2 Kings 5:1-14

The Voice

5 Naaman’s master considered him an extraordinary man. He was the military commander of Aram’s army, and he had won many important battles for Aram by the power of the Eternal. Naturally he was greatly esteemed by his king. Naaman was a fierce warrior, but he also had a skin disease. ² Now one time, the Arameans went out in raiding parties and took a little girl from Israel as their prisoner. The little girl became a servant to Naaman’s wife.

⁴ Naaman became hopeful, and he went and told his king what the little girl from Israel said.

Naaman left with the king’s letter in his hand, plus 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and 10 sets of fine clothing. ^6-7 Naaman handed the letter to Israel’s king, and the king read it.

⁸ Elisha, the man of God, received word that Israel’s king had ripped his clothing, so he sent a message to Israel’s king.

⁹ The king told Naaman to go find Elisha, so Naaman showed up at Elisha’s door with his horses and chariots. ¹⁰ Elisha did not show his face to Naaman, but instead sent instructions: “Wash yourself in the Jordan River seven times. The waters will heal you, and your skin will be back to normal. You will be cleansed.” ¹¹ Naaman boiled with anger as he left Elisha. He had come to his house expecting something much different.

Naaman then stormed away, boiling with anger. ¹³ Later his servants approached and spoke to him with respect.

¹⁴ So Naaman swallowed his pride, walked down to the Jordan River, and washed himself seven times, just as the man of God had instructed him to do. There, the miracle occurred. Naaman’s disease was healed: his skin was as new as an infant’s, and he was clean from the disease.