Introduction
We’ll be studying some things in the Bible that are not discussed as often.We’ll look primarily at the Bible, also pulling in other sources for additional information as necessary.Naaman
Text: II Kings 5:1-19What do we know about Naaman?
His position? Head gui of Syrian army under the King of Aram (Syria)Not a captain?Translation could mean captain, general, ruler, prince, etc.Context indicates a top military officer.King considered him to be a great manHighly respectedGod chose to give Aram victory through Naaman (I Kings 22:29-40)Valiant warriorLeperLaws of leprosy (Leviticus 13-14)Lepers were uncleanProphet’s purity?What can we guess about Naaman?
Inspiring leaderHe and his wife communicated with each otherVery good relationship with his king (Hadadezer – generous gifts to take and a letter)Talent of silver: A weight of 75 pounds. Ten talents is work about $654,480 today.Shekel of gold: A weight of about 0.4 ounces. Six thousand shekels would be worth about $5,759,520 today.Believed that Israelite prophets were subject to their king in what they did as prophets.John 11:48His actions scared the king (Jehoram) into thinking he was trying to start a war.Given to ceremony (arrived with chariots and horses, expected ceremony from Elisha)Short temper (furious over Elisha’s failure to reciprocate ceremony and command to wash in the Jordan River)Willing to listen (took correction from his servants)Had loving concern from those who served him (servant girl, other servants)Willing to humble himself (obeyed and dipped in the Jordan seven times)Some things we can learn
God’s favor doesn’t imply faultlessness on our part.Was faith a requirement for Naaman’s healing?Kindness to your servants can pay off, even if you don’t deserve it.Servants took a risk correcting the bossServant girl may just have remembered Proverbs 24:17; 25:21-22Same principle at work between God and ElishaII Kings 6:21-23 – God’s reward to her?Servant girl was likely a faithful Israelite at a time of great unfaithfulnessJehoram was king at the time.He was an evil king who led Israel to sin.Put away pillar of Baal (where his brother was murdered by his parents)Continued all the rest of his parents’ sins
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