The Healing of Naaman

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The Healing of Naaman in 1 Kings4   



The story of the healing of Naaman in 1 Kings 4 is a familiar one to many readers of the Bible. Naaman, a highly respected commander of the Syrian army, was afflicted with leprosy. He was directed by a young Israelite slave girl to seek the help of the prophet Elisha in Israel. Naaman followed her advice and went to Israel, where he was eventually healed of his leprosy by following Elisha's instructions. 

 

Naaman's healing takes place during a time when the Israelites were divided into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The Syrians were a powerful nation that frequently attacked Israel. Naaman's position as commander of the Syrian army suggests that he was a man of great influence and power. The fact that he was afflicted with leprosy would have been seen as a punishment from God, as leprosy was considered a divine judgment in ancient Israel.

 

Further, the account also highlights the role of prophets in ancient Israel. Prophets were seen as intermediaries between God and humans, and their messages often carried great weight. Elisha's instructions to Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River may have seemed simple and even foolish to Naaman, but they were seen as a test of his faith and obedience.

 

The story of Naaman's healing has a clear narrative structure, with a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning introduces Naaman as a powerful commander afflicted with leprosy. The middle describes Naaman's journey to Israel and his encounter with Elisha. The end describes Naaman's healing and his declaration of faith in the God of Israel.

 

Employed are several literary devices, such as irony and contrast. Naaman, a powerful commander, is humbled by his affliction and must seek the help of a lowly slave girl. The simple instructions given by Elisha are contrasted with Naaman's initial expectations of a grand and dramatic healing.

 

Naaman's story of healing has several theological implications. First, it highlights the power of God to heal and forgive sins. Naaman's healing is seen as a miraculous intervention by God, demonstrating his power and mercy. Second, it underscores the importance of faith and obedience. Naaman's healing was contingent on his willingness to follow Elisha's instructions, demonstrating his faith and obedience to God. Third, it emphasizes the universality of God's grace. Naaman, a pagan and a foreigner, is healed and comes to declare his faith in the God of Israel. This suggests that God's grace is not limited to one particular nation or people.

 

While the story of Naaman's healing predates the birth of Christ, there are parallels that can be drawn between Naaman's healing and the healing ministry of Jesus. Like Naaman, those who came to Jesus for healing were often outcasts or marginalized members of society. Jesus' healing of the leper in Mark 1:40-45, for example, mirrors Naaman's healing in 1 Kings 4. In both cases, the healing is seen as a miraculous intervention by God and a demonstration of his power, mercy, and willingness to cleanse "whosoever will" come to Christ. 

 

Both Naaman and those saved by Jesus are called to declare their faith and obedience to God. In this way, the story of Naaman's healing can be seen as a foreshadowing of the healing ministry of Jesus and a model for how we are to approach our salvation and relationship with God.

 

 

Location: Edmond, OK, USA

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