Luke-I Don't Know How But He Walked Through That Crowd

By Mary Vee
Luke 4

From Luke's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee
To the right of the tree in the middle there is one
hill in the distance with a city. It is the
expanded/upper portions of Nazareth. Zoom in
to see a tiny piece of the city.

My name is Luke, I am a disciple of Jesus and a physician. I am here to tell you about the days I spent with Jesus. 

The last time I wrote, we were in the Nazareth synagogue. Jesus read the word's from the scroll chosen for the day. The words were from Isaiah and talked about the anointed one who would save.

The men had a lot of questions thinking Jesus would be the one who would lead a rebellion that would conquer the Romans. Then they realized who he was. They suddenly remembered him as a child and said, "Isn't this Joseph's son?"

Even I could see their meaning. They wanted him to go about healing people, but not listen to his words. They thought only of themselves.

Jesus said, "The next thing you'll say, I'm sure is the proverb: "Physician heal yourself. Do here in your hometown what we heard you did in Capernaum.'

Jesus stood, "What I'm about to say is true. There isn't a prophet who has been accepted in his hometown. Back in the day of Elijah, there were widows living in all Israel. The sky didn't rain for three and a half years and a severe famine hit every household. You read and know what happened. Elijah was not sent to any of those widows for bread. He was sent to a widow in Zarephath over on the Great Sea to the north of Tyre in the region of Sidon.

"And what about Elisha? You've heard of him? Many with leprosy lived in the land of Israel and not one made whole, except the man Naaman, the Syrian. A captain of his army. An enemy."

The words were true and the men listening knew it, but they didn't want to hear it. He didn't sound like a conquerer they wanted. One that would stomp on the Romans and drive them out. Their anger grew into rage. They stood and raised their fists. A few grabbed him and pushed him toward the cliff. 

I thought they would throw him over. Right before my eyes, he walked through the angry men like water through a crack in a rock, away from the cliff. He kept walking, away from Nazareth. The other disciples and I ran to catch up with him, a bit confused I'll admit. How did he got away from that angry crowd?

Come back to read the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.

Three Times-Just as Elisha Said

by Mary Vee
II Kings 13

From the scrolls of Jehoash, king of Israel

Photo Courtesy

The raiders from Aram are driving me crazy. Ben-Hadad, king of the Arameans has tormented us longer than we can endure. 

I went to Elisha recently. The prophet lay on his death bed, still willing to tell me what to do. He told me to shoot an arrow out the window. I did as he said. Elisha gave the blessing that we would defeat Ben-Hadad at the next battle. 

One battle does not win a war, though. Elisha asked me to strike my bundle of arrows on the ground, I did as he said, three times. Elisha grew red with anger. He asked my why I hadn't hit the ground more. He then said the Israelites would only win three more battles against Ben-Hadad.

I wish I had hit the ground more.

I returned to my palace and prepared for the battles. 

The next morning, a few citizens stood in line to bring their issue to my attention. The tall one in the group spoke for them. 

"As you know, my lord, Moabite raiders enter Israel during the spring."

"Yes, I know. Tell me what happened."

"We were burying a man yesterday." He looked at the others in his group then turned back to to me. "We saw a group of Moabite raiders sneaking behind some bushes near where we were burying our friend. You know how cruel they've been. The Moabites don't take prisoners. They torture their victims then kill them." He cowered back a little. His friends encouraged him to keep speaking. "Elisha's tomb was right there. We tossed our dead friend into Elisha's tomb and planned to run away. But the moment our friend's body touched Elisha's bones--our friend came to life. He stood right in front of our eyes!"

I found his story a bit difficult to believe even if their friend had touched the prophet Elisha. "Have you any proof of this?" I asked.

The group of men pushed one of their company forward. "I am he, my lord."

At that moment I remembered Elisha's words, declaring we would win the next three battles against Ben-Hadad. I dismissed everyone and called for my officers. "Gather your troops. We are going to war. We will no longer remain under the tyranny of Ben-Hadad. Have your men ready to march first thing in the morning."

