General Comments on 2 Kings 5-6 We have here three different groups of Syrians/Arameans, and not just one group that keeps coming to Israel time and again. Over time the Syrians fragmented and unified and came into combat with Israel, Syria/Aram being north of Israel. At this point in time it appears the Syrians were not confederated, but rather were operating independantly. Thus, in all probability, the three groups of Syrians we are introduced to in these two chapters are three different groups. Comments on 2 Kings 5 This chapter comprises the well known story of Naaman, Elishah and Gehazi. Its straightforward, so I won't comment on it much. v1 "leper", the term as used in the KJV OT includes literal leprosy as well as a variety of both infectious and non- infectious skin diseases. v10 Not only does he send him to do something simple, but he doesn't even go himself. Naaman was anticipating some big impressive act where Elisha calls out and slaps his hands and makes a big ruckus and then heals him. Elisha does completely the opposite, indicating he learned his lesson from Elijah well that the Lord's way is not big and flashy. Note Elishah sends a messenger to Naaman. The king of Israel himself entertained Naaman, and here Elishah doesn't go out of his way for him. This is probably part of the reason why Naaman was angry, and indicative of his need for humility. v15-16 Elisha's rejection of the gift is probably to avoid any appearance whatsoever of it looking like quid pro quo payment for services rendered. Payment for services rendered is a typical means of trying to gain the favor or prophets (cp. Num. 22:17, 1 Sam. 9:7-8, 1 Kings 14:3), and Elisha wants nothing to do with it. v17 I would assume Naaman plans on sacrificing upon this soil from Israel to the God of Israel. But, the symbolism here is probably based upon what he says in v. 12. There he is saying that all of these other rivers are better than any Israelite river, so what is the point in washing in the Jordan? Naaman realizes that he was wrong about the physical washing in the physical river, and is admitting it by taking in token the soil of Israel because he is confessing it is "better" than his native soil. Copyright © 2002 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.