A powerful general and a slave girl. One with much power and authority, and the other with none. What would they have in common? They are two key figures in our Old Testament Scripture for this week. One who had great faith and belief in Yahweh, and one whose pride almost made him miss out on the greatest blessing in his life. Let’s take a quick look to see what we might learn from their lives.
As our Scripture opens, we are introduced to Naaman (vs. 1). He was the commander of the army of the Kingdom of Syria, north of Israel, and lived during the 9th century BC. The Kingdom of Syria should not be confused with the Assyrian Empire which took the northern Kingdom of Israel captive approximately 100+ years later. Syria would frequently harass the northern border of Israel, pillaging and looting northern villages, and often taking hostages to serve as slaves. It was on one such raid that a young girl was brought back, and she became the servant to Naaman’s wife (vs. 2).
This young girl is worth taking a close look at. It is quite possible that she might have seen her parents murdered and her home burned to the ground. Did she become angry and bitter? Was she filled with hatred for other people, especially the Syrians? No. Her strong faith in Yahweh remained. When she saw that Naaman had a bad skin disease, she told her mistress that the prophet of Yahweh in Israel (Elisha) would be able to heal him (vs. 3). Many people in her spot would have been bitter, and rejoiced in his illness, thinking they were justified in their feelings. “Why should I tell him about God when I have to run and fetch for him and his wife all day? I wouldn’t care if he got worse and died!” That was not her attitude! She showed the love of God to others, even those she served. This slave girl was also not afraid to speak up in witness and testimony for the Lord. She showed a wonderful attitude, a real heart for God.
Next let’s look at Naaman. As mentioned, he was the commander of the army, a great position. He also had a bad skin disease. In the Bible, the term “leprosy”, or “sara at” in Hebrew, covered a lot of malignant skin diseases, not just present day Hansen’s disease. The fact that he was not quarantined away from everyone indicates that his disease was not likely Hansen’s disease, or what we today refer to as leprosy. However, it was still bad, undoubtedly painful and irritating. When he heard from the servant girl about the prophet who could heal, he got permission from the king to go and seek healing (vs. 4-7). At first they went to the king of Israel, but naturally he had no power, as none of the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel believed in or worshiped God. The maid’s faith, and Naaman’s quest contrasted with the stubbornness of Israel’s king. Naaman, a Gentile, sought Israel’s God, but Israel’s own king would not.
Elisha heard of Naaman’s quest for healing, and told the king to send the general to him, so that all would know that Yahweh was the only true God (vs. 8). When Naaman arrived, Elisha did not come out, but instead sent his messenger to the door, telling him to go dip in the Jordan River seven times, and he would be healed. This infuriated Naaman (vs. 11). Because of his personal greatness, his huge gift and diplomatic letters (vs. 5-6), Naaman expected personal attention to his needs. Plus, why should he dip himself in some puny Israelite river when the rivers of Syria had better, cleaner water! Naaman’s pride almost made him lose his healing. Fortunately a servant spoke some logic, and Naaman obeyed, and was cured (vs. 13-14).
God could have healed Naaman immediately without dipping in the Jordan. However, in order for Naaman to recognize Yahweh as Lord, he first had to submit to His authority. It was obedience to God’s Word that was the issue, not the quality of the water. Naaman was a proud man, and he had expected special treatment. Obedience to God begins with humility. God’s ways are better than our own. Don’t ever let your pride and stubbornness keep you from the blessings from God you need the most!
The little maid’s name is never known, but her great faith is. Her speaking up as a witness to God brought a great Gentile general to faith and salvation. She had a wonderful attitude in spite of all she had probably already gone through in her few years. Your attitude will determine your altitude. With a good, positive attitude, you can soar like an eagle. With a sour, negative, angry attitude, you will stay on the ground with the turkeys. Fortunately Naaman’s changed, he was healed and saved, and began to soar!
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