The next day we marched to three cities which had been captured by Ben-Hadad's cruel army. Before each battle, I gathered the soldiers together and reminded them the cities belonged to us and, according to Elisha, the Lord said he would give the cities back to us. 

Fired up and ready for battle we faced Ben-Hadad's men and won all three battles, reclaiming Israelite cities as ours.

Just as Elisha said.

*****************************************************
1. What king caused trouble for the Israelites?
2. What happened to the citizens who tried to bury their friend?
3. What had Elisha told King Jehoash about the battles?
4. Who did the cities first belong to?
5. Who had captured the cities?
6. Who said Jehoash could have the cities back?

Elisha-His Last Duty

by Mary Vee

II Kings13

From Elisha's Assistant's Journal

Photo Courtesy

I have been assisting the prophet Elisha as he grew older. I see that he has food, take care of his needs, and go with him when he has duties to perform.

Elisha has become quite ill in his old age. He spends more time in bed than ever before.

Jehoash, king of Israel came to the door, yesterday. "I heard Elisha is ill. I'd like to see him."

I showed him to Elisha's bed chamber and stepped back. I didn't leave the room in case either of the men needed something.

King Jehoash ran to Elisha's bedside and wept. "My father! My father! What should I do? The army of Aram is heavy upon us. We will all die. Tell me what to do."

Elisha opened his eyes and spoke. "Get a bow and some arrows."

King Jehoash left the room and returned with the bow and arrows. He kneeled at Elisha's bedside and said, "Look I have done as you asked."

Elisha said, "Take the bow in your hands." 

King Jehoash remained by the bedside but picked up the bow. Elisha put his hands on the king's hands and said, "Open the east window."

The king slid his hands away from Elisha's, walked to the window, and opened it.

Elisha softly said, "Shoot an arrow."

As the king obeyed, Elisha said, "The Lord's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram! You will completely destroy the Arameans at the battle of Aphek."

The king smiled and returned to Elisha's bedside. Elisha said, "Take up your remaining arrows."

Jehoash obeyed and waited for the next instruction. 

Elisha said, "Strike the ground."

Jehoash picked up the arrows and struck the ground three times and stopped. 

Elisah's face turned red with anger. "You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroy his army. But now you will defeat it only three times."

King Jehoash closed his eyes and sighed. I helped him to leave the room.

As the sun set that day, Elisha closed his eyes and breathed his last breath ending his life here. 

I know, though, that one day I shall see him in heaven.

**************************************************************

1. Who came to visit Elisha?

2. What problem did the king have?

3. What did Elisha tell him to do with the bow?

4. What did Elisha tell him to do with the arrows?

5. What battle did Elisha say the king would win?

6. What did the king do wrong?

7. What happened later that day to Elisha?

Elisha- Hazael Carries Out His Evil Deed

By Mary Vee
II Kings 9

From Elisha's Journals

Photo Courtesy

Hazael, the new king of Aram didn't waste any time pulling together his army to attack Israel.

Joram, king of Israel panicked. He called Ahaziah, king of Judah to come help defend their country. As a brother and son of Abraham, Ahaziah quickly agreed to help. The kings prepared their army for battle. 

They met at Ramoth Gilead. During this battle Joram, king of Israel was wounded. The Israelite army continued to fight while king Joram was taken to Jezreel to recover from his wounds.

Ahaziah, king of Judah, stayed at the battle as long as needed then went to Jezreel to see how Joram was feeling.

With Joram away from his post, the Lord gave me a new task. I summoned a man from the group of prophets, took him to a private room, and said, "Tuck your clock in your belt so that you may run. Take this flask of oil with you and go to Ramoth Gilead. When you get there, look for Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat. Get him away from all his friends and companions. Take him into an inner room. There, pour the oil from the flask on his head and say, 'This is what the Lord says: I anoint you king over Israel.' Then open the door and run. Don't delay."

The young prophet ran to Ramoth Gilead as I asked. He hurried to where the army officers sat. "I have a message for you, commander," he said.

"For which of us?" Jehu asked.

"For you, commander."

