Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army was leprous and there was no one to cure him. An Israelite maid of Naaman revealed to his wife that there was a prophet in Israel who could heal his leprosy if Naaman could be taken there. The Syrian king got wind of the story and sent Naaman to Israel with a letter for immediate cure. This message frightened the king of Israel who asked whether he was God that heals. He suspected that it was a diplomatic way for the king of Syria to invade his domain.
Elisha, the prophet learnt of this and requested that Naaman be sent to him. Instead of the prophet to pray for Naaman, he sent a messenger to tell him to go and wash seven times in River Jordan.
Angered by this action of Elisha, Naaman queried whether Syrian rivers were not better than River Jordan. He then decided to turn back to go home, but his servant reminded him about the importance of the assignment and that what he was asked to do was simple. Naaman yielded to the advice of his servant. He dipped himself in river Jordan seven times as recommended and his leprosy was healed. To show his gratitude to God, Naaman offered some gifts to Elisha, but it was rejected by the prophet. Naaman then requested to be allowed to carry some earth from Israel to Syria. Following this miraculous action, Naaman decided to worship the God of Isreal.
Naaman departed with his gifts but Gehazi, Elisha’s servant went and met him and lied that his master had sent him to demand for some of the gifts and he was given. Elisha saw what his servant did but when Gehazi was asked, he lied to his master.
The consequences of Gehazi’s greed include:
(i) Gehazi’s sin was revealed.
(ii) Elisha cursed him and his family.
(iii) He was dismissed from the service of his master and kept off from the society.
(iv) Naaman’s leprosy was transferred to Gehazi.
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