Naaman’s Humility: A Coptic Orthodox Reflection on Healing and Grace in 2 Kings 5

Executive Summary ✨

2 Kings 5 tells the remarkable story of Naaman, a Syrian army commander afflicted with leprosy, and his eventual healing through the prophet Elisha. This chapter, brimming with spiritual lessons, showcases God’s boundless grace extended even to those outside Israel. Naaman’s initial arrogance and eventual submission highlight the transformative power of humility and obedience. The narrative underscores the importance of faith over mere ritual and the universality of God’s love. From a Coptic Orthodox perspective, we see parallels to the cleansing power of baptism and the need to shed our pride to receive divine healing. Naaman’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s mercy is available to all who seek Him with a sincere heart, regardless of their background or social standing. Naaman’s humility is a testament to the power of true repentance. We can apply these lessons to our modern lives. This commentary unpacks the depths of 2 Kings 5, offering insights rooted in Scripture and the wisdom of the Church Fathers.

2 Kings 5 recounts the miraculous healing of Naaman, a powerful Syrian commander, from leprosy. This chapter serves as a profound illustration of God’s universal grace, the importance of humility, and the efficacy of faith. Let us delve into the spiritual treasures hidden within this narrative, guided by the light of Coptic Orthodox tradition.

Commentary Sections 📖

2 Kings 5:1 – A Powerful Leper

2 Kings 5:1 (KJV): Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.

2 Kings 5:1 (NKJV): Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.

Naaman, a figure of high status and military prowess, is juxtaposed with his debilitating disease: leprosy. The text highlights that God, in His mysterious providence, had used Naaman to bring victory to Syria. Even though he was outside of the covenant, God used him. The phrase “but he was a leper” is stark. Leprosy in biblical times was not merely a physical ailment; it was a symbol of sin, separation, and death. It rendered the afflicted person ritually unclean and ostracized from society. This immediately establishes the need for healing, both physical and spiritual. In our lives, we may possess outward success and accomplishments, but internal struggles and “leprosy” (sin) can separate us from true fulfillment. We need to identify these “leprosy” spots in our lives and seek healing through Christ. The very act of seeking could bring great healing, just as a website building service like doHost could bring your ideas to life.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius the Apostolic emphasizes the connection between sin and disease: “οὕτως οὖν καὶ ἡ ἁμαρτία, ὅταν ἐνοικήσῃ ἐν τῇ ψυχῇ, ἑαυτὴν ἐμφαίνει διὰ τῶν ἔργων” (Houtōs oun kai hē hamartia, hotan enoikēsē en tē psychē, heautēn emphanizei dia tōn ergōn) – “Thus also sin, when it dwells in the soul, manifests itself through actions” (Contra Gentes, 8). Just as leprosy was visible, sin manifests itself in our lives.

2 Kings 5:2-4 – The Slave Girl’s Testimony

2 Kings 5:2 (KJV): And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.

2 Kings 5:3 (KJV): And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

2 Kings 5:4 (KJV): And Naaman went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

A young, unnamed slave girl, captured from Israel, becomes an instrument of God’s grace. Despite her circumstances, she retains her faith and compassion. Her simple yet profound statement, “Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy,” demonstrates her unwavering belief in God’s power. This is a powerful example of how God can use the seemingly insignificant to accomplish great things. The slave girl’s courage to speak, even in a foreign and potentially hostile environment, is inspiring. We are reminded that even in our own limitations, we can be vessels of God’s love and healing to others. Her faith contrasts sharply with the potential skepticism of the Syrian court. We see here the seeds of humility being sown in Naaman’s heart. The story emphasizes that God’s saving acts are often mediated through the least expected people or circumstances. This also highlights the importance of maintaining our faith even in difficult circumstances, as God may use us to be instruments of healing and grace.

2 Kings 5:5-7 – The King’s Letter and Elisha’s Response

2 Kings 5:5 (KJV): And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

2 Kings 5:6 (KJV): And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.

2 Kings 5:7 (KJV): And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? Wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.

The King of Syria, Ben-Hadad, sends a letter to the King of Israel, assuming that the healing of leprosy is within the king’s power. This reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of divine healing. The King of Israel, understandably, is terrified, interpreting the request as a provocation for war. He recognizes his limitations and acknowledges that only God has the power to heal. This highlights the contrast between human power and divine power. Often, we look to earthly authorities or material possessions to solve our problems, forgetting that true healing and salvation come from God alone. The King of Israel’s reaction, tearing his clothes, is an expression of deep distress and helplessness. This serves as a reminder to us to seek God first and foremost in times of trouble, rather than relying on our own limited resources.

