Naaman, a distinguished Aramean (Syrian) army commander in 2 Kings 5, was a valiant warrior honored for bringing victory to his nation, yet he suffered from leprosy. He was healed after following the prophet Elisha’s instructions to wash seven times in the Jordan River, subsequently acknowledging the God of Israel.
Key details about Naaman:
- The Story: A young captive Hebrew servant girl told Naaman’s wife about Elisha, the prophet in Samaria, prompting him to seek healing.
- His Reluctance: Initially, Naaman was enraged that Elisha did not personally meet him and insulted the Jordan River, preferring the cleaner rivers of Damascus.
- The Cure: His servants persuaded him to follow the instruction, and after dipping seven times, his skin was restored to that of a young boy.
- Conversion: Following his healing, Naaman proclaimed, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel”.
- Request for Soil: Naaman requested two mules’ loads of earth to take back to Syria to build an altar for worshiping only the Lord.