Final Paper: 2 Kings 5:1-19

Name: 2 Kings 5:1–19 Introduction The account of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1-19 is a story of God's universal grace and transforming power through faith, obedience, and humility. He was the great commander of the army of Syria and in high favor with his master, but he was a leper . Because of his power and prestige, one had to step down from them and his way of perceived beliefs in the healing to receive the miraculous touch of the God of Israel. The story then develops into a physical and spiritual transformation for the initially skeptical and prideful Naaman through the prophetic ministry of Elisha; it culminates in his acknowledgment of the God of Israel as the one true God, testifying to the far-reaching width of divine mercy.[T. Römer, "The Strange Conversion of Naaman, Chief of the Aramean Army," Archive Ouverte HAL, 2022] The question of whether or not Naaman feels that worship and obedience to God are correctly positioned in the land of God is raised by the fact that he asked for land in Israel, which is traditionally regarded in light of the ancient concepts of territorial deities. The inclusion of these particulars prompts contemplation on the ways in which faith transcends cultural and societal expectations. Elisha's refusal of the gifts points to the character of God's grace: it is something free and unmerited, not as in the human concept of trying to buy a divinely transactional relationship. The story of Naaman has perennial significance in understanding the nature of God and His workings among all nations. This paper postulates that 2 Kings 5:1-19 reflects God's sovereignty and grace extending beyond national and cultural confines, while faith and humility are imperative. By researching the background and theological analysis, this paper discusses how the story of Naaman fulfills the profound impact of the encounter with God and provides meaningful lessons for faith and life application. Background Research The story of 2 Kings 5:1–19 unfolds against a backdrop of continued hostility and war between Israel and evidence of intensive political-military tensions during this period. Naaman had a high rank and prestige in the Syrian army. On the other hand, however, this text also shows his exposure to a disastrous skin disease. The servant girl, taken captive by Syrian raiders, is a representative of the current national dynamic . Naaman receives God's grace despite his being an enemy, showing that the Lord is over all nations. This serves, again, as part of the more prominent Old Testament theme where God's purpose is therefore extended across national and cultural boundaries; for example, Isaiah 45:1-7 .[Jean L. Ska, "Where Does Salvation Come From? A Reading of 2 Kings 5:1–27," The Biblical Annals 13, no. 3 (2023)] [Michael U. Udoekpo, A Biblical Approach to Mission in Context: A Festschrift in Honor of Sr. Prof. Teresa Okure, SHCJ (Eugene: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2022)] The genre is prophetic narrative, where marvelous events mediated through the prophets serve to reveal God's nature and power. This story is another of many that place faith and obedience at the center stage rather than ritual or status. The instruction to Naaman from Elisha to immerse himself in the Jordan is therefore an emphasis of how God can work through such a humble act of faith. The unassuming nature of the act stands in contrast to the greatness of rituals almost always ritualized with healing in the ancient Near East, further underscoring God's direct intervention. The story of Naaman was a line of the miracles that Elisha did, establishing him as a prophet and mediator of these powers. It contrasts the faith of this foreigner, Naaman, with the spiritual blindness of Israel's king, where Naaman fails to recognize God's authority when seeking his help. This furthers the message that God's favor flows out to whoever comes before Him in humility and faith. Keywords in the text are heavily laden with symbolic overtones. The word translated as "skin disease" (v. 11) doubtless described a variety of skin afflictions that had social and spiritual consequences of uncleanliness and segregation. The Commentary by Guzik emphasizes how it is apparent in the text that Naaman's healing is a sign of God's gracious inclusion and faith as central . The story also reveals the plagiaristic dimensions of faith in a pluralistic world: Naaman asks for soil from Israel to stand on when worshiping Yahweh and asks for an understanding approach regarding his required participation in the temple of Rimmon. These acts...