Jehu got up and walked with the prophet messenger into the house. The prophet asked him to kneel. Jehu did as he was asked. The prophet poured the oil on Jehu's head and said, "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says, 'I anoint you king over the Lord's people Israel. You are to destroy the house of Ahab, your master, and I will avenger the blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all the Lord's servants shed by Jezebel. 

'The whole house of Ahab will perish. I will cut off the house of Ahab. As for Jezebel, his wife, dogs will devour her on the plot of ground at Jezreel, and no one will bury her."  The young prophet immediately ran to the door, opened it, and ran back to me. 

This story will continue next time.

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1. Why was Joram king of Israel afraid?
2. Who did he ask for help?
3. Why did the person agree to help?
4. Where did they go?
5. What happened to Joram?
6. While he was gone, God told Elisha to send a young prophet with a _______ to _______
7. What message was the young prophet to give?

Elisha-If Only They Had Worshipped God

By Mary Vee
II Kings 8

From Elisha's Journals

Photo Courtesy

Jehoram, king of Israel died after only his second year of his reign. His son, Ahaziah, became king. Although he was the youngest son of Jehoram, all his older brothers had been killed by raiders, leaving him next in line for the throne. 

I didn't look forward to Ahaziah's reign. He was only twenty-two years old and had already chosen to rely on his mother's advice. She did not fear God and would cause her son to continue leading Israel away from worshiping and honoring the God of our fathers. Such sad news. 

God instructed me to go to Damascus in the north to visit Ben-Hadad, king of Aram. I don't always know ahead of time why God sends me on journeys, but He always has a purpose.

Ben-Hadad was an evil king. His people, the Arameans have a close connection to our people. The father of their people was Laban. Laban was the brother of Abraham, the father of the Israelites. Our nations are as cousins. We should be friends, yet Ben-Hadad continues to battle against us.

When Ben-Hadad heard I had come for a visit, he said to Hazael, a ranking official in his army to "Take a gift and go meet the man of god. Ask him to consult the Lord to find out if I will recover from this illness."

Hazael brought forty camel-loads of all the finest wares from Damascus for a gift. He bowed to me and said, "Your son, Ben-Hadad king of Aram, has sent me to ask if he will recover from his illness."

The Lord gave me an answer right away. "Go and say to him, 'You will certainly recover.' I must tell you, though, the Lord has told me Ben-Hadad will indeed die, but not from the sickness." 

I stared at him with a fixed gaze until Hazael felt ashamed. During this moment of silence, God revealed the most terrible news of what would happen. I couldn't help but weep.

Hazael stretched his hand forward. "Why is my lord weeping?"

I didn't want to tell him, but when the Lord gives me a message, I must deliver it. "I am weeping because I know the harm you will do to the Israelites. You will set fire to their fortified cities, kill our young men, kill the pregnant women and the children."

Hazael took a step back and lowered his head. "How could I, your servant, a mere dog, do such a thing?"

"The Lord has shown me that you will become king of Aram."

Just as every other word of the Lord has come true, so did this. Hazael left me and returned to his master. Ben-Hadad asked him what I had said. He answered, "He told me that you would certainly recover." But the next day Hazael took a thick cloth, soaked it in water, and spread it over the king's face. Ben-Hadad died and Hazael succeed him as king.

Just as God said.

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1. Wow. Life doesn't seem to be going well in Israel with ______ as their new king and in Aram with __________ as the new king.
2. Who deliver this special message from God?
3. What was Ben-Hadad's problem?
4. How old was the new king of Israel?
5. Did he worship God? Why or why not?

Elisha-The Arameans Ran Away, Scared

By Mary Vee
II Kings 7

From the King's Officer's Scrolls

Photo Courtesy

I went to the King's chambers with the report from the lepers. 

It was the middle of the night, yet he got up from his bed. He listened to the news and said, "I will tell you what the Arameans have done to us. They know we are starving and have left the camp to hide in the countryside thinking, 'They will surely come out. When they do, We will take them alive and get into the city.'"

