Naaman’s Healing from Leprosy
Naaman was a powerful and respected commander in the Syrian army, but despite his success, he suffered from a terrible disease—leprosy. This disease not only affected his body but also carried a social stigma, making life difficult even for someone of his high rank.
One day, a young Israelite servant in his household told Naaman’s wife about a great prophet in Israel named Elisha. She claimed that this prophet had the power to heal sickness through the power of God. Desperate for a cure, Naaman decided to seek out Elisha. He gathered a large amount of gold, silver, and fine clothing as gifts, hoping to offer them in exchange for healing. With permission from the king of Syria, he traveled to Israel and eventually arrived at Elisha’s house.
To Naaman’s surprise, Elisha did not come out to greet him in person. Instead, the prophet sent a messenger with a simple instruction: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River, and you will be healed.”
Naaman was deeply offended. As a man of high status, he expected a grand gesture—perhaps Elisha would come out, wave his hands over him, and call upon God dramatically. Frustrated, he complained, “Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, where I come from, much cleaner and better than the Jordan? Why should I wash in this river?” In anger, he prepared to leave.
However, Naaman’s servants reasoned with him. They pointed out that if the prophet had asked him to do something difficult, he would have done it without question. So why not simply follow this easy command?
Humbled by their words, Naaman reluctantly obeyed. He went to the Jordan River and dipped himself in the water. After the seventh time, something miraculous happened—his skin was completely healed! It became smooth and fresh, like that of a young child.
Overcome with gratitude and awe, Naaman immediately returned to Elisha, declaring, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.” This moment transformed him, not just physically but spiritually as well.
Bible Verse: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” — 2 Kings 5:10