Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 5
Naaman came from Aram, also called Syria, which was Israel’s principal enemy at this time. In fact, Naaman led Aram’s army, which often entered Israel to rob its people (5:2). However, Elisha had permitted Naaman to return home, and he had even refused to accept Naaman’s gifts.
Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, considered that Elisha’s actions were wrong. In Gehazi’s opinion, Elisha should have demanded a great price for Naaman’s cure. Elisha did not do that because he wanted God to receive all the honour. It seems that Gehazi cared little about God’s honour. In other words, Gehazi did not care whether Naaman continued to serve God or not (Romans 2:17-24). So, Gehazi made a plan to get something valuable from Naaman.
If Gehazi believed Elisha to be wrong, it was his duty to discuss the matter with Elisha. However, Gehazi knew that he would never convince Elisha to agree with his selfish plan. Instead, he must carry out his actions secretly, so that Elisha did not know. He must also act quickly, while he still had time to reach Naaman. Also, he would have to lie to Naaman.
Gehazi would not be able to convince Elisha – but Gehazi found it much easier to convince himself that he was acting rightly. He even made a serious promise in front of God that he would succeed in his evil act.
Next part: Naaman's respect for Gehazi as the servant of Elisha (2 Kings 5:21)
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