The Healing of Naaman

            The healing of Naaman, a powerful man who was strong enough to lead an army, is a story that projects hope and salvation. It illustrates how "God works in mysterious ways," and how he can use anyone he desires regardless of social class. He is not hesitant to work through those who others see as inferior, or undesired. In the healing of Naaman, there are a variety of people who play vital roles in his salvation. This story, found in 2nd Kings 5:1-19, depicts how a person, regardless of age, gender and social status, can positively impact society in a way that only those with a willing and faithful heart can. .
             It is important to understand exactly what the information that the Bible provides about the story through the text means. First, Naaman's position, he was a commander of the Kings army. He was a great leader and because of it, he was favored by the king. A man of great position and authority as noted in 2 Kings 5:1, "a great man and in high favor with the master, because of him the Lord had given victory to Aram" (NRSV, 2 Kgs 5:1). Naaman was a hero of war and had been triumphant over the enemies of the nation. However, the text makes sure to inform us that the Lord had given those victories to Aram, not Naaman alone; it was the supreme plan and power of God. .
             Naaman seemed to have it all, however, verse one also informs us at the very end that he was a leper. The order in which Naaman's identity was revealed plays a role on the image projected unto a readers mind. The leper is a powerful man, therefore, not shunned from society the way any other non influential leper would be. Naaman's disease has not defined him yet must still affect him. .
             Verse two goes on to present us to the servant girl, who was taken captive from the land of Israel. She tells her mistress, who is Naaman's wife, "If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy" (2 Kgs 5:3).