2 kings 5:14 - Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
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What does "2 kings 5:14" mean?
This verse, 2 Kings 5:14, describes the healing of Naaman, a Syrian army commander, from leprosy. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan...": Naaman initially resisted the prophet Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. He considered it beneath him, preferring the rivers of Damascus. However, after his servants convinced him, he humbled himself and obeyed. He followed the specific instruction to dip himself seven times. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible.
"...according to the saying of the man of God...": This emphasizes that the healing was directly linked to obedience to Elisha, who was acting as God's messenger. The power wasn't in the river itself, but in God's command and Naaman's willingness to obey.
"...and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child...": This is a powerful image of complete and total healing. His leprous skin was not just repaired; it was made new, fresh, and pure, resembling the flawless skin of a baby. Leprosy was a disfiguring and debilitating disease, so this restoration would have been a remarkable miracle.
"...and he was clean.": This signifies not only physical healing but also spiritual cleansing. Leprosy was often seen as a symbol of sin, so Naaman's healing could be interpreted as a symbolic cleansing of his sin as well.
In essence, the verse means:
Naaman, after overcoming his pride and obeying God's instructions given through the prophet Elisha, dipped himself seven times in the Jordan River. As a result of his obedience and God's grace, he was completely healed of his leprosy, and his skin was miraculously restored to a perfect, childlike state. He was made both physically and symbolically clean.
Key takeaways from this verse/story:
Obedience to God's word is essential: Naaman was healed only after he humbled himself and obeyed the prophet's instructions, even though they seemed simple and perhaps even foolish to him.
Healing comes from God: The Jordan River was merely the instrument through which God's power was displayed. The healing was a direct result of God's intervention.
Humility is necessary to receive God's blessings: Naaman had to overcome his pride and preconceived notions to receive the healing.
God's grace is available to all: Naaman was a Gentile, a foreigner. His healing demonstrates that God's grace and mercy are not limited to any one nation or people group.
Restoration is possible: The complete renewal of Naaman's flesh shows that God can restore what is broken and make it new again.
2 kings 5:14 - Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
What does "2 kings 5:14" mean?
This verse, 2 Kings 5:14, describes the healing of Naaman, a Syrian army commander, from leprosy. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan...": Naaman initially resisted the prophet Elisha's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. He considered it beneath him, preferring the rivers of Damascus. However, after his servants convinced him, he humbled himself and obeyed. He followed the specific instruction to dip himself seven times. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible.
"...according to the saying of the man of God...": This emphasizes that the healing was directly linked to obedience to Elisha, who was acting as God's messenger. The power wasn't in the river itself, but in God's command and Naaman's willingness to obey.
"...and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child...": This is a powerful image of complete and total healing. His leprous skin was not just repaired; it was made new, fresh, and pure, resembling the flawless skin of a baby. Leprosy was a disfiguring and debilitating disease, so this restoration would have been a remarkable miracle.
"...and he was clean.": This signifies not only physical healing but also spiritual cleansing. Leprosy was often seen as a symbol of sin, so Naaman's healing could be interpreted as a symbolic cleansing of his sin as well.
In essence, the verse means:
Naaman, after overcoming his pride and obeying God's instructions given through the prophet Elisha, dipped himself seven times in the Jordan River. As a result of his obedience and God's grace, he was completely healed of his leprosy, and his skin was miraculously restored to a perfect, childlike state. He was made both physically and symbolically clean.
Key takeaways from this verse/story:
Obedience to God's word is essential: Naaman was healed only after he humbled himself and obeyed the prophet's instructions, even though they seemed simple and perhaps even foolish to him.
Healing comes from God: The Jordan River was merely the instrument through which God's power was displayed. The healing was a direct result of God's intervention.
Humility is necessary to receive God's blessings: Naaman had to overcome his pride and preconceived notions to receive the healing.
God's grace is available to all: Naaman was a Gentile, a foreigner. His healing demonstrates that God's grace and mercy are not limited to any one nation or people group.
Restoration is possible: The complete renewal of Naaman's flesh shows that God can restore what is broken and make it new again.