He had a good point. "I suggest we choose some men to take five of the horses that are left in the city and go to the camp. Their fate will be no different if they run into the Arameans. They will either die in the camp or die from starvation here. So let's send them to find out what has happened.

"I like your idea," the king said. "Do as you said."

We selected two chariots with their horses and four soldiers to go with me to the Aramean camp. As we prepared to leave the king said "Go and find out what has happened."

"Yes, my king."

We journeyed to the camp, as far as the Jordan, and found the whole road strewn with clothing, weapons, and equipment. We stepped down from the chariots and looked at the situation. "It looks like they were frightened off by something."

I picked up a few items to take back to the city to prove our findings. I hurried to the king's chambers and held up the few items I brought back. "The lepers have spoken the truth. The Armeans have abandoned their camp as if frightened and left everything: food, clothing, gold, silver, and weapons behind!"

It didn't take long for the news to travel throughout the city. The king put one of his officers in charge of the city gate. It was the same officer who told Elisha he didn't believe his message. 

I remember Elisha saying the officer would die because of his disrespectful words. Soon after the people heard the news they ran to the gate. They pushed the officer down trying to get out of the city. There he died. 

Men and women ran to the camp and emptied it of every morsel of food, every stitch of clothing, every piece of weapon, the animals, everything.

We heard a report later, what happened to the Arameans. The Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army. They said to one another "The King of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!" They got up and fled in the dusk, shortly before the lepers arrived, and ran for their lives."

Because of the Lord, we have food. Praise be to God.

**********************************
1. Did the king believe the message?
2. What did the officer suggest they do?
3. What did the five officers find at the camp?
4. What did the officer do right away?
5. What happened to the officer who did not believe Elisha?
6. What did God give the people of Samaria?
7. What had happened to the Aramean army?

Elisha-Listen to the Lepers

By Mary Vee
II Kings 7

From the Lepers Journals

Photo Courtesy

Men, women, and children who have leprosy were not allowed in the city gates.

We go about begging for food, wherever we can whether in the field or the city. 

We knew the people of Samaria had mostly run out of food and how they suffered. The evil king Ben-Hadad planted his army around the city to prevent anyone from leaving and any supplies from getting inside. 

Still, we were hungry. Really, hungry. There were four of us who chanced going to the city gate to beg for food. Of course no one from the city would give us any. 

We looked at each other and thought for a few minutes. One of my friends said, "If we stay here, we will starve and die. If we try to sneak inside the city, we'll starve and die because there is a famine there. I think we should go to the enemy's camp and surrender. If they spare us, we'll live and will get food. If they kill us then we'll die.

As crazy as the idea sounded, we all agreed with what he said. We waited until the sun had mostly set, the time when the little bit of light confuses what people see. We crept from our hiding places and moved from one bush to another until we reached the camp. 

Strange. No one from the camp made a sound. There wasn't a party, talking, or even snoring. We walked closer to the first tent and listened. Not a sound. Then we became really brave. We opened the tent flap and peeked inside. No one was there. We found food and drink, silver, gold, clothes. 

It was amazing! We sat down and ate and drank until our stomachs filled. Then we gathered the clothes, gold, and silver and hid them. Afterwards, we returned and entered another tent and took some things from it and put them in the same hiding place. 

We brushed the dirt from our hands and prepared to walk back to the next tent. That's when I felt guilty. "We're not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let's go at once and report all that we've found to the royal palace."

The others agreed with me at once. We walked back to the city gate and called to the gatekeepers. "We went into the Aramean camp. Not a man was there! Not a sound of anyone, only tethered horses and donkeys. The tents left just as if the Arameans had left unexpectedly."

The gatekeeper shouted the news, passing it on from messenger to the next until the news reached the palace.

The story will continue next time.

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1. What did the lepers ask the city people for?
2. Why didn't the city people help them?
3. What did the lepers decide to do?
4. What did they find at the camp?
5. What did did the lepers do with what they found?
6. Who did the lepers tell?
7. Do you think the king will believe them?

Elisha-The King Who Died Hungry

By Mary Vee
II Kings 6

From Elisha's Scrolls

Photo Courtesy

I sat in my house with the elders of the city. We discussed the Word of God and problems our city faced. 

Ben-Hadad, king of Aram took great joy in making life difficult for us here in Samaria. Not that long ago he sent the captain of his army, a man named Naaman, to be healed from leprosy. God chose to heal the man.

Despite this kindness given to the Arameans, Ben-Hadad gathered his army and circled the city. His goal was to starve us to death, break down the gates, and steal all that we had. Not the best way to say thank you for helping his captain.

They have been here for quite a while and our food is mostly gone. No one, not even the rich can afford to buy what little food is left in the city. Of course, no one can leave the city walls lest they be killed by Ben-Hadad's army.

God chose to let me know the Israelite king had felt overwhelmed and turned to rage. He sent a messenger to my house, he should arrive soon. The king is following close behind him. 

Once God finished letting me know, I leaped to my feet and shouted to the elders, "A murderer is sending someone to cut off my head. When the messenger arrives, shut the door and hold it shut against him because his master will be close behind."

While I was speaking, the messenger pounded on my door. The king did the same within a moment's time. The king shouted through the door, "This disaster is from the Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord to give an answer any longer? We are starving."

I said to him, "Hear the word of the Lord. About this time tomorrow, flour and barley will sell in the city streets as it once had."

I peeked through the window and saw the king leaning on an officer. He had little strength left due to his hunger. 

The officer who the king leaned on said, "Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, how could your words possibly come true?"

Yes. The doubt. When will these Israelites learn to believe the Word of the Lord and trust Him to take care of them?

I sighed. "You will see this all right. With you own eyes. But, you will not eat any of it."

The king's eyes squinted his continued unbelief. Foolish man. 

The king and his guards left my door, mumbling and complaining. Little did they realize God's answer to their problem was about to be shown to them.

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1. What did the Elders and Elisha talk about?
2. What did God tell Elisha would happen?
3. What had God done for Ben-Hadad's captain?
4. Did Ben-Hadad show his thanks?
5. What did Ben-Hadad do to the city of Samaria where the Israelite king and Elisha lived?
6. What happened to the people of Samaria?
7. When the king of Israel went to see Elisha, what did Elisha tell him?

Why Do We Tell Bible and Missionary Stories?

By Mary Vee

Happy New Year!!






We celebrate the start of a fifth year of this blog.

Sharing Bible stories on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 

Missionary stories on Mondays

These stories are told in the first person to help take you back in time to the event.

See the sites

Smell the scents

Taste the food

Touch the objects

Hear the sounds

The purpose of this blog is:

to help you experience these very real events 

to help you understand in maybe a small measure why God included this important event in His word.

to help you want to learn more and grow closer to God

For this reason you will not see advertisement on this page. 

This blog is all about God, His word, and how its importance in our lives.

In five years we have:

Walked from creation to Elisha's life events 
Walked with Gladys Aylward through her missionary journey in China
Walked a portion of J. Hudson Taylor's journey
Played Bible games (see tab at the top to find the games)
Discussed ways to keep safe (see tab at the top)



This year we will:

Continue Elisha's story
Continue and probably finish J. Hudson Taylor's journey.

May God bless you and your family in this new year. 

We look forward to your visits.

Elisha-Ben-Hadad Attacks Again

By Mary Vee
II Kings 6

As you read of this event, keep in mind, this king of Israel did not worship the one true God.

From the King of Israel's Scrolls

Photo Courtesy

This morning, I woke to terrible news. Ben-Hadad, king of Aram had marched his army here, to Samaria, and surrounded the city. They set up their camp and prepared for a siege. 

Unbelievable.

Naaman, the captain of his army had leprosy and came to us for help. He went to the prophet Elisha's house and spoke with him. The Lord healed the man. Why is Ben-Hadad attacking after we helped him?

Oh, I know Ben-Hadad's battle plan, all right. He'll stay camped out there, not doing a thing. All he has to do is make sure we can't get out and no one comes in to the city. As a result, we will not be able to get our food supplies replenished. He'll starve us to death them knock down the gate and take the plunder.

Each morning since Ben-Hadad arrived, I went to the city wall and looked out at the terrible sight. A sea of tents filled the valley. Not that I expected to see anything different. But I had hoped something would happen. A month had passed.

Food became scarce for us. Prices for a small handful of food became too expensive for even the wealthy people. Men and women in the city became angry. They had no place to go to find any food. We couldn't even search the fields or woods because we couldn't get out of the city.

A woman came to me and cried. "Help me, my lord the king!"

I asked her what she wanted. She told me about a dispute with her neighbor. So terrible were her words I tore my robe. I didn't realize what the people were doing and what they were willing to eat. This had to be Elisha's fault. Why hadn't he asked God to save us?

Rage boiled in my veins as my stomach growled. I paced like a hungry lion.

The only one who could do anything was Elisha. I called for a messenger. We he arrived I ordered him to, "Go to Elisha and tell him we are starving. If he will do nothing about this problem, I will drag him here and put him to death."

The messenger left, running toward Elisha's house.

Outside the city gate, men suffering from leprosy called up. "Please, please have mercy. Give us a crumb of bread!"

I couldn't help them. We didn't have food to give. And if I did have food, I would eat it myself, first.


Come back next time to see what Elisha, the servant of God does.

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1. Who came to attack Samaria.
2. Samaria was the home for the king of _________.
3. What was the problem in the city?
4. What did the king decide to do?
5. Why couldn't the people get out of the city?
6. What did the men with leprosy want?

Elisha:Gehazi's Greed + Lies = Trouble

By Mary Vee
II Kings 5

From Gehazi's Journals

Photo courtesy

Naaman, the Armean commander healed of leprosy, left Elisha's house a while ago. I couldn't stop thinking about all the marvelous gifts he wanted to give Elisha.

I'm not exactly sure why my master refused the gifts. He said something about the Lord healing Naaman. I understand that. Still, when someone offers valuable gifts, one should accept them. It's only polite

Think of all he could have done with the money and clothes he would have received. Even if he didn't want them he could have given them to someone else. Maybe even me.

The thoughts swirled around in my head, driving me crazy. Poor Naaman only wanted to show his appreciation. What could be wrong with that? I had to do something. A great plan came to mind. I'd run to catch up with Naaman and those traveling with him and make up a story. If Elisha won't take the gifts, I will. 

When the time came for my outdoor chores, I turned to the road and ran in the direction Naaman traveled. The sun moved across the sky before I finally caught up with him. Not long after, I had them in sight. His group halted their horses and waited for me to catch up.

Naaman stepped down from his fancy chariot. "You are Elisha servant, right?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Is everything all right?"

"Yes." I inhaled a few times to catch my breath. "My master sent me to say 'Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.'"

Naaman's eyebrows rose. "By all means. Here take two talents." He tied the talents into two bags and ordered his men to give me two sets of clothing. His servants selected two pieces of clothing and walked ahead of me carrying them. 

I appreciated the servants carrying the clothing, but I didn't want Elisha to see. When we came to the top of the hill, I took the things from the servants, put them away in the house, and dismissed the servants.

I went back into the house and found Elisha standing there.

He had a suspicious look in his eyes. "Where have you been, Gehazi?"

I kept a serious look on my face. "I didn't go anywhere."

Elisha stroke his beard and leaned on his cane. "Wasn't my spirit with you when Naaman got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time we should accept gifts of money, clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or servants? 

I couldn't figure how he knew all of this.

Elisha stared deeply into my eyes. He knew all that I had done! 

"Because you went to Naaman and took the gifts, his leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever." Elisha looked away.

I had hoped he wasn't serious, after all Naaman offered the gifts. 

I walked away from him and looked down at my hands. My skin had turned white as snow. I had leprosy.

************************************************************

1. What did Gehazi stew about after Naaman left?
2. Why hadn't Elisha accepted the gifts from Naaman?
3. What did Gehazi decide to do?
4. What did Naaman do when Gehazi told the lies? (Naaman did not know Gehazi lied)
5. What did Gehazi do when the servants reached the hill?
6. Where did Gehazi put the things received from Naaman?
7. What did Elisha ask Gehazi?
8. What did Elisha know ahead of time?
9. What punishment did Gehazi receive?

