer, but it was similar. Naamans servants went to him and said, My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? Youre welcome. 54 NIV Bible Commentary, electronic media. Naaman was a captain of the army for King of Aram. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi. Isa. He was proud and courageous; they knew he was willing to do a great deed. The rest God will deal with over time. 5:9-13; 2 Cor. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? We don't know exactly what this Old Testamant leprosy was. One of the take away lessons from the story of Naaman is that God meets us where we are. Youre welcome :). But his name became a reproach and a striking contrast to his appearance and probably also to his disposition because of the disease which had attacked his body. Is everything all right? he asked. First, in verse 4, Naaman went into the king with the news and to get permission from his king to go to Israel. Instead of immediately pointing Naaman to Elisha, the prophet of God, he was paralyzed with fear; he was paranoid. He was a sinner and a mere creature of God, who drew his breath from two small slits in his face (Isa. Does leprosy have pain? This point is a whole sermon all by itself. (2) His popularity and prestige. 17. The Life and Times of Elisha the Prophet The Healing of Naaman (2 2 Kings 5:14 - Naaman Cured of Leprosy - Bible Hub Obey God completely. God bless you richly. Oh, how these verses reveal the natural tendencies and perspective of the carnal mind. (H) Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? Naaman became a leper. Who is Naaman and what can we learn from his experience with Elisha in No matter how great life is now, we always have to remember how vulnerable we are. The implication is: If a cure comes through bathing in a stream, then I have better streams in which to bathe myself. (G) Can I kill and bring back to life? In Naamans healing there are a variety of people who play different parts; some good and vital to the salvation and healing of Naaman and others not so good. Here, Gods messengers begin with a little captive slave girl. (S), 15Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God(T). Required fields are marked *. Keep me prayed up my sister as I share Gods Word in this space. Who is at risk of developing leprosy? His Israelite servant girl suggested he go to Elisha to be healed. When the prophet Elisha hears about this, he sends for general Naaman. Because the nerves can no longer alert the body to danger, fingers and toes fall off because of infection and other things. In these verses we have a picture of the simplicity of salvation and of the necessity of humility in finding the Lord. Could I not wash in them and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. He needed a place and a means for worship, so he asked for permission (note the sudden change in attitude) to take two loads of soil back home. As we step into this scene, we leave the land of Israel, a nation that was to be a light to the Gentiles and a nation of priests. Scripture says his skin was restored so that it looked like a babys skin. Thinking only of himself was simply a natural product of the kind of luxurious life he lived. Here, then, is a classic illustration of Gods Love, of how He reaches out to a people in utter darkness and uses their afflictions to draw them to Himself if they will only respond to His pre-salvation work of grace wherein God seeks to bring men to repentance (Rom 2:4). Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! After dipping 7 times, he was healed of his leprosy. NAAMAN. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. No matter how we think we have things figured out, we do not. Why do you suppose Naaman listened to her? Ironically, Naaman was willing to pay any price, willing to do any great deed of prowess, to make any fatiguing pilgrimage, but he was unwilling to obey a simple command wash and be clean.51. Instead of thinking in terms of Gods grace, he naturally thought in terms of favoritism, the leverage of power, wealth, and what one can earn or buy. Listen to the seemingly insignificant voices. He often does not experience severe pain from his sin and waywardness, only insensitivity, restless misery, and futility, ever seeking some means of fulfillment running from one thing to another (cf. Whe they finished all what Jesus had comanded them to do, water changed into wine. Obadiah 3 and 4). Naaman was highly esteemed by the king of Syria (or Aram) because of the many victories won by the Syrian army. A Brief History Of Leprosy, The Oldest Human Disease - All That's It was his responsibility, but he knew he needed fortification through the true worship of the true God if he was to be an effective witness. But his servants reasoned with him and got him to do as Elisha had said. Praise Him for His faithfulness in responding to our obedience. Check out the question about modern leprosy versus leprosy in Bible times. Naaman complained that the Jordan River was not as good . 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, that the cross of Christ should not be made void (emphasis mine). Naaman knew that he would have to return to his old environment and live in the midst of idolatry and evil. Naaman went from his problem to Gods solution which was more than simply the healing of his leprosy. (cf. The new baptism takes place in the Jordan River where Jesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ by his followers, was baptized many centuries later.
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