Read 2 Kings 5.1-27. In 5.1-27: The healing of Naaman. The story presupposes a time when Aram (Syria) dominates Israel. This was the case during the Jehu dynasty (see 10.32) not during 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 was probably less than half an ounce. In verse 13: Father is a title of respect here and 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 the the Lord (Yahweh) could only be worshipped on Israelite soil. In verse 18: Rimmon ("pomegranate') is a mocking distortion of Ramman, a tittle 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. Comments or Questions..
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