II Kings 5:15-27
WHERE WE’VE COME FROM
Let’s remember where we’ve come from since our last lesson. Naaman, a trusted general in the Aram army, was afflicted with leprosy. With the support of his king, he sought the help of the prophet Elisha to heal his leprosy. When Elisha told him to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River to be healed, Naaman was furious. His pride, power, and prestige had blocked his way, but when his servants encouraged him to obey the prophet’s words, he dipped himself seven times in the river and was completely healed. Now we come to the point where, in total thankfulness to God, Naaman returns to Elisha to express his gratitude. In the process, he meets Gehazi, and this is where our story picks up.
SCRIPTURE
Then he returned to the man of God with all his company, and came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; so please accept a gift from your servant now.” But he said, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will accept nothing.” And he urged him to accept it, but he refused. Then Naaman said, “If not, please let your servant be given two mules’ load of earth; for your servant will no longer offer a burnt offering nor a sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD. Regarding this matter, may the LORD forgive your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the house of Rimmon, when I bow down in the house of Rimmon, may the LORD please forgive your servant in this matter.” He said to him, “Go in peace.” So he went some distance from him.
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, thought, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Aramean, by not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him.” So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is everything well?” And he said, “Everything is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Behold, just now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothes.’” Naaman said, “Be sure to take two talents.” And he urged him, and tied up two talents of silver in two bags with two changes of clothes, and gave them to two of his servants; and they carried them before him. When he came to the hill, he took them from their hand and deposited them in the house, and he sent the men away, and they departed. But he went in and stood before his master. And Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.”
Then he said to him, “Did my heart not go with you, when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to accept money and to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, sheep, oxen, and male and female slaves? Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence, afflicted with leprosy, as white as snow.
BACKGROUND
Our passage today shows us the danger of greed. Gehazi was a man of covetousness and greed.
“The confidential servant of Elisha. Various words are used to denote his relation to his master. He is generally called Elisha’s servant, or personal attendant; he calls himself his master’s servant or slave. He is mentioned by name in three narratives: II Kings 4, 5, and 8.
“He is introduced in the story of the wealthy Shunammite who provided in her house special accommodation for Elisha (II Kings 4:8–37). Having failed to determine what she might desire as repayment for her kindness, Elisha asked Gehazi what should be done for her. Gehazi had the insight to recognize her great wish and told Elisha of her secret desire for a son. Elisha promised that this wish would be granted. Later, when the child died, in her grief, she clutched at the prophet’s feet, and Gehazi thrust her away, probably in a desire to protect his master but nevertheless exhibiting a lack of the finer feelings so apparent in Elisha. Gehazi was directed to hasten to Shunem and lay the prophet’s staff on the child. In this narrative, he appears in general as a willing, efficient, and practical man.
“In the incident connected with the healing of Naaman (II Kings 5:20–27) the moral character of Gehazi is revealed in its sordid covetousness. Elisha’s integrity in refusing the gifts of Naaman sharply contrasts with the baseness of Gehazi’s action. To him, Elisha’s refusal of the Syrian’s wealth was incomprehensible. The careless repetition of Elisha’s oath, the glibness with which he lied to Naaman, and the coolness with which he subsequently appeared before Elisha indicate that such actions were characteristic of him. His deception of Naaman was in itself worthy of punishment, but his guilt was magnified because his actions gave the Syrians occasion to impugn Yahweh’s servant and thus Yahweh Himself. Although the story told by Gehazi about the fictitious guests who had come unexpectedly to Elisha was credible, the Syrians would undoubtedly have interpreted the request as a measure of covetousness on the part of Elisha. Gehazi’s punishment was immediate and permanent leprosy, extending even to his descendants.” [1]
EXAMINATION
(V.15) Then he returned to the man of God with all his company, and came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; so please accept a gift from your servant now.”
Naaman makes a remarkable confession. The people of Israel at this time were living in rebellion against God. They did not profess Yahweh as the one true God. But here comes this pagan foreigner, recently healed by Elisha of his leprosy, and he makes a profession of faith that Yahweh is the one true God. This is very much like the healing that Jesus did when he ministered. Most people that Jesus healed did not seem to come into a relationship with him. They received their healing and then moved on.
A friend of mine, many years ago, who had a ministry of healing, admitted to me that most of the people that he saw healed did not come and be thankful or make a profession of faith in Christ if they were non-believers. Healing does not always result in somebody following the Lord. But in this case, with Naaman, that was not the case. His healing resulted in a total conversion so that he became a disciple of Yahweh.
Naaman wants to make a return to the Lord for what he has received. This is another demonstration that his faith was real. It was common for prophets to receive payment for services rendered from time to time. But as we will see, Elisha would accept none of it.
(V.16) But he said, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will accept nothing.” And he urged him to accept it, but he refused.
WHY DO YOU THINK ELISHA REFUSED NAAMAN‘S GIFTS?
