For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  1 Corinthians 10:11

As a minister, I learned a long time ago that the Old Testament was the greatest place to find stories for my sermons. New Testament doctrines can be clearly seen in Old Testament stories. Personal stories are fine, but the best stories, from the word, let the Bible prove and verify itself. Jesus used many stories from the Old Testament to tell of redemption and His coming as Messiah.

Who Was Naaman?

Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.   2 Kings 5:1

He was "captain of the host of the King of Syria.”  He was a commander in chief of the king's army, the highest in leadership of his profession. His dedication to his profession told of his love for his country and the people of the nation.

He was "a great man with his master.”  The king of Syria was strongly devoted and committed to Naaman and his military leadership. Naaman was completely trusted, which took years of devotion and a track record of integrity. To receive a command from Naaman was to receive a command from the king.

He was "honorable.”  Naaman was true to himself. His word was his bond and a handshake from him was all that was needed. Naaman was high in royal favor because he was trustworthy, not only on the field of battle, but in private business with his family, the people of Syria and the king. "By him, the Lord had given deliverance to Syria.”  He had unknowingly been used by God to win victories. His heart was open to know the truth and God was using and preparing him to become a believer in the Lord.  Naaman had a divine destiny. 

"He was also a man of valor.” He was skilled in military tactics and was also brave, daring and fearless. He had put his own life on the line many times in defense of his country and fellow soldiers. He had many awards and medals to prove his bravery.

But, "He was a leper.” This cast a shadow over all the wonderful traits in his life and career. Nothing else mattered as he was facing death. Although everyone thought highly of him, they could not save him from this incurable disease.

Leprosy is a Type of Sin, Our Fallen Condition

All disease is both the fruit and evidence of sin in the Levitical law. The leper did not see a physician, but the high priest in dealing with the disease before God. There was no prescription remedy but only a miracle could cure the leper. The leper was cut off from the dwelling place of God and the people. He was placed "outside the camp.”

1.  Leprosy has an insignificant beginning, "a rising, scab or bright spot" (Leviticus 13:2).

2. Leprosy is inherited, a communicable disease. It poisons the blood, and so it is readily transmitted from parent to child. So it is with the curse of Adam, sin passed on to all men (Psalm 51:5, Romans 5:12).

3. Leprosy works almost imperceptibly. Little pain is attached to the disease and only toward the end of the disease is the horribleness seen. It is like the "deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13).

4. Leprosy spreads rapidly. Though it begins with certain spots under the skin which are small at first, they gradually increase in size, but finally affect the whole body. The corruption goes inwardly as well as outward, even into the bone marrow. "I know that in me (in my flesh) dwells no good thing" (Romans 7:18).

5. Leprosy is highly infectious. Those who saw a leper coming were to cry out, "Unclean!” "Enter not into the path of the wicked and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it and pass away" (Proverbs 4:14, 15).

6. The leper was hated by those in society. "All my friends abhorred me and they whom I love are turned against me" (Job 19:19).

7. Leprosy is a state of living death. There is discoloration of the skin, loss of senses, and spreading ulcers. The fingers, toes and nose drop off. Vision is impaired and sometimes blindness results. "The leper is a walking sepulcher".

8. Leprosy was incurable so far as the Old Testament was concerned. No medicine could cure it, no doctor could treat it.  It could only be remedied by a miracle from God. "He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by Him" (Hebrews 7:25).  Jesus said to the leper "I will, be clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed" (Matthew 8:3). "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

 The Cleansing Miracle

Naaman was guided by three people on his road to healing. These were not people of nobility or royalty, but common people in his home, in Israel and his staff. First, a young Jewish girl, taken into his home as a servant, told him of the miracle ministry of Elisha. Secondly, Elisha's servant came out of the house and told Naaman he was to dip in the Jordan River seven times.  Finally, his own servant convinced him that Elisha had not asked him to do something difficult, only humbling. And Naaman did what the prophet had asked and came out of the water the seventh time, completely clean and healed of the disease.

What man could not do, the God of Israel did. I expect to see a very grateful Naaman in heaven one day. He must have become a believer in the Lord on that day and dedicated his life to convincing many Syrians of the truth of redemption.