2 Kings 5:17
And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD. 2 Kings 5:17 (KJV)
The passage comes from the well‑known account of Naaman, a commander of the Syrian king who suffered from leprosy. After being directed by the prophet Elisha to wash seven times in the Jordan River, Naaman’s flesh was restored. Overcome with gratitude, he approached Elisha to offer a gift in thanks for the miraculous healing.
In verse 17 Naaman asks that two mules’ burden (or two measures) of the earth be given to him. He intends to carry this soil back to his own country so that he may build an altar or a “present place” for the LORD, using the very ground on which God’s power was displayed as a tangible reminder of the miracle.
The request symbolsize Naaman’s desire to bring a piece of the holy land into his homeland, creating a sacred space where he can continue to worship the true God. Yet Naaman also acknowledges the reality of his position: he will still be required to bow before the idolatrous house of Rimmon with his master. This admission shows a partial commitment—he vows to offer burnt offerings and sacrifices only to the LORD, but he does not fully renounce service to other gods.
From Naaman’s response we learn several practical lessons. First, we are reminded to recognize God’s power and provision in our lives and to respond with heartfelt gratitude. Second, his mixed devotion warns us of the danger of divided loyalty; while we may be moved to worship the Lord, we must examine whether any compromise remains in our hearts.
In conclusion, Naaman’s plea to take a portion of the holy earth highlights both his appreciation for God’s healing and his struggle with competing obligations. His story challenges each believer to examine personal worship, to reject divided allegiance, and to strive for a wholehearted, exclusive devotion to the Lord.
