Bible Commentaries
2 Kings 5

Verses 1-27

When Elijah had felt that he alone was left loyal to God he had been told of seven thousand who had not bowed the knee to Baal. One of these, or perchance the child of one, stands before us in this narrative in the person of the little maid who, carried captive, yet remembered the prophet of her own land and maintained her coincidence in his ability to work wonders. Through her intervention the leper Naaman was sent by the king of Syria to the king of Israel, but the day of the king in Israel as in any sense representing Jehovah had passed away.

Elisha's attitude in this chapter was from beginning to end one of dignified loyalty to God. This is seen first in his message to the king, who was filled with fear at the coming of Naaman. It was manifest, moreover, in his command to the wealthy leper calling for his submission, and was finally evidenced in his absolute refusal to take any personal reward for what had been wrought by God.

To Elisha, Gehazi stands in direct contrast. Governed by selfish desire, he obtained advantage for himself, and then lied to his master. His punishment was swift. He who had sought and obtained the reward which Elisha had declined became himself a leper, white as snow.