Beloved, the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5 is more than a historical account of one man’s healing. It is a message for every generation, pointing to the grace of God and His desire to bring salvation not only to Israel but also to the Gentiles.
Naaman’s healing of leprosy is not just about a diseased body being restored—it is a powerful picture of the soul cleansed from sin. Through this story, God reveals the importance of humility, obedience, and faith in His word.
The story of Naaman is not only about physical healing but also about the restoration of the soul. It stands as one of the Old Testament foreshadowings of God’s plan to bring salvation to the Gentiles. It is ultimately a testimony of grace—showing that true deliverance comes only through God.
Naaman and Leprosy
Naaman was a man of great honor in Syria. As the captain of the Syrian army, he was a national hero, admired for his victories in battle and his service to the king. Scripture describes him as a mighty warrior:
“Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valor, but he was a leper.” (2 Kings 5:1)
Although powerful and respected, Naaman suffered from a dreadful disease—leprosy. This incurable condition carried shame, fear, and inevitable isolation. In biblical times, leprosy symbolized sin: it began internally, spread outwardly, and led to corruption and death. Lepers were cast out, cut off from their families and communities, until declared “clean” by a priest.
Naaman’s position may have shielded him temporarily from social rejection, but his disease remained a looming threat. His victories could not save him. His wealth could not purchase healing. His reputation could not shield him from despair. Just as Israel’s victories were not their own but orchestrated by God, Naaman too needed to learn that deliverance comes only from Yahweh.
In the same way, humanity today suffers under the spiritual disease of sin. As leprosy alienated people from society, sin separates us from God. It cannot be cured by human effort, only by divine grace.
The Little Maid
Amid Syria’s raids against Israel, a young Hebrew girl was taken captive and placed in Naaman’s household to serve his wife. Despite her suffering and loss, she clung to her faith in God and courageously spoke words of hope:
“She said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! For he would recover him of his leprosy.” (2 Kings 5:3)
Though enslaved, she was spiritually free. She did not allow bitterness to rule her heart but instead bore witness to the living God. Through her testimony, Naaman’s path toward healing and salvation began.
Here we see how God often works: through the humble, the overlooked, and the faithful. A little maid, seemingly insignificant, became the vessel for God’s plan of salvation to reach a Gentile nation.
The Journey to Israel
Encouraged by his wife and the testimony of the maid, Naaman approached the king of Syria, who sent him to Israel with lavish gifts—gold, silver, and costly garments—as if healing could be bought. Yet salvation, as Scripture makes clear, is not secured by wealth, influence, or diplomacy. It comes by grace through faith.
When the king of Israel received the letter from Syria, he panicked:
“Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy?” (2 Kings 5:7)
The king saw only an impossible demand and suspected provocation for war. Instead of turning to God, he tore his garments in fear. Like many today, he knew of God’s power but lacked faith to call upon Him.
The Prophet Elisha
Elisha, hearing of the situation, intervened:
“Send him to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.” (2 Kings 5:8)
Naaman arrived at Elisha’s house with his chariots and servants, expecting grand gestures. Instead, Elisha did not even greet him personally but sent a messenger with a simple command:
“Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.” (2 Kings 5:10)
Naaman was offended. The Jordan seemed unimpressive compared to the rivers of Damascus. He had expected spectacle, not simplicity. In pride and anger, he turned away.
But his servants wisely counseled him: if he would have obeyed a difficult command, why not obey a simple one? Humbling himself, Naaman finally obeyed.
The Seventh Bathe
Naaman dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, and at last:
“His flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” (2 Kings 5:14)
It was not the river that healed him but obedience to the word of God. The act of faith opened the way for his restoration—both physical and spiritual.
In the same way, our healing comes not through rituals, wealth, or human wisdom, but through obedience to God’s word. Pride resists simple faith, yet true deliverance requires humility.
Naaman’s Testimony
Naaman returned to Elisha declaring:
“Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel.” (2 Kings 5:15)
He confessed faith in the one true God and renounced idolatry. Though he offered gifts, Elisha refused—teaching Naaman that salvation cannot be purchased but is freely given.
The Message for Us
Naaman’s story is more than history; it is a picture of salvation. His leprosy represents sin. His pride mirrors ours. His eventual obedience reveals the power of faith.
Just as Naaman needed seven washings in the Jordan, we too must be washed continually by the word of God until fully cleansed. The apostle Paul writes:
“…that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” (Ephesians 5:26)
The question is: are we willing to humble ourselves, obey God’s word, and take our “seventh bathe”?