Elisha: Naaman Thanks Elisha

By Mary Vee
II Kings 5

From Naaman's Journals

Photo Courtesy

My head poked through the muddy Jordan waters and I took a breath. 

The servants cheered. At first I didn't know why. I wiped the water dripping from my head into my eyes. The skin from my hands felt soft, like a little boy's skin. I quickly looked at my arms, my legs, my chest. I had been healed!

I hurried from the water and put on my robe. "We must go back to the prophet's house at once." A commander generally doesn't dance about, laughing and acting like a child, but how could I not? I had been healed from leprosy!

The chariots raced through the fields and city streets. "Hurry, I must get to the prophet and thank him right away."

My joy overwhelmed me so much I could barely speak. The horses stopped in front of Elisha, the prophet's house. I leaped to the ground and rushed to the door. "No need, to knock for me," I commanded my servant. "I want to do this myself."

The door opened, and this time Elisha stood at the door. His beard draped past his neck and he held a cane. I bowed to the man of God. "Sir, now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel." I took a deep breath, so grateful for what God had done for me. "Please, accept a gift, for I am your servant."

The prophet closed his eyes for a moment. He shook his head and said, "As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing."

"Please, I only wish to thank you for your kindness."

"I cannot. The Lord is the one deserving of your kindness, not me."

I didn't want to forget this moment, nor to let my gratefulness disappear. I looked at the ground and said, "If you will not accept my gifts, please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry. I will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord."

He nodded his approval. 

Then I remembered something. An issue that could cause a problem. "May the Lord forgive me, your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm causing me to bow with him, may the Lord forgive me for this. I am sincere, I will only worship the God who saved me from now on."

The prophet nodded again and said, "Go in peace."

I left with more than peace in my heart. I had joy. I couldn't wait to show my commander what God had done for me. My skin--my leprosy had been healed by God.


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1. Where was Naaman healed?
2. Where did he go right away?
3. What did Naaman offer Elisha?
4. Why did Elisha refuse it?
5. What concerned Naaman?
6. What did Elisha tell Naaman about the concern?
7. Did Naaman leave a gift?
8. Who healed Naaman?

Elisha-Namaan's Leprosy is Healed!

By Mary Vee
I Kings 5

From Naaman's Journals

Photo Courtesy

This whole plan seemed utterly ridiculous to me. I am a commander. The Israelite prophet didn't even step out his door to speak with me. Neither did he invite me into his house. I, the favored commander in the king of Aram's army was disregarded like a common simpleton.

Imagine. This prophet. What his name? Oh,yes. Elisha. The prophet Elisha sent a mere messenger to his door to give me instructions to go to the Jordan river and wash seven times. I deserved better treatment. 

He expected me to go to the muddy waters of the Jordan and wash? Can anything be cleaned in the Jordan? I think not. 

"Commander?" My servant, who walked beside my horse, shaded his eyes from the sun as he looked in my direction. 

"Speak. Make it quick." I didn't feel like listening to his words, but granted permission anyway.

"My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? And now, how much easier could it be, when he tells you to simply go to the Jordan, 'Wash and be cleansed'!" The servant kept his eyes fixed on me for a short time before looking back to the ground.

He had a good point. When I left my home I stood prepared to do anything, pay any price, offer my service, all in exchange to have the leprosy cured. The Israelite prophet only asked me to bathe in the muddy waters of Jordan. What could it hurt?

"Head for the river Jordan." All the horses and chariots turned on the road leading to the river. At the river banks I dismounted and stepped on the sandy shore. The cool waters touched my feet.

My servants assisted me as I stepped into the chilly waters. "Keep track of the number. I don't want to do this any more thank I have to."

"Yes, my lord." 

I bent my knees dipped my head below the mirky waters, unable to see anything. As I stood I rubbed my eyes and rubbed the cold water off my skin. There had been no change. 