“Contests of politeness are common in the East, where the one party offers to give and even insists on giving, while the other makes a pretense of declining; but here both parties were in earnest, and the gift was absolutely declined.” [2]
When my family and I lived in Mongolia, we came back to the US for a visit. I met with a business owner who offered me a position with his company. He wanted me to take over media for his company. He offered me a starting salary of $200,000 a year. I’ve never made any kind of money like that before in my life. He offered me a $1 million signing bonus; that is, he would pay me $1 million upfront just for taking the job. Then he offered me a percentage of the profits of the company when he sold it. In essence, he was offering to turn me into a multi-millionaire overnight. All I had to do was take the job. I thought about it for about two seconds, but I realized that if I had taken the job, I would have to give up my ministry in Mongolia. And that was not something I was willing to do. Why would I give up my ministry for money?
Money can be a powerful inducement. But we must walk carefully, being sure that our minds and our eyes are not clouded by the wealth the world offers in lieu of service to God.
(V.17) Then Naaman said, “If not, please let your servant be given two mules’ load of earth; for your servant will no longer offer a burnt offering nor a sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD.
Naaman wants to establish holy ground in his homeland. This is likely for the construction of an altar that Naaman would use to worship the Lord. As he recognized that God is the god of Israel, he wanted to take some Israeli land back with him to use in sacrifice to the Lord. The concept of holy ground was not unknown in Israel. Moses removed his sandals because he stood on holy ground where God was. David purchased the land of Mount Moriah to make a sacrifice to save Israel, and that land became holy ground that was eventually used to build the temple. Dirt was often used to create altars to the Lord for sacrifice. Naaman was doing something similar here.
(V.18-19) Regarding this matter may the LORD forgive your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand and I bow down in the house of Rimmon, when I bow down in the house of Rimmon, may the LORD please forgive your servant in this matter.” He said to him, “Go in peace.” So he went some distance from him.
WAS NAAMAN COMPROMISING HIS NEWFOUND FAITH BY ASKING THIS QUESTION?
“Every land had its own god, who was supreme in it—Baal in Phœnicia, Chemosh in Moab, Moloch in Ammon, Rimmon in Syria, Bel or Bel-Merodach in Babylon, Amun-Ra in Egypt.”1
Naaman was not asking for permission to worship Rimmon; rather, he was asking for permission to assist his master, the king. As a trusted person to the king, he would’ve accompanied the king on official and religious duties, such as in his false worship of a false God. Signifying that the king would rely upon him to bow down signifies that the king was probably older and needed some assistance. Naaman wanted to faithfully serve his king, but he also wanted to faithfully serve the Lord, so he asked for permission to help the king bow down, but he was not bowing down his own heart to a false God, but would worship only the Lord. Elisha’s response to him is to go in peace. In other words, he is forgiven.
(V.20) But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, thought, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Aramean, by not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him.”
It’s interesting that Gehazi says, “As the Lord lives,” while he intends to deceive Naaman and take something from him. This is irrational. But all sin is irrational. It clouds our thinking. We declare the greatness of God in one breath, then lie with the next.
Here we see Gehazi’s greed. But this is not his only character flaw, as we shall see later.
(V.21-22) So Gehazi pursued Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is everything well?” And he said, “Everything is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Behold, just now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothes.’”
It’s unusual that Naaman should come down from his chariot. In the culture of the day, only an inferior would come down to meet a superior. This demonstrates how much of a changed man Naaman really was. Previously, he was filled with pride, power, and prestige. Now, he humbles himself in gratitude.
(V.23) Naaman said, “Be sure to take two talents.” And he urged him, and tied up two talents of silver in two bags with two changes of clothes, and gave them to two of his servants; and they carried them before him.
Notice the generosity of Naaman. Completely deceived, he offered Gehazi twice as much as what he asked for. This demonstrates the heart of gratitude that Naaman actually had. He wanted to bless the prophet for what had happened to him. And he demonstrates his generosity by providing more than he has asked to give. On top of that, he provides servants to carry the gift back to Gehazi’s home. Imagine the conversation that Gehazi may have had with Naaman‘s servants on the way back. How much of the lie did he continue to tell during that conversation, I wonder?
Two talents of silver would weigh about 100 to 150 pounds. So it was necessary for servants to help Gehazi carry the gift. And the gift was substantial, equal in today’s dollars around $75,000.
(V.24-25) When he came to the hill, he took them from their hand and deposited them in the house, and he sent the men away, and they departed. But he went in and stood before his master. And Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.
Gehazi compounds his lie with another one, this time to his master, who had discipled him so well. This is the indication that Gehazi did not collect the profit for the benefit of his master, but for his own personal benefit; he intended to keep it for himself.
(V.26-27) Then he said to him, “Did my heart not go with you, when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to accept money and to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, sheep, oxen, and male and female slaves? Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence, afflicted with leprosy, as white as snow.
