What does 2 Kings 5:20 mean?
"¶ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him." - 2 Kings 5:20
2 Kings 5:20 (KJV) reads: "But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him."
This verse comes from the midst of the story of Naaman, a commander in the Syrian army who is a leper. Naaman's wife's servant girl, who is from Israel, tells her about the prophet Elisha and how he can cure Naaman's leprosy. Naaman travels to see Elisha, who instructs him to dip himself in the Jordan river seven times, and he is miraculously healed. After being healed, Naaman seeks to give gifts to Elisha as a token of gratitude. However, Elisha refuses to accept any payment, insisting that the healing is a gift from God.
This verse specifically focuses on Gehazi, who is Elisha's servant. Despite Elisha's refusal to accept any gifts from Naaman, Gehazi decides to chase after Naaman and ask for a portion of the gifts. This decision ultimately leads to Gehazi being struck with leprosy as punishment for his greed and deception.
The themes present in this verse are greed, deception, and the consequences of one's actions. Gehazi's actions illustrate the destructive nature of greed and the importance of integrity and obedience to God. By choosing to pursue material gain over righteousness, Gehazi brings about his own downfall.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The story of Naaman and Gehazi takes place in a time of great political and religious tension between Israel and Syria. Naaman, as a commander in the Syrian army, represents a foreign enemy. However, the story highlights how God's healing and grace are not limited by national boundaries or political affiliations. It also emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience to God, as seen in Naaman's willingness to follow Elisha's instructions and in Elisha's refusal to accept payment for God's healing.
In terms of symbolism, Gehazi's pursuit of Naaman for material gain represents the temptations and pitfalls of earthly riches. His actions serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive consequences of greed and the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over material wealth. Additionally, Naaman's healing from leprosy serves as a symbol of God's power to bring about transformation and restoration, even in the midst of adversity and conflict.
Overall, 2 Kings 5:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, humility, and obedience to God. Gehazi's story serves as a warning against the dangers of greed and deception, while Naaman's healing demonstrates God's ability to bring about miraculous change and redemption. As readers, we are challenged to examine our own motivations and actions, and to prioritize spiritual values over earthly gain.
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2 Kings 5:20 Artwork
2 Kings 5:20 - "¶ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him."
"¶ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him." - 2 Kings 5:20
2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 20:2 - "Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,"
2 Kings 2:20 - "And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him."
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 10:20 - "And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it."
1 Kings 5:2 - "And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,"
2 Kings 4:4-5
2 Kings 25:20 - "And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:"
2 Kings 19:5 - "So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah."
2 Kings 24:5 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
2 Kings 20:21 - "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 21:20 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did."
2 Kings 13:20 - "¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year."
2 Kings 20:7 - "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."
2 Kings 11:20 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house."
2 Kings 8:20 - "¶ In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves."
2 Kings 20:5 - "Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 5:19 - "And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way."
2 Kings 7:20 - "And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died."
1 Kings 20:2 - "And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,"
2 Kings 20:4 - "And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,"
2 Kings 12:20 - "And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla."
2 Chronicles 20:5 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,"
2 Kings 3:5 - "But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel."
2 Kings 5:9 - "So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha."
2 Kings 21:5 - "And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 20:10 - "And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees."