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By R.A. Mathews

We know little about her.

She was a Jewish child and probably had a loving family. But she was abducted — seized by raiders and taken to Aram (Syria). 

The child became a slave in Naaman’s household. Scripture describes him as a “great man” and “valiant soldier,” saying the Lord had given him victory for Syria. 

It’s fair to say that Naaman was probably a national hero. He was also a leper.

In Israel, those with leprosy were forced to live isolated lives, required to yell, “Unclean!” upon coming near anyone. However, the Syrians apparently thought the general too valuable to be shunned — at least not yet. 

But Naaman knew he was doomed. The disease can cause blindness, and complications can destroy fingers and toes. 

One day, the Hebrew slave girl told Naaman’s wife, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy” (2 Kings 5:3, NIV).

Hearing this, Naaman rushed to the Syrian king, who wrote a letter to his enemy, the king of Israel. The general then raced south with his entourage of chariots and horses, hoping to find healing. But things didn’t turn out quite as he expected. Here’s the passage.

“So [Naman] departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold … And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which said, ‘… I have sent Naaman my servant to you, so that you may cure him of his leprosy’’’ (2 Kings 5:1-6, NASB).

Obviously, there had been some confusion, since the girl had said the prophet could heal Naaman. 

Israel’s king then had a complete meltdown! “Am I God,” [the king of Israel] said “… that this man is sending word to me to cure … leprosy” (2 Kings 5:7, NASB).

Israel’s king tore his clothes, knowing the general could snap Israel like a twig. 

Fortunately, the prophet Elisha heard about the drama and told the king, “… just have him come to me” (2 Kings 5:8, NASB).

The general took off again. 

Scripture says, “So Naaman came with his horses and his chariots, and stood at the doorway of Elisha’s house” (2 Kings 5:9, NASB).

Again, the mighty general wasn’t prepared for what came next. Naaman undoubtedly expected the prophet to lay hands on him and shazamm! Healing!

That’s not what happened. Not at all. In fact, Elisha didn’t bother to go to the door. The prophet sent a messenger, who said, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times … and you will be clean” (2 Kings 5:10, NASB).

Ohhhh! Naaman was insulted! Scripture says he left in a rage. 

But the general’s servants intervened. They persuaded Naaman to follow the prophet’s weird directions. Once again, the general wasn’t prepared for what happened. 

“So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times … and he was clean” (2 Kings 5:14, NASB).

Scripture says, “Then he returned to the man of God … And he said, ‘Behold now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel’” (2 Kings 5:15, NASB).

And that’s how Naaman came to know the one true God.

You learn a lot about these people by how each reacted to the unexpected. Naaman took the words of a child to his king. No matter how slight the chance of healing, Naaman was determined to seize it.

But the general’s reaction to Elisha’s behavior almost cost the military giant his healing. Naaman’s pride was hurt. 

Look at Israel’s king. He completely overreacted to the letter, seeing Syrian pillage. His reaction might have started a war where none was intended.

Consider the king of Syria. Did that monarch want to owe his enemy, Israel, a favor? Probably not, but Naaman was too important to his country, so the king immediately acted.

Then there was Elisha, scarcely lifting a finger. Elisha wasn’t the least bit intimidated by the mighty general or his display of chariots and horses. Did I leave anyone out?

Yes, the most important character in this story. The little slave girl.

Many would resent a captor, but the child sought healing for Naaman. She returned good, despite the evil deeds of kidnap and slavery inflicted on her. 

What do you bet the child was taken home to Israel that day, loaded down with every gift she could want?

Scripture repeatedly says, “Do not repay evil with evil” (1 Peter 3:9, NIV).

Always take the high road. The path you choose may chart your destiny.

Reprinted with permission from “Reaching to God – Hope” and abridged to fit this space.

Contact the Rev. Mathews (B.A., M.Div., J.D.) at Hello@RAMathews.com. 

Copyright © 2016-2025 R.A. Mathews. All rights reserved.