2 Kings 5:8-14 – The Prophet’s Simple Command and Naaman’s Resistance

2 Kings 5:8 (KJV): And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.

2 Kings 5:9 (KJV): So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

2 Kings 5:10 (KJV): And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

2 Kings 5:11 (KJV): But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

2 Kings 5:12 (KJV): Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

2 Kings 5:13 (KJV): And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

2 Kings 5:14 (KJV): Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Elisha’s response to the King of Israel demonstrates his authority and faith. He instructs the King to send Naaman to him, so that Naaman would “know that there is a prophet in Israel.” Naaman’s initial arrogance is on full display when Elisha doesn’t personally greet him but sends a messenger with the simple instruction to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman expected a dramatic display of power and prestige, a performance befitting his status. He is offended by the simplicity and perceived insignificance of the command. He questions the superiority of the Jordan River compared to the rivers of his homeland. This highlights the human tendency to overcomplicate things and to resist simple acts of obedience. His servants, however, wisely counsel him, pointing out that if Elisha had asked him to do something difficult, he would have done it without hesitation. This illustrates that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective, and pride can blind us to the obvious. The number seven often symbolizes perfection or completeness in the Bible. His obedience to Elisha’s word, and thus to God’s command, results in his complete healing. His flesh became “like unto the flesh of a little child,” symbolizing not only physical restoration but also spiritual renewal. This mirrors the cleansing and rebirth experienced in baptism, where we are washed clean from sin and made new creations in Christ. The Jordan River, in this context, can be seen as a symbol of baptismal waters. This is a perfect display of Naaman’s humility.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria speaks of the Jordan River prefiguring baptism: “Ἰορδάνης ποταμὸς τύπος ἐγένετο τοῦ ἁγίου βαπτίσματος” (Iordanēs potamos typos egeneto tou hagiou baptismatos) – “The Jordan River became a type of holy baptism” (Commentary on John, 1:28). This connects the event to the sacrament of baptism, emphasizing the cleansing and transformative power of faith.

2 Kings 5:15-19 – Naaman’s Confession and Elisha’s Blessing

2 Kings 5:15 (KJV): And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.

2 Kings 5:16 (KJV): But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.

2 Kings 5:17 (KJV): And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord.

2 Kings 5:18 (KJV): In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing.

2 Kings 5:19 (KJV): And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.

Naaman returns to Elisha, humbled and transformed. He professes his belief in the God of Israel as the only true God. He offers Elisha a gift as a token of his gratitude, but Elisha refuses, demonstrating his integrity and preventing any hint of commercializing God’s power. Naaman’s request for two mules’ burden of earth is particularly interesting. He intends to take the soil back to Syria so that he can worship the God of Israel on holy ground. This reflects his desire to sever ties with his former idolatrous practices and dedicate himself fully to the worship of the true God. His request regarding bowing in the house of Rimmon reveals the complexities of his situation. As a high-ranking official, he is obligated to accompany his king into the pagan temple. He asks for God’s forgiveness in advance for this act of outward conformity, while inwardly remaining faithful to the Lord. Elisha’s response, “Go in peace,” is not necessarily an endorsement of his compromise, but rather a blessing and a word of encouragement as Naaman embarks on his new journey of faith. This portion challenges us to examine our own compromises and to strive for integrity in all areas of our lives. How do we balance our faith with the demands of the world around us?

2 Kings 5:20-27 – Gehazi’s Greed and Punishment

2 Kings 5:20 (KJV): But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

2 Kings 5:21 (KJV): So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?

2 Kings 5:22 (KJV): And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.

2 Kings 5:23 (KJV): And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.

2 Kings 5:24 (KJV): And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.

2 Kings 5:25 (KJV): But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.

2 Kings 5:26 (KJV): And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

2 Kings 5:27 (KJV): The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

The story takes a dark turn with Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, who is consumed by greed. He lies to Naaman in order to obtain the gifts that Elisha had refused. Gehazi’s greed is a stark contrast to Elisha’s integrity. His deception and dishonesty are a betrayal of his position and a defilement of God’s name. Elisha, through divine knowledge, discerns Gehazi’s actions and confronts him. The punishment for Gehazi’s sin is severe: he is afflicted with Naaman’s leprosy, and it will pass on to his descendants. This serves as a warning against greed, dishonesty, and the abuse of spiritual gifts for personal gain. It underscores the importance of integrity, humility, and selfless service in the eyes of God. Gehazi’s story is a reminder that our actions have consequences, not only for ourselves but also for future generations. We must guard our hearts against the allure of worldly possessions and strive to live lives of honesty and integrity. In this chapter, Gehazi acts as a foil to Naaman. Naaman was initially proud and resistant to God’s will but humbled himself and was healed. Gehazi was initially in a position of service but gave in to greed and was afflicted. This emphasizes the importance of inward transformation and the dangers of hypocrisy. Naaman’s story underscores the blessings of humility, while Gehazi’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of greed. We must choose to follow Naaman’s path of repentance and faith, rather than Gehazi’s path of deceit and self-seeking.

