Naaman Healed, Gehazi Leprous

Syria was often at war with Israel, but this was evidently a period of peace. Only a short time before, Ahab had been slain in battle against Benhadad (1 Kings 22:34—37). The name of the king of Israel is not given, but the events are believed to have taken place in the reign of Joram, Ahab's son. The narrative reveals the changing fortunes of the nations, and gives an interesting picture of the international relationships and customs of the times. Naaman was an important personage in Syria. He had gained honor and fame by the victories he had helped Syria achieve, but he had the misfortune of being a leper. However, he retained his position as commander of the Syrian hosts, although he must have been seriously handicapped by the terrible disease with which he was afflicted.

In the frequent border raids, a captive girl was taken and waited on Naaman's wife. The captive maid was living the life of a slave, forced to serve in the home of the commander of the armies that had laid Israel low. But she must have been faithful in her service, for otherwise she would not have been employed in the home of an important official. She noticed Naaman's leprosy and spoke to her Naaman's wife. Although a captive, the maid did not forget her homeland or her God. Nor did she think thoughts of ill toward those who had taken her captive and forced her into an involuntary servitude.

Filled with love toward her God, her heart went out in sympathy to her ailing master and his wife. Instead of wishing Naaman ill because of the misfortunes that had been brought upon her, she wished him well and hoped for his recovery from his terrible disease. Remembering the marvelous works of Elisha in her homeland, she had faith that the prophet could heal Naaman of his leprosy. What God had wrought through His servant in Israel, she believed He could also perform toward those of an alien race.

That is, Naaman went to his lord the king of Syria and related to him the words of the captive maid. Little did the girl understand the import of her words of faith in God. Naaman believed because the girl believed, and he carried her testimony before Syria's king. Thus was Benhadad to learn that Israel's God was a God of power and a God of love. He had defeated the armies of Israel in battle, and he might have been led to believe that the gods of Syria were mightier than Jehovah. But he was to learn that the God of Israel could do that which was beyond the power of men and beyond the power of the Syrian gods. The greatest testimony that can be borne in behalf of the God of heaven is the testimony of a person whose life reflects implicit confidence in Him. The young maiden's testimony led Naaman to seek Elisha in Israel and he was healed.