ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 2 Kings 5

2 Kings 5:1–27 The account of Elisha’s miracles continues with a story that again recalls the ministry of Elijah: the Lord is God not only of Israelites but also of foreigners (compare 1 Kings 17:17–24); he is, in fact, the only true God (compare 1 Kings 18:20–40).

2 Kings 5:1 the Lord had given victory to Syria. Israel’s God is responsible for victory or defeat in battles, no matter which gods may be worshiped by the victorious or defeated peoples (see Dan. 1:1–2). Naaman, by whom God had given the Syrians victory on this occasion, was a leper. He suffered from some skin disorder, though not necessarily what is known today as “leprosy” (see note on Luke 5:12).

2 Kings 5:5–7 a letter to the king of Israel. There is an uneasy truce between Syria and Israel. There is sufficient tension, however, for Israel’s king to be concerned that Syria’s king is seeking a quarrel by asking him to perform a task (cure him of his leprosy) that only God can accomplish. The tearing of clothes can indicate frustration, sorrow, or spiritual conviction (see 22:11–13). Ten talents of silver represents about 750 pounds (341 kg), compared with 150 pounds (68 kg; six thousand shekels) of gold. He could give a greater quantity of silver because of its lesser value, compared to gold.

2 Kings 5:9–12 stood at the door. Naaman clearly expects personal, immediate attention from Elisha. However, Elisha addresses him only through a messenger and sends him to wash in the Jordan. Moreover, Naaman was looking for a cure, and Elisha apparently offers only ritual cleansing (wash . . . be clean). He could have done this at home by bathing in the rivers of Damascus.

2 Kings 5:13 Has he actually said . . . ? Naaman’s servants have been listening more carefully, for Elisha did not speak only of ritual cleansing but of healing (“your flesh shall be restored,” v. 10).

2 Kings 5:14–15 a little child. The “great man” (v. 1) had a problem, to which the “little girl” (v. 2) had the solution. The solution involved Naaman’s becoming, like her, “a little child.” He had to submit to the authority of the prophet and acknowledge his new faith (I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel).

2 Kings 5:16 I will receive none. For Elisha to accept a gift would have suggested that he had performed the miracle by his own power.

2 Kings 5:17 two mule loads of earth. The earth is to be used to construct a mud-brick altar (see Ex. 20:24–25) for Naaman’s worship of the Lord.

2 Kings 5:18 may the Lord pardon. Naaman’s dilemma is that he will still be required by his official duties to attend the temple of Rimmon.

2 Kings 5:20–22 I will run . . . and get something from him. Gehazi tries to profit from the miracle (compare Joshua 7; Acts 8:18–24).

2 Kings 5:26 Was it a time to accept . . . ? Just as kings can misuse their power, so can the servants of prophets.