There are a number of servants mentioned in 2 Kings 5. Today’s text is about one named Gehazi. I don’t know if Gehazi might have been the messenger who gave the original message to Naaman (see 2 Kings 5:10), but he seems to have been close enough to Elisha to hear him turn down Naaman’s offer of a “thank-you gift” (see 2 Kings 5:16) after Naaman was healed.
“Go in peace,” Elisha said.
After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”
2 Kings 5:19-20 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/2ki.5.19-20.NIV
From a secular perspective, Gehazi’s actions seem reasonable: Why not get something from the enemy country of Aram? Why not accept the offer when it was given? After all, didn’t Elisha just heal Naaman? Surely, this successful army commander could spare a bit, so why shouldn’t Gehazi enrich himself a little at Naaman’s expense?
Instead of respecting Elisha’s words, though, Gehazi stepped over the line here. For one thing, he overrode the wish of his master. Elisha had not only declined Naaman’s offer, but also confirmed – in God’s name – that he would not accept anything from him. I understand that some cultures expect a gift to be offered multiple times before being accepted, but Elisha didn’t take anything even after being urged by Naaman to do so. And, whether it was Gehazi’s greed or his animosity towards Aram, or even a sense of fairness, he moves into what is clearly a sin (i.e., lying to Naaman about what was going on) to get something from him.
In verses 23-24, Naaman sounded either generous or grateful (or maybe both), and apparently offered even more than Gehazi asked for, despite Gehazi’s request being a lie. Then, it sounds like Gehazi hid what he got from Naaman (not unlike Achan had done years earlier – see Joshua 5 – hiding banned loot from Jericho in his tent). Gehazi hadn’t accidentally misspoke; he knew that what he was doing contradicted the will of his master, Elisha.
When he went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?”
“Your servant didn’t go anywhere,” Gehazi answered.
But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow.
2 Kings 5:25-27 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/2ki.5.25-27.NIV
Like a lawyer (or a parent!) asking a question whose answer is already known, Elisha asked Gehazi where he had been. Gehazi compounded one lie with another (which, by the way, tends to be a pattern with lies, I’m afraid), but Elisha knew better. Elisha knew exactly what Gehazi took from Naaman.
In return for his actions, Gehazi received a curse, and the punishment was tied to the crime. For his disobedience, he received the leprosy that Naaman had. That might seem harsh, but God knows best. Gehazi had misrepresented the prophet of God, and went behind his back. The punishment would be with Gehazi – and his family – as a reminder, and Gehazi would serve as an example for those in the future, including us.
While God is gracious and we can have forgiveness through Jesus Christ, sin has consequences. We would do well to remember that, not to “scare” us into not sinning, but rather to appreciate what Jesus saved us from and to inspire us to live for Him, instead of for our own sinful desires.
So, when God tells us to leave something alone (like wanting for ourselves what He has provided for others, or grabbing the glory that belongs to Him), we must be willing to let it go. Remember, He is enough for us, and He can provide all that we need, even if we pass over stuff that we want – or think that we need – when He tells us to.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for June 29, 2025
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – 1 & 2 Kings, by Jesse C. Long, Jr. © 2002 College Press Publishing Co.
- Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). Matthew Henry. 1706, via BibleGateway.com.
Those Who Sin Differently 