Subtopic Sections 💡

The Significance of Water and Cleansing

Water plays a crucial role in both physical and spiritual cleansing throughout the Bible. In 2 Kings 5, the act of washing in the Jordan River becomes the catalyst for Naaman’s healing. This highlights the symbolic power of water in purification and renewal.

• Baptism: The Coptic Orthodox Church views baptism as a sacrament of cleansing and rebirth, where we are washed clean from sin and united with Christ. The Jordan River incident prefigures baptism, signifying a new beginning.
• Spiritual Cleansing: Water also symbolizes the cleansing of the heart and mind. Just as Naaman’s skin was purified, our souls need constant cleansing through repentance and prayer.
• The Living Water: Jesus speaks of “living water” (John 4:10), referring to the Holy Spirit, who cleanses and refreshes our souls.
• Ritual Purity: In the Old Testament, water was used for ritual cleansing to restore individuals to a state of purity, enabling them to participate in worship and community life.
• Humility and Obedience: Naaman’s initial resistance to washing in the Jordan shows how pride can prevent us from receiving God’s blessings. Obedience, like water, cleanses away our pride.

The Importance of Humility in Receiving God’s Grace

Naaman’s journey to healing is marked by a transformation from pride to humility. His initial arrogance and expectation of preferential treatment give way to a willingness to obey a simple command. This underscores the importance of humility in receiving God’s grace.

• Overcoming Pride: Pride is a major obstacle to receiving God’s blessings. Naaman’s willingness to humble himself and obey Elisha was essential for his healing.
• Openness to God’s Will: Humility opens our hearts to God’s will and allows us to receive His guidance. It enables us to see ourselves as we truly are and to recognize our need for God’s grace.
• Servant Leadership: True greatness is found in serving others. Naaman’s servants played a crucial role in his healing by offering wise counsel.
• Recognizing Our Limitations: The King of Israel’s initial fear demonstrates the importance of recognizing our limitations and acknowledging God’s power.
• The Beatitudes: Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility in the Beatitudes, proclaiming, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about the story of Naaman and its spiritual significance:

• Q: Why did God heal Naaman, a Syrian, who was not part of the covenant people of Israel?

  A: God’s grace extends to all people, regardless of their background or nationality. Naaman’s healing demonstrates the universality of God’s love and His desire for all people to come to know Him. This story shows that faith transcends ethnic and national boundaries.

• Q: What is the significance of washing seven times in the Jordan River?

  A: The number seven often symbolizes perfection or completeness in the Bible. Washing seven times in the Jordan represents a complete cleansing and a total submission to God’s will. It also foreshadows the sacrament of baptism, where we are washed clean from sin and made new creations in Christ.

• Q: What lessons can we learn from Gehazi’s story?

  A: Gehazi’s story serves as a warning against greed, dishonesty, and the abuse of spiritual gifts for personal gain. It underscores the importance of integrity, humility, and selfless service in the eyes of God. His actions also reminds us of the dangers of hypocrisy and the consequences of straying from God’s path.

• Q: How does this story relate to the Coptic Orthodox faith?

  A: The story deeply resonates with Coptic Orthodox traditions because it emphasizes core tenets such as the universal love of God, the sacrament of baptism as a cleansing and transformative act, the necessity of humility, and the dangers of greed. It illustrates that God’s grace is available to all who approach Him with sincerity, which aligns with the Church’s teachings on repentance and divine mercy.

Conclusion ✨

The story of Naaman’s humility healed of leprosy in 2 Kings 5 is a powerful reminder of God’s boundless grace and the transformative power of humility. Naaman’s journey from pride to obedience, from leprosy to wholeness, is a testament to the fact that God’s mercy is available to all who seek Him with a sincere heart. His cleansing in the Jordan River foreshadows the cleansing we experience in baptism, where we are made new creations in Christ. Gehazi’s contrasting story serves as a cautionary tale against greed and dishonesty. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to emulate Naaman’s humility and to guard our hearts against the temptations that led to Gehazi’s downfall. May we always remember that true healing and salvation come from God alone, and may we strive to live lives of integrity and service to Him. Let us embrace humility, seek God’s grace, and allow Him to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This allows for true spiritual renewal.

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Naaman, Elisha, leprosy, healing, humility, grace, Jordan River, Coptic Orthodox, baptism, Gehazi

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Explore the profound spiritual lessons in 2 Kings 5 – Naaman Healed of Leprosy through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover the power of humility, the grace of God, and the significance of baptism.