Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 5
Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, was a strong man who could run long distances quickly (4:29). That may have been an important skill when Elisha sent him with an urgent message from God. However, on this occasion Elisha had not sent him, and there was no message from God. Instead, Gehazi ran for his own selfish reason: to take advantage of Naaman.
Naaman had his own procession of horses and chariots, in other words, simple vehicles (5:9). They could have travelled much faster than a runner could. However, Naaman now considered Israel truly to be the holy land. To show respect to God, a person should not move carelessly through a holy place. Naaman went slowly enough to see that Elisha’s servant was running after him. When he saw that, he ordered his whole procession to stop.
Gehazi was merely a servant, and Naaman was a great military leader. However, Naaman showed great honour to Gehazi when Naaman greeted him. Naaman stepped down from his chariot as he would do to greet his king. In Naaman’s opinion, Gehazi deserved this honour because he had come on behalf of Elisha. Elisha deserved such honour because he was a holy man and therefore, the servant of God. Therefore, Naaman now acted towards even Gehazi in a humble manner, to give honour to God.
Next part: Gehazi lies to Naaman (2 Kings 5:22)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 1000+ page course book.
© 2025, Keith Simons.