Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Naaman is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his miraculous healing from leprosy. His account is primarily found in
2 Kings 5. Naaman was a commander of the army of the king of Aram (modern-day Syria), a position that signified great honor and authority. Despite his high status, Naaman suffered from leprosy, a condition that not only affected him physically but also socially and spiritually.
Biblical Account:The narrative of Naaman is detailed in
2 Kings 5:1-19. The text introduces Naaman as a "great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant warrior, but he had leprosy" (
2 Kings 5:1). This juxtaposition of his military prowess and his affliction sets the stage for the unfolding drama.
A young Israelite girl, taken captive and serving Naaman's wife, plays a pivotal role in the account. She suggests that Naaman seek healing from the prophet in Samaria, Elisha. Acting on this advice, Naaman approaches the king of Aram, who sends him to the king of Israel with a letter and gifts, seeking a cure.
Upon receiving Naaman, the king of Israel is distressed, fearing a diplomatic crisis, as he cannot heal leprosy. Elisha, the prophet, intervenes, inviting Naaman to come to him. When Naaman arrives at Elisha's house, the prophet sends a messenger instructing him to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be cleansed.
Initially, Naaman is angered by the simplicity of the instruction and the perceived slight of not being personally attended to by Elisha. He questions, "Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?" (
2 Kings 5:12). However, his servants persuade him to follow the prophet's directive. Naaman complies, and upon washing in the Jordan, his flesh is restored, "like that of a young boy" (
2 Kings 5:14).
Theological Significance:Naaman's healing is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates the power of God over illness and the importance of obedience to divine instruction. Naaman's initial reluctance and subsequent compliance highlight the human struggle with pride and the necessity of humility in receiving God's grace.
Furthermore, Naaman's account illustrates God's concern for all nations, not just Israel. Despite being a foreigner and an enemy of Israel, Naaman experiences God's mercy, foreshadowing the New Testament theme of the gospel's reach to the Gentiles.
Naaman's Conversion:After his healing, Naaman returns to Elisha, acknowledging the God of Israel as the only true God: "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel" (
2 Kings 5:15). He offers gifts to Elisha, which the prophet refuses, emphasizing that the miracle was an act of God, not a transaction.
Naaman's request to take two mule-loads of earth back to Aram signifies his desire to worship the God of Israel, even in a foreign land. He also seeks pardon for future instances when he must accompany his master into the temple of Rimmon, indicating his commitment to the God of Israel despite his official duties.
Legacy and New Testament Reference:Naaman's account is referenced in the New Testament by Jesus in
Luke 4:27, where He highlights Naaman's healing as an example of God's grace extending beyond Israel. This reference underscores the inclusivity of God's salvation and serves as a rebuke to those who presume exclusivity based on heritage or nationality.
Conclusion:Naaman's narrative is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, the transformative power of faith, and the universal scope of divine grace. His account continues to inspire believers to trust in God's provision and to approach Him with humility and obedience.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Naaman(pleasantness).
- "Naaman the Syrian." (Luke 4:27) Naaman was commander-in-chief of the army of Syria, and was nearest to the person of the king, Ben-hadad II., whom he accompanied officially and supported when he went to worship in the temple of Rimmon, (2 Kings 5:18) at Damascus, the capital. (B.C. 885.) A Jewish tradition at least as old as the time of Josephus, and which may very well be a genuine one identifies him with the archer whose arrow, whether at random or not, struck Ahab with his mortal wound, and thus "gave deliverance to Syria." The expression in (2 Kings 5:1) is remarkable --"because that by him Jehovah had given deliverance to Syria." The most natural explanation perhaps is that Naaman in delivering his country, had killed one who was the enemy of Jehovah not less than he was of Syria. Whatever the particular exploit referred to was, it had given Naaman a great position at the court of Ben-hadad. Naaman was afflicted with a leprosy of the white kind which had hitherto defied cure. A little Israelitish captive maiden tells him of the fame and skill of Elisha, and he is cured by him by following his simple directions to bathe in the Jordan seven times. See (2 Kings 5:14) His first business after his cure is to thank his benefactor and gratefully acknowledge the power of the God of Israel, and promise "henceforth to offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord." How long Naaman lived to continue a worshipper of Jehovah while assisting officially at the worship of Rimmon we are not told; ("but his memory is perpetuated by a leper hospital which occupies the traditional site of his house in Damascus, on the banks of the Abana." --Schaff.)
