2 Kings 5:1-8 | The Way of Scripture

2 Kings 5:1-8

How does a captive girl’s testimony reach the commander of Aram?

Berean Standard Bible

1 Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2 At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 And Naaman went and told his master what the girl from the land of Israel had said. 5 “Go now,” said the king of Aram, “and I will send you with a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman departed, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 6 And the letter that he took to the king of Israel stated: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!” 8 Now when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why have you torn your clothes? Please let the man come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.”

What is the context?

Naaman is an honored military commander, and the narrator credits the Lord with giving Aram victory through him. Yet he suffers from the condition the BSB calls leprosy. His status and achievements cannot remove this need.

A young Israelite girl captured in an Aramean raid serves his wife. She speaks of the prophet in Samaria who could cure her master. Her testimony starts the journey, even though she has little power in the household. The narrative records her captivity without declaring the raid or enslavement good.

Naaman travels with royal authorization and valuable gifts. Israel’s king fears that the letter asking him to cure Naaman is a pretext for conflict. Elisha intervenes, saying that Naaman should come and learn that there is a prophet in Israel.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley explains the Aramean king’s letter as assuming that Israel’s ruler could obtain what a subject could provide. The account overturns that assumption: royal office does not give the king power over life and healing. The USCCB note cautions that the traditional disease term is broader than one modern diagnosis.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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