Elisha Helps Naaman

2 Kings 5

Naaman was a good man who commanded an army in the country of Aram. But Naaman had a problem. He had a bad disease called leprosy.

"Naaman should go see the great prophet Elisha," said a Hebrew girl who worked for Naaman's wife. "Elisha could heal Naaman" So Naaman gathered gifts of silver, gold, and fine clothes, and set off for Israel. When he finally reached Elisha's house, Elisha didn't even come out. Instead he sent a messenger to Naaman.

"Go and bathe in the Jordan River seven times, " said the servant. "And then you will be healed." But Naaman didn't like this message.

" I could have stayed home and bathed in my own river!" said Naaman. "I expected more from this prophet."

But Naaman's servants convinced him to give it a try. And so he did. When Naaman came out of the water the seventh i me, he was completely healed!

Naaman said to Elisha, "Your God is the only true God. Please accept these gifts as my thanks."

"As the Lord lives, I will not," said Elisha. For Elisha did not want to be paid for what God had done. And so Naaman went on his way, but Elisha's servant followed him. The servant lied to Naaman and took Naaman's gifts. But when the servant returned, Elisha knew everything.

"Because of your dishonesty," said Elisha to the servant, "you will now have Naaman's leprosy."