Summary
The chapter opens with Naaman, a respected Syrian military leader suffering from leprosy, learning of an Israelite prophet who can heal him. The Syrian king sends Naaman, along with a generous ransom, to the king of Israel, who reacts skeptically and advises Elisha to investigate. Elisha invites Naaman to his house, where a messenger instructs him to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed. Despite initial reluctance and anger—preferring to be cleansed by the more famed rivers of Damascus—Naaman obeys, and his skin is restored. He publicly declares the Lord of Israel as God and offers a blessing, but Elisha refuses the gift. The chapter then turns to Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, who deceitfully approaches Naaman to claim a reward, causing Naaman’s leprosy to be transferred to Gehazi and his family.