2 Kings 5:21
So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?
2 Kings 5:21 (KJV)
Context
Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, suffered from leprosy. He came to Israel and, at the prophet Elisha’s command, dipped seven times in the Jordan River and was healed. Grateful, Naaman offered gifts, but Elisha refused them. As Naaman departed, Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, ran after him with a hidden plan to get some of those gifts for himself. Gehazi’s pursuit was not prompted by any concern from Elisha; he acted on his own covetous desires.
Meaning
Gehazi’s pursuit was not an innocent errand. He acted on his own covetous desire, not on any word from Elisha. When Naaman saw him running, he stepped down from his chariot to meet him. This was a sign of respect for Elisha’s servant. Naaman’s question, “Is all well?” shows that he trusted Gehazi and assumed the errand was legitimate. He may have feared that something had happened to Elisha or that Gehazi carried an urgent message. Naaman’s respectful and trusting manner stands in sharp contrast to Gehazi’s deceitful heart. The question also reveals Naaman’s assumption that Gehazi’s errand was honorable, which makes the coming deception even more striking.
Biblical connections
Gehazi’s lie in the next verse claims that Elisha had sent him to get gifts for two young prophets. This deception led to his punishment: Naaman’s leprosy came upon him (2 Kings 5:27). The warning against covetousness echoes the tenth commandment (Exodus 20:17), and the New Testament calls the love of money a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). This verse also shows how a simple question can be met with deception, reminding us that integrity matters in every interaction.
Application
Gehazi’s sin warns us to guard our hearts against greed. Dishonesty can seem small at first, but it grows and harms both ourselves and others. We should serve with pure motives, not seeking personal gain. Naaman’s genuine gratitude reminds us to give thanks freely, without expecting something in return. When we are tempted to take what is not ours, we must remember that God sees our hearts and values integrity. Let us also be careful not to assume that every urgent errand is honorable; we must examine our own intentions before we act.
Reflection
Naaman asked, “Is all well?” Gehazi answered with a lie. This question challenges us to examine our own words and actions. Do we speak truthfully even when it costs us? Do we trust God to provide, or do we scheme to get more? Gehazi’s downfall shows that greed leads to ruin, while Naaman’s healing shows that God’s grace is a free gift. Let us choose honesty and contentment, knowing that God’s blessings cannot be bought or earned.
