Lesson 23 Washing at the Cross Brings Cleansing and Healing
Question 3
Yes, Naaman intended to buy his healing in Israel. Naaman was a man of standing, a dignitary, a very important and wealthy man; and he went to Israel to make a transaction with them. “You heal me, I pay you, we’re done.”
2 Kings 5:6-7 shows that the king of Israel perceived the request as a ruse on the part of Naaman, presuming that Naaman was interested in fighting. After all, Naaman had already led a successful raid against Israel. There was no trust between these two as they were enemies.
Naaman finally shows up on Elisha’s doorstep with an entourage including servants, horses, and chariots, gold, silver and ten sets of clothing. Naaman came to Elisha as an important, wealthy man who was willing to pay for what he needed.
2 Kings 5:10 ESV And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.”
What??? Elisha didn’t go out to see Naaman himself, but sent a messenger? And the proposed “cure” was to go dunk in the muddy Jordan river? Note how Naaman responds:
2 Kings 5:11-12 ESV But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. (12) Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.
Question 3. How do we see that Naaman was infuriated at the treatment he received from Elisha?
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