Main Highlights
God's healing power extends even to foreigners who humble themselves and obey his word.
Key Verses
Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was 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 soldier, but he had leprosy.- 2 Kings 5:1 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.”- 2 Kings 5:11 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.- 2 Kings 5:14
Related Scripture
And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.- Luke 4:27 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Matthew 4:23 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6.
Scholar Insight
"The story of Naaman shows that salvation is available to all people, not just the Israelites. This is a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament and is fully realized in the New Testament.” – T. Desmond Alexander, From Paradise to Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2012), 76."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is universal in his love and power, not limited by nationality or social status. He is the God of all people. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Christological Connection
The healing of Naaman foreshadows the healing ministry of Jesus, which also extended to those outside of Israel. And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Matthew 4:23
Systematic Theology
Salvation History/Universalism. God's plan of salvation is not limited to one nation, but extends to all people who believe.
Law & Grace
Naaman's initial pride and expectation of a grand ritual represent a legalistic mindset, while his eventual obedience to Elisha's simple instruction demonstrates grace received through humility. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8.
Personal Application
People should humble themselves before God, obey his word, and recognize that his grace is available to all. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6.