A Bible study from Vince Baker Ministries, informed by Mantle of Elijah by Vince Baker and Sergie Atams.
Read the Scriptures
Whose voices move the story forward?
A young Israelite girl tells Naaman’s household about the prophet. Elisha sends a messenger with instructions. Naaman’s servants appeal to him when his anger threatens to send him home. The narrative repeatedly gives people with little formal status an important part in the commander’s healing.
The difference between a gift and a sale
Naaman returns and confesses his new allegiance to the God of Israel. Elisha refuses payment. Gehazi later pursues a reward and lies about it. Read the two scenes as one account and consider why the prophet’s refusal matters to the way the gift is understood. Jesus’ reference to Naaman in Luke 4 also invites attention to the grace shown to an outsider.
