LESSONS FROM NAAMAN

Mike Johnson

2 Kings 5:1-14 tells us about one of the more well-known cases of healing in the Old Testament.  This story tells of Naaman, who was healed of leprosy by God.  In this article, we will discuss the story of Naaman and then draw some valuable lessons.

The Story

Naaman was a captain in the Syrian army.  He was highly esteemed, honored, and was considered a “mighty man in valor.” However, he had one huge problem — he was a leper.  Leprosy was a dreaded disease in Naaman’s day and was usually incurable.  It would generally bring a prolonged but sure death.  Some lighter degrees would not hinder a person from military service, which was apparently the type of leprosy Naaman had.  There was, however, always the chance a lighter degree would develop into a more severe form.

The Syrian army had apparently captured some slaves in one of their wars with Israel.  Among them was a young girl who had become an attendant for Naaman’s wife.  The young maid told her of a prophet in Samaria who could heal Naaman.  Upon learning of this prophet, Naaman went to Israel, bringing gifts and carrying a letter from his king to the King of Israel.

The King of Israel was stunned when he read the letter.  The letter said, “I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy” (v. 6).  It seems the King of Israel did not know about Elisha and felt Syria was trying to start a war (vs. 7), thinking this impossible request would be an excuse for one.  Amidst this turmoil, Elisha heard about what had happened and sent for Naaman.  When Naaman got to Elisha’s house, Elisha sent a messenger to him and told him to go and wash in the Jordan River seven times, and his healing would happen.  Naaman was very much upset with this request.  He felt Elisha should come out with some majestic scene and strike the disease from him.  He did not follow Elisha’s instruction at first, but finally, his servants persuaded him to do so.  As instructed, he dipped in the river, and God healed him.  Verse 14 says, “. . . and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”  Consider now three lessons.

 One Drawback

The description in verse one identifies him as “Captain of the host of the king of Syria,” “a great man with his master,” “honorable,” and “a mighty man in valor.”  He would have been in a very excellent position in the eyes of the people of his day.  However, he had one significant drawback.  He was a leper.  Leprosy was such a dreaded disease — it would have probably kept most of the men who served under Naaman from ever wanting to change places with him.

Today many people are in an enviable position in the eyes of men.  They might, for example, have a beautiful home, a fine family, a good job, and perhaps be respected civic leaders.  However, such individuals might also have one significant drawback.  They could be without Christ and in a lost condition.  Their drawback would be much more significant than Naaman’s.  These should get rid of their disadvantage by obeying Christ.

Matthew 16:26 says, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” So, from a physical standpoint, one can be doing well.  However, he has nothing if he has the one big drawback of being without God.

 Naaman Was Prejudice

Elisha sent out a messenger and told Naaman to dip in the Jordan River seven times.  Naaman was angry about this request.  He said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy” (vs.  11).  He had already decided how God, through Elisha, should cure him.  When it turned out to be a different method, he became angry and would not obey.

Many are like Naaman in this respect concerning God’s Will today.  They already have their minds made up about what they believe.  When someone points out what the Bible teaches, they get angry and refuse to accept the teaching.  The Bible does not fit their preconceived ideas, so they refuse to accept it.  We need to approach God’s Word with an open mind and be willing to take what it says (James 1:21).  Our soul depends on it.

 Simple Command Led to The Cure

Naaman must have felt Elisha’s cure was too simple.  He could not see that the water had anything to do with his healing.  Using human reasoning, he felt even if a body of water were involved, the rivers of Damascus would be much better than the dirty Jordan.

Often, we present teaching to people on the subject of baptism.  For example, we point out that Acts 22:16 shows baptism washes away sins, and Mark 16:16 tells us baptism is necessary for salvation.  Some, when they hear this teaching presented, say, “How could baptism have anything to do with salvation?  Why that’s ‘water salvation’ for sure?”

What did the water have to do with Naaman’s cure?  The water had no medicinal value.  Instead, Naaman’s act was simply an act of obedience.  It was what God told Naaman to do.  It was a condition he had to meet to receive the cure, and it was not a “water cure.”

Similarly, the water used in baptism today is a condition God has given us, which is necessary for salvation, and we must comply with this condition.  As Naaman’s cure was not a “water cure,” our salvation is not “water salvation.”  The water may seem insignificant, but it is significant because it is a condition given by God.

When a physician gives us a remedy, we don’t usually spend all day discussing it — we typically follow it.  The same is true of baptism.  We ought to be willing to accept what the Scriptures say on this subject and be ready to obey.