1 Kings 5
2 Kings 5 centers on the story of Naaman, the commander of the army of Aram (Syria). This chapter contains events that took place between Israel and a foreign nation. It goes on to describe Naaman's healing, the role of the prophet Elisha, and the story of Elisha’s servant, Gehazi. The story is divided into several key scenes: (1) Naaman’s introduction and the account of his skin disease, traditionally translated “leprosy”, (2) advice from an Israelite girl and the journey to find the prophet Elisha, (3) healing in the Jordan River and Naaman’s realization, and (4) Gehazi’s greed and judgment.
1verseHiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the place of his father, and Hiram had always loved David.
2verseSolomon sent to Hiram, saying,
3verse“You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the LORD his God because of the wars which were around him on every side, until the LORD put his enemies under the soles of his feet.
4verseBut now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side. There is no enemy and no evil occurrence.
5verseBehold, I intend to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spoke to David my father, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place shall build the house for my name.’
6verseNow therefore command that cedar trees be cut for me out of Lebanon. My servants will be with your servants; and I will give you wages for your servants according to all that you say. For you know that there is nobody among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.”
7verseWhen Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly, and said, “Blessed is the LORD today, who has given to David a wise son to rule over this great people.”
8verseHiram sent to Solomon, saying, “I have heard the message which you have sent to me. I will do all your desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning cypress timber.
9verseMy servants will bring them down from Lebanon to the sea. I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place that you specify to me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and you will receive them. You will accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.”
10verseSo Hiram gave Solomon cedar timber and cypress timber according to all his desire.
11verseSolomon gave Hiram twenty thousand cors of wheat for food to his household, and twenty cors of pure oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year.
12verseThe LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty together.
13verseKing Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.
14verseHe sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: for a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home; and Adoniram was over the men subject to forced labor.
15verseSolomon had seventy thousand who bore burdens, and eighty thousand who were stone cutters in the mountains,
16versebesides Solomon’s chief officers who were over the work: three thousand three hundred who ruled over the people who labored in the work.
17verseThe king commanded, and they cut out large stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with worked stone.
18verseSolomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders and the Gebalites cut them, and prepared the timber and the stones to build the house.
Naaman’s Illness and the Process of Healing
Naaman was a valiant warrior respected by the king of Aram, but he had a serious skin disease, traditionally translated “leprosy”. An Israelite girl who had been taken captive and brought into his household plays a decisive role in Naaman’s healing. The girl tells him that in Israel there is a man of God, and with the king of Aram’s permission, Naaman sets out for Israel with many offerings to be healed. Elisha does not come out in person; instead, he sends a message through a messenger telling him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. At first, Naaman is displeased, but when he ultimately obeys what was said, his illness is healed.
The Meaning of Faith and Obedience
One of the key things shown in this chapter is the value of 'obedience'. Naaman is saddened because Elisha’s command is different from what he expected, but after hearing the advice of the servants, he finally obeys. As a result, he experiences healing. This suggests that when we obey God’s word—not human expectations or methods—astonishing change can take place.
Gehazi’s Greed and the Lesson
After Naaman has received healing, he tries to offer a reward to the prophet Elisha, but Elisha refuses, saying that God’s work should not be compensated with material things. However, Gehazi—the servant of Elisha—cannot overcome his greed. He pursues Naaman, takes gifts by lying, and as a consequence, Naaman’s leprosy transfers to him. This provides an important lesson: God’s grace must not be used for human benefit or desire.
Meditation Points
- The fact that God gives grace to those who seek Him humbly, regardless of status, origin, or belief.
- Remembering that through the counsel of someone socially powerless (a captive Israelite girl), a great work can begin.
- That God’s work is accomplished according to His will and methods, not according to human ways or expectations.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Am I tied up in my own thoughts and ways, and not rejecting God’s commands?
- Am I practicing the truth that my small influence (words, actions) can become a channel of hope for someone?
- I should also reflect on whether I live with humility and honesty, not taking God’s grace and blessings for granted or treating them as my possessions.
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