2 Kings 5:5 – “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied. “I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Naaman takes the advice given to him and seeks healing from the prophet in Israel. The king of Aram, eager to help his commander, provides support by sending a letter to the king of Israel, asking for assistance in healing Naaman. Naaman embarks on the journey, bringing an impressive amount of wealth with him, including silver, gold, and clothing, as a form of tribute and possibly to secure favor from the prophet. Naaman’s actions reflect both his desperation for healing and his belief that wealth and influence might be necessary to gain the favor of the God of Israel.
Historical Context
At this time, interactions between nations like Aram and Israel were often tense, though there were periods of relative peace. The idea of a military commander from one nation seeking healing from a prophet in a rival country is significant, as it reflects the high regard Naaman had for the servant girl’s testimony. It also shows the respect the king of Aram had for Naaman, as he was willing to send official communication to the king of Israel. The wealth that Naaman brought with him was typical in diplomatic exchanges and reflects the custom of offering tribute to secure favors or assistance from foreign leaders or deities.
Theological Implications
This verse speaks to the way human beings often try to rely on wealth, power, or connections to achieve what they desire, even in matters of healing and divine intervention. Naaman’s decision to bring such extravagant gifts suggests that he believed his healing could be purchased. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that God’s grace and healing are not things that can be bought or earned—they are given freely by His power and mercy. This teaches a profound theological lesson: our human efforts and resources cannot secure God’s favor; only faith and humility do.
Literary Analysis
The verse introduces a contrast between human expectations and divine reality. Naaman approaches the situation from a worldly perspective, assuming that his wealth and status will be key to his healing. This sets up the dramatic tension in the story, as we will later see that what Naaman offers materially is irrelevant to his healing. The verse also emphasizes the seriousness of Naaman’s quest for healing, as the large amount of treasure he brings reflects the value he places on the possibility of being cured.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 55:1 – “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” This verse contrasts Naaman’s approach, showing that God’s blessings and grace cannot be purchased with material wealth.
- Acts 8:20 – When Simon the sorcerer offers money to receive the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter rebukes him, saying, “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” This illustrates that divine gifts cannot be bought.
- Matthew 19:24 – Jesus says it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, highlighting that wealth can sometimes be an obstacle to receiving God’s blessings if we rely on it too much.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse encourages modern Christians to reflect on where they place their trust when seeking God’s help. Naaman’s reliance on his wealth and status serves as a reminder that, in our relationship with God, no amount of resources or influence can replace the need for faith and humility. Christians today are encouraged to trust that God’s grace and healing come from His love and power, not because of anything we can offer Him in return. This challenges believers to approach God with a heart of faith, not relying on human efforts.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He ultimately heals Naaman, not because of the wealth he brings, but because of His mercy and grace. Even though Naaman approaches the situation in a worldly way, God meets him where he is and shows him that His love and power are freely given. God’s willingness to heal Naaman despite his misunderstanding reflects His patient and gracious nature. This verse shows that God’s love is not dependent on what we can offer, but on His desire to bring healing and restoration to those who seek Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Naaman’s story connects to Jesus in that it points to the reality that God’s grace is a gift that cannot be earned. Jesus offers salvation freely to all who come to Him in faith, just as Naaman eventually receives healing without relying on his wealth. In Luke 4:27, Jesus references Naaman’s healing as an example of God’s grace extending to all people, not just the people of Israel. This shows how Jesus, like the prophet Elisha, extends God’s healing and grace to everyone who comes to Him with faith and humility.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Naaman’s reliance on wealth and influence challenge our understanding of how we approach God for help?
- In what ways can we ensure that our faith in God is based on trust and humility, rather than on what we can offer?
- How can this verse encourage us to see God’s grace as a gift that is freely given, rather than something we need to earn or buy?