- One of the family of Benjamin who came down to Egypt with Jacob as read in (Genesis 46:21) He was the son of Bela, and head of the family of the Naamites. (Numbers 26:40;1 Chronicles 8:3,4) (B.C. 1706.)
ATS Bible Dictionary
NaamanThe highly esteemed general of Ben-hadad, king of Damascene Syria in the time of Joram king of Israel. He was afflicted with the leprosy; but was miraculously cured, on washing seven times in the Jordam, Le 14:7, according to the direction of Elisha,2 Kings 5:1 27;Luke 4:27. He had found all his honor and power valueless, and all physicians of no avail for his cure; was led to renounce his pride, and avail himself of the simple remedy prescribed; and being cured, was grateful not only to the prophet, but to the prophet's God. He frankly yielded other evidence which probed that Jehovah was the living and true God; and took home with him two mule-loads of earth, for an altar to the Lord,Exodus 20:24. With respect to his attending Ben-hadad while in the temple of Rimmon, the prophet gave him no precise rule; discerning, we may suppose, a growing fear and love of God which would preserve him from all even outward homage to the idol.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Pleasantness, a Syrian, the commander of the armies of Benhadad II. in the time of Joram, king of Israel. He was afflicted with leprosy; and when the little Hebrew slave-girl that waited on his wife told her of a prophet in Samaria who could cure her master, he obtained a letter from Benhadad and proceeded with it to Joram. The king of Israel suspected in this some evil design against him, and rent his clothes. Elisha the prophet hearing of this, sent for Naaman, and the strange interview which took place is recorded in
2 Kings 5. The narrative contains all that is known of the Syrian commander. He was cured of his leprosy by dipping himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of Elisha. His cure is alluded to by our Lord (
Luke 4:27).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
NAAMANna'-a-man (na`aman, "pleasantness"; Septuagint; Codices Vaticanus and Alexandrinus Naiman; so Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek in the New Testament; Textus Receptus of the New Testament, Neeman):
(1) A successful Syrian general, high in the confidence and esteem of the king of Syria, and honored by his fellow-countrymen as their deliverer (2 Kings 5:1-27). Afflicted with leprosy, he heard from a Hebrew slave-maid in his household of the wonder-working powers of an Israelite prophet. Sent by his master with a letter couched in somewhat peremptory terms to the king of Israel, he came to Samaria for healing. The king of Israel was filled with suspicion and alarm by the demands of the letter, and rent his clothes; but Elisha the prophet intervened, and sent word to Naaman that he must bathe himself seven times in the Jordan. He at first haughtily resented the humiliation and declined the cure; but on the remonstrance of his attendants he yielded and obtained cleansing. At once he returned to Samaria, testified his gratitude by the offer of large gifts to the prophet, confessed his faith in Elisha's God, and sought leave to take home with him enough of the soil of Canaan for the erection of an altar to Yahweh.
The narrative is throughout consistent and natural, admirably and accurately depicting the condition of the two kingdoms at the time. The character of Naaman is at once attractive and manly. His impulsive patriotic preference for the streams of his own land does not lessen the reader's esteem for him, and the favorable impression is deepened by his hearty gratitude and kindness.
The Israelite king is most probably Jehoram, son of Ahab, and the Syrian monarch Ben-hadad II. Josephus (Ant., VIII, xv, 5) identifies Naaman with the man who drew his bow at a venture, and gave Ahab his death wound (1 Kings 22:34). There is one reference to Naaman in the New Testament. InLuke 4:27, Jesus, rebuking Jewish exclusiveness, mentions "Naaman the Syrian."
(2) A son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21, 6). Fuller and more precise is the description ofNumbers 26:38, 40, where he is said to be a son of Bela and grandson of Benjamin (see also1 Chronicles 8:3).
John A. Lees
Greek
3497. Neeman --Naaman....Naaman. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Neeman Phonetic
Spelling: (neh-eh-man') Short Definition:
Naaman Definition:
Naaman.
...Naaman.
...3483b. Naiman --Naaman, a Syrian
...Naaman, a Syrian. Transliteration: Naiman Short Definition:Naaman. Word Origin
of Hebrew originNaaman DefinitionNaaman, a Syrian NASB Word UsageNaaman (1)....
Strong's Hebrew
5283.Naaman -- a descendant of Benjamin, also an Aramean (Syrian)......Naaman. 5284 . a descendant of Benjamin, also an Aramean (Syrian) general.
