Theory question 103
Greed and Its Effects(a)(i) Discuss the circumstances that led to the healing of Naaman (ii) State Naaman's reaction to his healing (iii) What incident followed this reaction? (b) Identify two virtues that can be learnt from the entire episode.
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(a)(i) Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, was a leper (2 Kings 5:1).
A captive Israelite girl told her mistress the prophet in Samaria would cure him (2 Kings 5:2-3).
The king of Syria sent him with a letter and gifts to the king of Israel, who tore his clothes (2 Kings 5:5-7).
Elisha sent for him and, through a messenger, told him to wash seven times in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:8-10).
Naaman was angry but his servants persuaded him; he obeyed and was healed (2 Kings 5:11-14).
(ii) He returned to Elisha and declared there is no God in all the earth but in Israel (2 Kings 5:15).
He urged Elisha to accept a present, but Elisha refused (2 Kings 5:15-16).
He asked for two mules' load of earth to worship only the Lord, and pardon when he bowed in the house of Rimmon with his master (2 Kings 5:17-19).
(iii) Gehazi ran after Naaman, lied that Elisha wanted a talent of silver and two festal garments, received two talents and hid them (2 Kings 5:20-24).
He lied to Elisha; Elisha said Naaman's leprosy would cling to him, and he went out a leper (2 Kings 5:25-27).
(b) Any two: humility; obedience; gratitude; faith; honesty; contentment (Elisha refusing reward).
Answer each part in order with references, then two virtues.