5:1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given {a} deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper.(a) Here it appears that among the infidels God has his, and also that the infidels esteem those who do good to their country. read more
NAAMAN THE LEPER HEALED (vv.1-19) The history continues in this chapter to focus attention, not on the kings, but on Elisha the man of God. When the kings had failed so badly the Lord used a prophet as the real connection between Himself and the people. This was pure grace, as the chapter concerning Naaman shows. Naaman was not an Israelite, but a Syrian army commander. He was indeed an apt candidate for the grace of God, for though he was a great man in the world's eyes, he was afflicted... read more
ELISHA ’S MINISTRY BEGINS MANEUVERING AN ARMY (2 Kings 3:0 ) The incident about Mesha (2 Kings 3:4-5 ) is interesting from the point of view of Biblical criticism. This is the only time he is mentioned in Sacred Writ and his name does not appear in profane history. For this cause objectors to the Bible have demanded proof of his existence at the time named. Also, was Moab noted for its wool? Was it tributary to Israel at this period? Did this rebellion occur? etc. It was impossible to... read more
2Ki 5:1-19 1. Now Naaman ["beauty"], captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man [Heb., lifted up, or accepted in countenance] with his master, [lit., before his lord (comp. Gen 10:9 )] and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance [victory] unto Syria; he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. [Lit., and the man was a brave warrior, stricken with leprosy. His leprosy need not have been so severe as to prevent him following his military duties.] 2.... read more
CONTENTS The interesting ministry of Elisha is continued throughout this chapter. The prophet healeth Naaman, the Syrian, of his leprosy. He refuseth the gifts and rewards of the Syrian. Gehazi, his servant, taking them, is in judgment smitten with the leprosy. 2 Kings 5:1 How beautiful is the account given by the sacred historian of this Naaman, by way of raising our notions of him. He was a great man; and an honourable man, and though an heathen, and an idolator, yet the Lord had given him... read more
King, Benadad, who had defeated Achab, and was slain by Hazael; (chap. viii.; Tirinus) or, according to Salien, Hazael was already king. (Menochius) --- Josephus passes over this history. It is not known for what reason, (Calmet) unless he was staggered at the petition of Naaman, ver. 18, 19. (Haydock) --- Syria. The Rabbins say, by killing Achab, 3 Kings xxii. 34. But their authority is very small; (Haydock) and he might signalize himself on many other occasions. --- Leper. This malady did... read more
1-8 Though the Syrians were idolaters, and oppressed God's people, yet the deliverance of which Naaman had been the means, is here ascribed to the Lord. Such is the correct language of Scripture, while those who write common history, plainly show that God is not in all their thoughts. No man's greatness, or honour, can place him our of the reach of the sorest calamities of human life: there is many a sickly, crazy body under rich and gay clothing. Every man has some but or other, something that... read more
The Testimony of the Slave Girl v. 1. Now, Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian forces, was a great man with his master, he occupied an influential position in the king's service, and honorable, highly respected, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria, in gaining the victory over Ahab and his forces, 1 Kings 22:35-Zephaniah :. He was also a mighty man in valor, an excellent military chief; but he was a leper, a fact which... read more
B.—The healing of Naaman, punishment of Gehazi, and recovery of a lost axe2 Kings 5:1 to 2 Kings 6:71Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable [honored], because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valor, but he was a leper. 2And the Syrians had gone out by companies [in marauding bands], and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. 3And... read more
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Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 2 Kings 5:1-27
4. Naaman and His Healing CHAPTER 5 1. Naaman, the leper (2 Kings 5:1 ) 2. The testimony of the maid of Israel (2 Kings 5:2-4 ) 3. The message to the king of Israel (2 Kings 5:5-8 ) 4. Naaman and Elisha (2 Kings 5:9-19 ) 5. Gehazi; His sin and punishment (2 Kings 5:20-27 ) The story of this chapter is peculiarly rich in its spiritual and dispensational meaning. Naaman, captain of Ben-hadad, the King of Syria, was a Gentile. He was no common man. In all his greatness and might, with... read more