WHY DO YOU THINK GEHAZI‘S PUNISHMENT WAS SO SEVERE?
In some ways, Gehazi is like Judas Iscariot. Look at the tragedy of Gehazi’s life. “From his life, we can see that Gehazi was compassionless. When the woman whose son died grabbed the feet of Elisha, he wanted to push her away (4:27), even as Judas was offended when Mary poured oil on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. “This is a waste,” Judas said. “That money could have been used for something better” (John 12:1–6).
“Secondly, Gehazi was powerless. He was sent to raise up a woman’s son, but he was impotent (4:31). You know you are losing your effectiveness as a servant when you are no longer able to be used in reviving the spiritually dead, when your witness is ineffective, or absent altogether.
“Thirdly, Gehazi was faithless. When the man brought the first fruits, it was he who said, “There’s no way this food will feed all these people” (4:42).
“Lastly, Gehazi was covetous. He wanted the silver and the garments, just as Judas sold Jesus Christ for a few pieces of silver. Judas was a follower of Jesus. And yet something happened. Compassionless, powerless, faithless, and overcome with covetousness, he ended up denying the Lord. So did Gehazi.”
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
- Gehazi was a man of flawed character, specifically, falling prey to covetousness and greed.
- Gehazi carefully thought through a plan to deceive Naaman into giving him wealth.
- Naaman had become a humble man, generous in spirit, grateful for his healing.
- Gehazi preyed on Naaman’s generosity.
- When discovered, Gehazi was punished with Naaman’s affliction—poetic justice.
INTERPRETATION
What is the author’s big idea?
The fruit of covetousness is loss.
WHY IS GREED SO OFTEN DIFFICULT TO RECOGNIZE IN OURSELVES?
Consider what Gehazi tried to do. Through deception and cunning, he tried to acquire wealth for himself at the expense of his master and Naaman. He coveted what Naaman had. And Naaman had a lot. The gifts that he intended to bring to Israel and the prophet for his healing totaled over $7 million in today’s value. It’s easy to see why Gehazi could’ve been tempted by that wealth. However, he was unlike his master, Elisha. Elisha was not tempted by wealth. He was an example to Gehazi. But Gehazi did not take that example to heart. He ran after Naaman in order to acquire from him what he had hoped to get, wealth. The end result was that Gehazi lost the very thing that he sought. In poetic justice, he received his punishment, the permanent loss of his health.
This is similar to Judas Iscariot. Judas acquired 30 pieces of silver for betraying Jesus. It was not a large sum of money, just $400 in today’s value. But in the end, Judas lost the money by throwing it back, and for betraying Jesus to death, he lost his own life. Also, poetic justice.
Covetousness and greed never gain us what we’re looking for. But they always cost us. They reveal the depth of our hearts, focused on things rather than on the person of Christ. Our focus should be on the person of Christ, not the wealth of the purse. Remember that Jesus said you cannot serve God and money. Do you sometimes imagine winning the lottery or acquiring a great sum of money? Putting a priority on money and things is a form of idolatry. It puts God in the backseat and our personal desires in the forefront.
I once asked a woman if she could have $1 million or her husband. And she answered very frankly that she’d preferred the million dollars. I can’t imagine what her husband felt like when he heard that. In our faith in Christ, we should be focused on the relationship and not the benefits. Benefits may come, but they are not the be-all and end-all of what it means to know Christ as Savior.
APPLICATION
True Gratitude Leads to Worship and Life Change.
After being healed, Naaman returned to Elisha, declaring, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel” (II Kings 5:15). Naaman did not simply appreciate the miracle—he recognized the true God. Genuine encounters with God should move us beyond temporary excitement into worship, obedience, and a transformed life. God’s blessings should draw us closer to Him, not merely make our lives easier. Gratitude should produce worship and spiritual growth.
God’s Grace Cannot Be Bought or Manipulated.
Elisha refused Naaman’s gifts because he wanted Naaman to understand that God’s healing was an act of grace, not a transaction. But Gehazi secretly pursued money and possessions from Naaman. This contrast reveals two very different hearts: Elisha valued God’s honor, Gehazi valued personal gain. We must guard against using ministry, faith, or spiritual things for selfish profit, recognition, or advantage. God’s grace is freely given and should never be exploited.
Hidden Sin Eventually Brings Consequences.
Gehazi thought he could deceive both Naaman and Elisha. But God exposed his greed and dishonesty. Gehazi’s punishment was severe because his sin misrepresented God before a new believer. Sin hidden from people is never hidden from God. Greed, dishonesty, and hypocrisy eventually damage both ourselves and our witness before others.
[1] MacLeod, M. A. 1979–1988. “Gehazi.” In The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, edited by Geoffrey W Bromiley, 2:423. Wm. B. Eerdmans.
[2] Spence-Jones, H. D. M., ed. 1909. 2 Kings. The Pulpit Commentary. London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company.
