Learn more about Naaman

Introduction to Naaman

Naaman is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known primarily from the story recorded in 2 Kings 5. He was a commander of the army of the king of Aram (modern-day Syria) and is notable for being miraculously healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha. Naaman’s story is significant for its theological depth, exploring themes of pride, faith, healing, and the universality of God's grace beyond Israel.

Naaman Pronunciation

“Naaman” is pronounced as NAY-uh-muhn or sometimes NAH-ah-mahn, with slight variation depending on linguistic or regional preference. The Hebrew spelling is נַעֲמָן (Naʿămān), meaning “pleasantness” or “graciousness.”

Naaman in the Bible

Naaman appears exclusively in the narrative of 2 Kings 5, though he is referenced later in the New Testament as well. His story includes several key elements:

• Military Leader: Naaman is described as a “commander of the army of the king of Aram” and a “great man” in the sight of his master, highly regarded because “through him the Lord had given victory to Aram” (2 Kings 5:1). This implies that God was at work even through foreign nations.
• A Leper: Despite his accomplishments, Naaman suffered from leprosy, a term that in biblical times could refer to a variety of skin diseases. This condition brought social stigma and was considered both physically and ritually defiling.
• The Hebrew Servant Girl: A young Israelite girl, captured during a raid, served Naaman’s wife. She suggested that Naaman seek healing from the prophet in Samaria—Elisha—highlighting the missionary-like faith and hope from even the lowliest of servants.
• Elisha’s Instructions: Naaman travels to Israel with royal letters and gifts, expecting a grand healing ritual. Instead, Elisha sends a messenger instructing him to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Initially insulted by the lack of ceremony, Naaman's servants persuade him to obey. Upon doing so, he is miraculously healed.
• Confession of Faith: After his healing, Naaman returns to Elisha and confesses, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15). He requests soil from Israel to worship Yahweh back in Aram, indicating a desire to remain spiritually connected to the God of Israel.
• Elisha’s Refusal and Gehazi’s Greed: Elisha refuses any gift, emphasizing that God’s grace cannot be bought. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, later deceitfully takes gifts from Naaman, resulting in God striking Gehazi with Naaman’s former leprosy (2 Kings 5:20-27).

Naaman in the New Testament

Naaman is referenced by Jesus in Luke 4:27: “And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.” Jesus uses this to highlight God's grace to outsiders, provoking controversy among His audience in Nazareth. This moment underlines the theme of divine inclusion and the challenge of parochialism in religious thought.

Related Themes and Meanings to Naaman

• Grace to Outsiders: Naaman’s story powerfully illustrates that God's mercy and healing are not limited to Israel alone. His healing prefigures the universal reach of the Gospel.
• Obedience and Humility: Naaman's transformation required humbling himself and obeying a simple, almost absurd command. His willingness to submit led to physical and spiritual renewal.
• Healing and Restoration: The miracle emphasizes God's power to heal both body and soul, contrasting human expectations with divine methods.
• Faith from the Margins: It is the lowly servant girl who sets Naaman on his path to healing, underscoring how God's truth can come through unexpected voices.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Naaman

• Naaman's name in Hebrew—meaning “pleasantness”—ironically contrasts with his affliction and suffering, highlighting the dramatic reversal in his story.
• His confession that there is no God but Yahweh stands as one of the few affirmations of Israel's God by a foreign military leader in the Old Testament.
• Naaman's story was deeply influential in early Christian thought about the Gentiles and God's grace, and it appears in various patristic writings as a symbol of baptism and cleansing.
• The Jordan River, where Naaman was healed, becomes symbolic of spiritual rebirth, a motif echoed later in John the Baptist’s ministry and Christian baptism.

Conclusion

Naaman’s story is a remarkable narrative of pride, humility, faith, and transformation. Though he was a foreign military commander, his healing serves as a profound testament to God's sovereign mercy and the inclusive reach of divine grace. His confession of faith stands as a beacon of hope for all who seek healing and truth, regardless of nationality or status.