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ODM BASIC SCRIPTURE 27 November 2023
BASIC SCRIPTURE: 2 KINGS 5: 14-27
14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.
16 But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
17 And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord.
18 In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing.
19 And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.
20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.
21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
22 And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.
23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.
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24 And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.
25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.
26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?
27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.
2 Kings 5:14-27 recounts the story of Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, who had leprosy. He was advised by a young Israelite servant girl to seek healing from the prophet Elisha in Israel. Naaman went to Elisha’s house and, through Elisha’s instructions, was instructed to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed of his leprosy.
Here’s a summary of the passage:
Naaman, initially angered by Elisha’s instructions and doubting their efficacy, eventually followed the prophet’s advice. After bathing seven times in the Jordan River, Naaman’s skin was restored, and he became clean from his leprosy. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he returned to Elisha, acknowledging the God of Israel as the true God and offering gifts to Elisha, which Elisha refused.
Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, saw an opportunity for personal gain and decided to secretly pursue Naaman, lying about Elisha needing gifts for two young prophets who had arrived. Naaman, grateful for his healing, readily gave Gehazi gifts, including clothing and silver.
Upon Gehazi’s return, Elisha questioned him about his actions and exposed his deceit. As a consequence, Gehazi was afflicted with the leprosy that Naaman had been healed from, and it was said to remain with him and his descendants forever.
This passage illustrates various themes:
- Faith and Obedience: Naaman’s healing came through his obedience to the prophet’s instructions, despite his initial doubts and pride. It highlights the importance of faith and obedience in receiving blessings.
- God’s Power and Mercy: The healing of Naaman displays God’s power to heal and His mercy toward a foreigner who acknowledged Him.
- Consequences of Greed and Deceit: Gehazi’s actions reveal the consequences of greed, dishonesty, and taking advantage of a situation for personal gain. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty.
Prayers inspired by this passage may include seeking faith and obedience in God’s guidance, gratitude for His healing and mercy, and a heart that refrains from deceit and greed, choosing honesty and integrity in all dealings. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing God’s work in our lives and refraining from seeking personal gain at the expense of truth and righteousness.
