Naaman the Leper
2 Kings 5:1-27
The mighty general almost missed his healing because the cure was too simple.
Naaman commands the army of Aram — powerful, respected, and covered in leprosy. A captive Israelite servant girl tells his wife about a prophet in Samaria who can heal him. Naaman arrives at Elisha's door with horses, chariots, and enormous gifts. Elisha doesn't even come outside. He sends a messenger: Go wash in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman is furious. He expected drama — a hand waved over the spot, an invocation, something worthy of his status. The Jordan? That muddy river? His servants reason with him: If the prophet had told you to do something difficult, wouldn't you have done it? Naaman swallows his pride, dips seven times, and his flesh is restored like a child's.
- Pride
- Humility
- Healing
- Obedience
Naaman the Leper: common questions
Who was Naaman in the Bible?
Naaman was the commander of the army of Aram (Syria), a great and honored man who had leprosy (2 Kings 5:1). A captured Israelite servant girl told his wife about the prophet Elisha in Samaria, which set the story in motion.
How was Naaman healed of leprosy?
Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman was offended by such a humble instruction and almost left, but his servants persuaded him. He dipped seven times and 'his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child' (2 Kings 5:14).
What happened to Gehazi, Elisha's servant?
After Elisha refused any payment, Gehazi chased Naaman and lied to get silver and clothing for himself (2 Kings 5:20-27). Elisha confronted him, and Naaman's leprosy clung to Gehazi and his descendants.
