PK 249
(Prophets and Kings 249)
The proud spirit of Naaman rebelled against following the course outlined by Elisha. The rivers mentioned by the Syrian captain were beautified by surrounding groves, and many flocked to the banks of these pleasant streams to worship their idol gods. It would have cost Naaman no great humiliation of soul to descend into one of those streams. But it was only through following the specific directions of the prophet that he could find healing. Willing obedience alone would bring the desired result. (PK 249.1) MC VC
Naaman’s servants entreated him to carry out Elisha’s directions: “If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing,” they urged, “wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?” 2 Kings 5:13. The faith of Naaman was being tested, while pride struggled for the mastery. But faith conquered, and the haughty Syrian yielded his pride of heart and bowed in submission to the revealed will of Jehovah. Seven times he dipped himself in Jordan, “according to the saying of the man of God.” And his faith was honored; “his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” 2 Kings 5:14. (PK 249.2) MC VC
Gratefully “he returned to the man of God, he and all his company,” with the acknowledgment, “Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel.” 2 Kings 5:15. (PK 249.3) MC VC