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.

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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?

Elisha- Naaman has Leprosy

By Mary Vee

II Kings 5

From A Servant in the house of Naaman's House Journal

photo courtesy

My master, Naaman, is the commander of the king's army in Aram. He is considered great and is highly regarded because of the many victories over our enemies. Naaman is also a valiant soldier. So many of the soldiers look up to him. Unfortunately he has leprosy.

During one of our army's raids, a soldier brought back a young Israelite girl to serve Naaman's wife. The girl heard about the master's leprosy and said to her mistress, "I have a suggestion for my master."

"What is it, girl. Tell me what you know."

"If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria. He would cure him of his leprosy."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, ma'am."

The mistress wrote a message and asked me to give it to Naaman, telling him about the prophet who could help cure his leprosy. 

Naaman read the note and asked me, "She knows of a prophet that can help me?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Then I want you to go with me to visit my master."

We travelled to his master's house and asked permission to speak with him.

"Naaman! How can I help you?"

"I have a request. A new servant girl in my home said there is a prophet from Israel who can rid me of leprosy."

"That's good news. Hurry, don't wait another moment and be sure to do all he says. I need you well. I'll send a letter to the king of Israel to help grant you an audience with the prophet. Here, take ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing with you to give to the prophet."

The king told his scribe to write: With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of leprosy."

Naaman bowed. "Thank you, my lord. I will take these things and do as you've said."

We left immediately for the castle in Samaria to speak with the king of Israel. Naaman walked as though with a happy spring to his step. He actually told a few jokes, laughing with us.

It didn't take too long for us to arrive and request an audience with the king. He handed the king the letter from the king of Aram.

The scribe read the words to the king. The king nearly fell out of his chair. "What! Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this man send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!"

We didn't expect the king to become angry. All we wanted was to speak with the prophet who could cure my master. We've had our battles, and of course we've won. Still, the king didn't need to get so upset.

We waited to see what would happen next. I'll keep you posted.

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1. Naaman was the __________________

2. A little servant girl told Naaman's wife _________________

3. Naaman asked his master for permission to _____________________

4. Naaman took some men and went to see ______________________

5. Why was the king of Israel so upset? __________________________