Naaman

Introduction

We’ll be studying some things in the Bible that are not discussed as often.
We’ll look primarily at the Bible, also pulling in other sources for additional information as necessary.

His position? Head gui of Syrian army under the King of Aram (Syria)
- Not a captain?
- Translation could mean captain, general, ruler, prince, etc.
- Context indicates a top military officer.
King considered him to be a great man
Highly respected
God chose to give Aram victory through Naaman (I Kings 22:29-40)
Valiant warrior
Leper
Laws of leprosy (Leviticus 13-14)
- Lepers were unclean
- Prophet’s purity?

Inspiring leader
He and his wife communicated with each other
Very good relationship with his king (Hadadezer – generous gifts to take and a letter)
- Talent of silver: A weight of 75 pounds. Ten talents is work about $654,480 today.
- Shekel of gold: A weight of about 0.4 ounces. Six thousand shekels would be worth about $5,759,520 today.
Believed that Israelite prophets were subject to their king in what they did as prophets.
- John 11:48
His actions scared the king (Jehoram) into thinking he was trying to start a war.
Given to ceremony (arrived with chariots and horses, expected ceremony from Elisha)
Short temper (furious over Elisha’s failure to reciprocate ceremony and command to wash in the Jordan River)
Willing to listen (took correction from his servants)
Had loving concern from those who served him (servant girl, other servants)
Willing to humble himself (obeyed and dipped in the Jordan seven times)