Syrian living at the time of Divided Monarchy
Naaman, a commander of the Aramean army, was healed of his leprosy by the prophet Elisha, demonstrating God's power and compassion.
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Naaman was a commander of the army of the king of Aram (Syria) who lived during the time of the prophet Elisha. He is described as a great man, highly regarded by his master, and a valiant soldier. However, Naaman was afflicted with leprosy (2Ki.5.1).
Through an Israelite servant girl, Naaman learned of the prophet Elisha in Samaria who could heal him of his leprosy. With his king's permission, Naaman traveled to Israel, carrying a letter from the king of Aram to the king of Israel. The king of Israel, mistakenly believing that the king of Aram was trying to provoke a quarrel, tore his clothes in distress (2Ki.5.2-7).
When Elisha heard of this, he sent a message to the king, telling him to send Naaman to him. Naaman arrived at Elisha's house with his horses and chariots, expecting a grand healing ceremony. Instead, Elisha sent a messenger, instructing Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River (2Ki.5.8-10).
Initially, Naaman was angry and refused, believing that the rivers of Damascus were better than the waters of Israel. However, his servants persuaded him to follow Elisha's instructions. Naaman dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, and his flesh was restored, becoming clean like that of a young boy (2Ki.5.11-14).
Grateful for his healing, Naaman returned to Elisha, declaring his belief in the God of Israel and offering a gift, which Elisha refused. Naaman then requested two mule-loads of earth to take back with him, so that he could worship the Lord on Israelite soil (2Ki.5.15-19).
Jesus later referred to Naaman's story in Luk.4.27, using it as an example of God's grace extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles. Naaman's healing demonstrates God's power, compassion, and willingness to heal and save those who turn to Him in faith, regardless of their nationality or background.
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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).
Easton (1897), Smith (1863), Hitchcock (1869), Hastings (1898) and Schaff are in the public domain. Parsed text: neuu-org/bible-dictionary-dataset (CC BY 4.0). Headwords and whitespace normalised for this site.
11 verses in 2 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H5283
Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his masterʼs sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.
At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naamanʼs wife.
And the letter that he took to the king of Israel stated: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”
So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elishaʼs house.
But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy.
“If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD.
Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, while not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”
So Gehazi pursued Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?”
But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi.
Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.
And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.