Naaman is a respected commander in the army of Aram, but he suffers from a serious skin disease. An Israelite girl captured in a raid serves Naaman’s wife and says that the prophet in Samaria could heal him.

Naaman travels to Israel with a letter from his king and substantial gifts. The king of Israel misreads the request as an impossible political demand and fears that Aram is looking for a quarrel.

Elisha hears what has happened and tells the king to send Naaman to him. When Naaman arrives with horses and chariots, Elisha does not come out personally. A messenger tells him to wash seven times in the Jordan.

Naaman becomes angry. He expected a dramatic prophetic ceremony and considers the rivers of Damascus superior to the Jordan. He turns away in rage.

His servants reason with him. If the prophet had demanded some great action, would he not have done it? Why refuse such a simple instruction?

Naaman goes down to the Jordan and dips himself seven times. His flesh is restored, and he returns to Elisha acknowledging the God of Israel.

Naaman offers a gift, but Elisha refuses payment. Naaman then departs with a changed confession and with questions about how he will live faithfully when his official duties place him near his king’s worship.

The chapter closes with a contrast. Gehazi secretly chases Naaman, lies, and takes gifts Elisha refused. His greed turns a story of freely given healing into a warning about exploiting spiritual authority for gain.