I lowered myself under the water surface again, and again, listening to my servant keep count and wiping the sediment from my skin. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. 

The water dripped from my skin into the river as I stood. "Master. Your skin!"

I didn't know what they saw. I felt a difference on my skin, but still needed to wipe the water from my eyes. 

"Take my hand," my servant called. "I'll help you to shore."

I rubbed my eyes then reached for his hand. That was when I saw the difference. The skin on my arm no longer had the disease. I inspected my other arm. It, too, appeared pure. "Look!"

My servant pulled me to the shore. "I see, master. The leprosy has left you. Your arms and legs have the skin of a young boy."

Now, normally I would not dance about like a child over something good that happens. I am, after all a commander and must behave accordingly. This time, though, I could not contain myself. I danced about, showing the cleansed skin from my arms to every man with me. For the first time in quite a while--I laughed.

"The prophet of Israel spoke the truth." I said in my merriment. "His God has healed me! Come, we must return to the prophet's house at once and thank him."

Come back next time to read what happened at Elisha's house.

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1. What did Naaman think of Elisha's plan?
2. What did he feel he could think this way?
3. What did his servant tell him?
4. Why did Naaman change his mind?
5. What happened at the river Jordan?
6. After the seventh time Naaman dipped into the water, he saw_________
7. What did Naaman decide to do next?

Elisha: Naaman is Insulted

By Mary Vee
II Kings 5

From A Messenger's Journal

Photo Courtesy

The king of Israel was outraged. 

He sent me to Elisha's home with a message complaining about a commander from the army of Aram. 

Elisha invited me into the house. "What news do you have?"

I bowed to him in respect and said, "Naaman, commander of the Armean army, brought a letter from his master asking the king of Israel to heal Naaman's leprosy. The king was furious, he tore his clothes and screamed, 'Am I God? Why did the king of Aram send this man to me to be cured of leprosy? He's obviously trying to pick a fight.'"

Elisha sighed. "Go back to the king and give him this message, 'Why do you tear your robe? Send the man to me so that he will know there is a prophet in Israel.'"

I ran back to the king, excited to give the message. This would please the king of Israel and ease his anger.

The gatekeeper allowed me through the palace door without questions. I hurried to the king's chamber and requested to deliver my report.

The king waved his hand, allowing me to enter his chamber. "What did Elisha say?"

I repeated Elisha's message and was happy to see the king smile. 

He turned to his guard. "Send for Naaman."

Naaman and the men with him arrived soon after, bowed before the king, and stepped into his chambers. "You called for us?"

"Yes. You are to go to the prophet Elisha's home. He will care for your problem. This messenger will lead the way." He pointed to me.  "Go at once."

I led the commander from the palace, through the city, and on the road to Elisha's house. Naaman had his horses and chariots, he appeared rather official and important. I felt honored to lead his party.

We stopped in front of Elisha's house. "This is the home you seek." 

Naaman dismounted and walked to the door. Before he knocked a messenger opened the door. "Naaman, commander of king Aram's arm?"

"Yes, I am. I wish to speak with Elisha the prophet."

"I have a message for you from Elisha. He says, 'Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan. Then your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed." The messenger closed the door.

Naaman's eyes widened. His face reddened. "Is that all?" he shouted. "I thought that he would surly come to to me. Stand beside me and call on the name of the Lord his God. Perhaps wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy." He balled his fist. "Aren't the Abana and Pharpar rivers near Damascus better than any of the waters in Israel.? Can't I simply wash in them and be cleansed?" 

He paced a few steps then shook his head. "Oh forget it. I should have know this wouldn't work." He mounted his horse, still red-faced and grumbling to himself.

Such a simple task for Naaman to do. I would have run to the river. 

Come back next time to find out what Naaman does.

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1. Why was the king of Israel outraged?
2. What did he ask the messenger to do?
3. What message did Elisha send back to the king?
4. What all did Naaman have with him when he followed the messenger?
5. Who answered the door?
6. What message did Elisha give Naaman.
7. What did Naaman do?