Reading for July 3rd

Read 2 Kings 5
In verses 1-27 the healing of Naaman
In verse 1 the story presupposes a time when Aram 9Syria) dominates Israel.
This was the case during the Jehu dynasty but not the Omri dynasty where this story is set, according to its current placement in 2 Kings.
However, neither the king of Aram nor the king of Israel (v.5) is named.
Leprosy is a broad term for some skin diseases.
It was greatly feared because it was regarded as incurable, disfiguring, fatal and highly contagious.
In verse 3 the prophet is later identified as Elisha.
The story shows how his fame reached beyond the borders of Israel.
In verse 5 a talent could weigh from 45 to 130 pounds.
A shekel weighed less than an ounce.
Six thousand shekels was probably about 150 pounds.
In verse 13 father is a title of respect here does not indicate any blood relationship.
In verse 15 Naaman's statement is very similar to Israel's confession of faith (Deut 6.4).
In verse 17 the idea behind Naaman's request for two mule-loads of earth was that the Lord (Yahweh) could be worshipped on Israelite soil.
In verse 18 Rimman (pomegranate) is a mocking distortion of Ramman, a title for the Syrian god Hadad.
Naaman continues to worship the deity of his native land only because he is forced to do so; he no longer believes in Hadad.
In verses 19b-27 this episode shows the danger of trying to deceive a prophet.
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