Naaman’s story is told in 2 Kings 5
Naaman: The Proud Commander Who Found Healing Through Humility
Sometimes, the help we need comes in the most unexpected ways—and often through people we don’t expect. That’s what happened to Naaman, a powerful army commander who learned that true healing starts with humility and obedience.
Naaman’s story is found in 2 Kings 5, and it teaches us that no one is too important—or too far from God—for a life-changing encounter with His grace.
Naaman’s Position and Problem
Naaman was a famous commander of the army of Aram (Syria). He was strong, successful, and highly respected. But he had a problem he couldn’t fix—he had leprosy.
Leprosy was a serious skin disease that had no cure in those days. No matter how powerful or wealthy Naaman was, his sickness made him feel helpless. Sometimes, our biggest problems remind us how much we need help beyond ourselves.
A Servant Girl’s Simple Suggestion
One day, a young girl from Israel, who had been taken as a servant during a raid, said something surprising. She told Naaman’s wife, “If only my master would go see the prophet in Samaria, he would be healed.”
This girl had every reason to stay silent—she was young, far from home, and had no power. But she had faith in the God of Israel. Her courage and kindness pointed Naaman toward hope.
The Trip to Israel
Naaman listened. He got permission from his king, packed expensive gifts, and traveled to Israel to meet the prophet.
But when he got there, things didn’t go as expected. The prophet Elisha didn’t even come to the door. Instead, he sent a message: “Go wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River, and your flesh will be restored.”
Naaman was offended. He expected Elisha to come out, wave his hand, and say something dramatic. He thought the rivers in Syria were better than the Jordan. In short, he wanted healing—but on his own terms.
A Change of Heart
Naaman turned to leave in anger. But his servants spoke wisely: “If the prophet had told you to do something difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? Why not try this simple thing?”
Naaman listened.
He humbled himself, went to the Jordan River, and dipped under the water seven times—just like Elisha said. And when he came up the seventh time, his skin was completely healed, as smooth as a child’s.
More than that, something changed in his heart. He returned to Elisha and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” Naaman wasn’t just healed on the outside—he came to believe in the true God.
What We Can Learn from Naaman’s Story
Naaman’s story gives us some important lessons for today:
- Pride can get in the way of our healing. Naaman almost walked away because he didn’t like how simple God’s instructions were. Sometimes, we expect big, dramatic answers—but God asks us to take small steps of faith.
- God uses unexpected people. A young servant girl, and later Naaman’s own servants, helped lead him toward healing. We should never underestimate who God can speak through.
- Obedience brings blessing. When Naaman humbled himself and followed God’s way, he received more than healing—he found faith.
- God’s grace is for everyone. Naaman wasn’t from Israel, but God cared about him deeply. His story shows that God’s love isn’t limited by background, nationality, or status.
Final Thoughts
Naaman started off proud and powerful—but it was humility and simple trust that brought him healing. His story reminds us that God’s help may not come in the way we expect, but it always comes with purpose and love.
So, here’s a question for us:
Are we willing to lay down our pride and follow God’s way, even if it feels small or strange?
Sometimes, the first step to healing is simply saying, “Yes, Lord.”