Gehazi’s Greed And Punishment
December 10, 2021
Commentary
Naaman returned from the Jordan to Elisha’s house in Israel (about 25 miles). With a deep sense of gratitude and hands full of gifts, he attempted to pay Elisha, but the prophet refused to accept anything for his ministry (vv. 15-16). Naaman’s urging did not budge Elisha. The man of God had not performed his healing of Naaman for pay. The false prophets could easily be bought, but not Elisha. Naaman then requested the amount of two mule loads of earth to take back to Syria (vv. 17-19). He intended to use this in making an altar to the Lord. It appeared that he believed that no god could be worshiped except in its own land or on an altar built with the dirt of that land.
Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, became greedy for what Naaman had offered to give Elisha. He pursued Naaman on foot and when he overtook the caravan, Naaman stopped and asked if anything was wrong. Gehazi lied when he said his master had received unexpected guests and needed the silver and clothing that he had refused earlier (vv. 20-22). Naaman was happy to make this provision and even urged Gahazi to take twice as much silver and clothing that he had offered before (vv. 23-24). He even provided two servants to carry these gifts back to Elisha. When Gehazi returned to Elisha, he did not realize it, but Elisha already knew what had happened (vv. 25-26). He was judged by God with the transfer of Naaman’s leprosy to himself (v. 27).
Application
I must never allow greed to enter into my life or be deceitful in order to get things I may want. If I do everything for pay on this earth there will be no rewards when I get to heaven.
2 Kings 5:15– 27 (NET)
15 He and his entire entourage returned to the prophet. Naaman came and stood before him. He said, “For sure I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel! Now, please accept a gift from your servant.” 16 But Elisha replied, “As certainly as the Lord lives (whom I serve), I will take nothing from you.” Naaman insisted that he take it, but he refused. 17 Naaman said, “If not, then please give your servant a load of dirt, enough for a pair of mules to carry, for your servant will never again offer a burnt offering or sacrifice to a god other than the Lord. 18 May the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to worship, and he leans on my arm and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.” 19 Elisha said to him, “Go in peace.”
20 Gehazi, the prophet Elisha’s servant, thought, “Look, my master did not accept what this Syrian Naaman offered him. As certainly as the Lord lives, I will run after him and accept something from him.” 21 So Gehazi ran after Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from his chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” 22 He answered, “Everything is fine. My master sent me with this message, ‘Look, two servants of the prophets just arrived from the Ephraimite hill country. Please give them a talent of silver and two suits of clothes.’” 23 Naaman said, “Please accept two talents of silver.” He insisted, and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, along with two suits of clothes. He gave them to two of his servants and they carried them for Gehazi. 24 When he arrived at the hill, he took them from the servants and put them in the house. Then he sent the men on their way.
25 When he came and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” He answered, “Your servant hasn’t been anywhere.” 26 Elisha replied, “I was there in spirit when a man turned and got down from his chariot to meet you. This is not the proper time to accept silver or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, sheep, cattle, and male and female servants. 27 Therefore Naaman’s skin disease will afflict you and your descendants forever!” When Gehazi went out from his presence, his skin was as white as snow.