Naaman (1) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Naaman became furious, and went away and said, Indeed, I said to myself, He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.
2 Kings 5:11

Naaman (1)
As the king of Syria's general Naaman occupied a high position in society. Being professionally successful and personally a courageous character who was respected by his fellows, he could be content with himself, except for one thing: he suffered from leprosy.

On the advice of a maid in his household Naaman went to Israel to the prophet Elisha, wanting to find healing there. But the message that Elisha sent to that high officer was: "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean" (v.10). Naaman hadn't reckoned with that. Today's verse indicates his unwilling reaction.

The story of Naaman is instructive concerning the way to eternal salvation. Leprosy in the Bible is an illustration of sin that makes mankind unfit for God's presence and leads to perdition. The good news of Jesus Christ shows us God's way of healing. It is simple, but it in no way flatters our self-importance nor our inclination toward spectacular gestures that appeal to our feelings.

Naaman had expected Elisha to receive him personally, respecting his high position. He also thought that Elisha would carry out impressive methods of healing. Instead, Elisha sent him a simple message.

(to be concluded tomorrow)

Today's reading: Leviticus 27:16-34 · Psalm 72:15-20