Transliteration:
Naaman Phonetic Spelling: (nah-am-awn') Short Definition:
Naaman.
...5282.naaman -- pleasantness
... 5281, 5282.naaman. 5283 . pleasantness. Transliteration:naaman Phonetic Spelling:
(nah-am-awn') Short Definition: delightful.... 5281, 5282.naaman. 5283...
5280. Naami -- descendant ofNaaman
... Naami. 5281 . descendant ofNaaman. Transliteration: Naami Phonetic Spelling:
(nah-am-ee') Short Definition: Naamites. Word Origin fromNaaman Definition desc...
Library
Naaman
... Prophets of the Northern Kingdom Chapter 20Naaman. [This chapter is based
on 2 Kings ] "NowNaaman, captain of the host of the king...
Naaman's Wrath
... THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGSNAAMAN'S WRATH.... ButNaaman was wroth, and went away.'"2 Kings
5:10,11. These two figures are significant of much beyond themselves....
Naaman's Imperfect Faith
... THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGSNAAMAN'S IMPERFECT FAITH.... AndNaaman said, Shall there not
then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth?...
Naaman the Syrian and the Jordan. No Other Stream Has the Same...
... 28.Naaman the Syrian and the Jordan.... It is recorded ofNaaman [4943] that he came
with horse and chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha....
Naaman. 2Ki 5:14
... II KINGS Hymn 38NAAMAN. 2Ki 5:14. John Newton 6,6,6,6,8,8.NAAMAN. 2Ki 5:14. Before
Elisha's gate. The Syrian leper stood; But could not brook to wait,....
Naaman Cured.
...NAAMAN CURED. There is no Scripture story better known than that ofNaaman,
the Syrian. It is memorable not only because artistically...
Naaman the Syrian
... IIINAAMAN THE SYRIAN. I wish to call your attention... skins with him." Now you
cannot have a better type of a sinner thanNaaman was. I don't...
A Slave Girl who Helped Her Master
...Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a man who was beloved
by his master and was held in high honor, for through him Jehovah had given...
The Little Captive Maid.
...Naaman was a great general in the army of the King of Syria, who esteemed him highly,
because it wasNaaman that led the Syrians when God gave them victory...
A Little Maid of Israel.
... One little girl who was carried off by the Syrians became a slave in the house of
a Syrian general calledNaaman, and was a maid toNaaman's wife....
Thesaurus
Naaman (19 Occurrences)... Elisha the prophet hearing of this, sent for
Naaman, and the strange interview which
took place is recorded in 2 Kings 5. The narrative contains all that is
...Naaman's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceNaaman's (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 5:2 The Syrians
had gone out in bands, and had brought away captive out...
Na'aman (15 Occurrences)
Na'aman.Naaman, Na'aman.Naaman's .... Genesis 46:21 The sons of Benjamin: Bela,
Becher, Ashbel, Gera,Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. (See RSV)....
Ard (2 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:38-40 mentions five sons of Benjamin, together with Ard andNaaman, the
sons of Bela, Benjamin's oldest son, counting all seven as ancestors of...
Gehazi (14 Occurrences)
... Elisha's trusted servant (2 Kings 4:31; 5:25; 8:4, 5). He appears in connection
with the history of the Shunammite (2 Kings 4:14, 31) and ofNaaman the Syrian....
Bela (14 Occurrences)
... 8:1). He was the head of the family of the Belaites (Numbers 26:38), the father
of Addar (called Ard, Numbers 26:40), Gera, Abihud, Abishua,Naaman, Ahoah, Gera...
Naamite (1 Occurrence)
... NAAMITE. na'-a-mit (ha-na`ami, "the Naamite"): A family which traced its descent
fromNaaman (Numbers 26:40). SeeNAAMAN, (2). Multi-Version Concordance...
Geha'zi (11 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 5:20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said: 'Behold, my
master hath spared thisNaaman the Aramean, in not receiving at his hands that...
Leper (34 Occurrences)
... or remedy; and Jehoram's ejaculation implies the belief that its cure could be
accomplished only by miracle (2 Kings 5:7). The case ofNaaman (2 Kings 5:1...
Na'aman's (1 Occurrence)
Na'aman's.Naaman's, Na'aman's. Naamathite . Multi-Version Concordance Na'aman's
(1 Occurrence).... (See RSV).Naaman's, Na'aman's. Naamathite . Reference...
Resources
Who was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the story of Elisha and Naaman? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gehazi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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