Naaman
The Proud Commander Who Was Cleansed by Faith
Name Information
- Meaning: "Pleasantness"
- Language of Origin: Hebrew (adopted name in Aramaic context)
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Naaman was a Syrian military commander, respected and victorious, but afflicted with leprosy. Seeking healing, he came to the prophet Elisha and was told to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Initially offended, Naaman humbled himself, obeyed, and was completely healed. His story reveals God’s power, grace to outsiders, and the necessity of humility and obedience for salvation.
⏰ Divided Kingdom (Northern Israel)
Roles
- Army Commander of Aram (Syria)
- Leprosy Survivor
Relationships
- Prophet: Elisha
- Servant: Unnamed Israelite girl (captive)
- King: Ben-Hadad of Aram
- Rival: Gehazi (Elisha’s servant who sinned after Naaman’s healing)
Story
Naaman, a successful Syrian commander, had leprosy.
A captive Israelite servant girl suggested he seek Elisha’s help.
Naaman arrived with gifts but was told to wash in the Jordan River seven times.
Offended by the simplicity and perceived insult, he nearly left — but his servants urged him to obey.
He humbled himself, washed, and was completely healed.
Naaman confessed his faith in the God of Israel and pledged to worship Him alone.
Spiritual Significance
- Naaman was a Gentile enemy commander yet received God’s healing — showing God’s mercy to outsiders.
- He humbled himself to obey God’s instructions, which at first seemed foolish.
- He acknowledged the God of Israel as the only true God after being healed.
- Jesus referenced him in Luke 4 as an example of God’s grace to Gentiles.
Christ Connection
Naaman’s healing points to the cleansing from sin offered through Christ.
Like Naaman, we cannot buy God’s gift — it comes freely to the humble.
Jesus referenced (in Luke 4:27) Naaman to show God’s mercy reaches beyond Israel to all who believe.
What We Can Learn
- God’s grace is for all people, not just insiders.
- Pride can keep us from receiving God’s blessing — humility opens the way.
- God’s commands may seem simple or strange, but obedience brings life.
- Our testimony after receiving God’s mercy can glorify Him to others.
Memory Verses
Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.
— 2 Kings 5:15
Key Passages
- 2 Kings 5:1–19
- Luke 4:27
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