Naaman’s wife’s servant girl was captured but still believing. While Aram and Israel were officially at peace, Aram often crossed the border on raids. On one of these raids, the army conscripted a young girl into slavery. This girl ends up serving the wife in Naaman’s household. She was taken from home to a foreign country without her family. She would have had to learn a new language and customs. The experience would have been traumatic, and we could understand if she was angry and bitter.
Evidently, Naaman’s household had been kind to her because she seemed to care for Naaman’s wellbeing. She chose to be a blessing instead of a burden in her circumstances. Elisha’s reputation must have been widespread because this young girl knew of him.
Who Was Elisha?
The prophet Elijah had mentored Elisha. Just before God took Elijah to heaven, Elijah had a question for his student. 2 Kings 2: 9 When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” [1]
God answered Elisha’s request, and miracles resulted from the double portion of God’s Spirit. Elisha purified water, helped Israel with a victory over Moab, multiplied oil, raised a dead boy, and detoxified poisoned stew. But Elisha had never cured a case of leprosy to this time. The servant girl had great faith in God and His servant Elisha.
Looking Up in Dark Times
This young but spiritually mature slave girl shared her faith in a very natural way. 2 Kings 5: 3 One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.” [2] We don’t have the entire conversation between the girl and her mistress. The fact that this girl was willing to share what she knew about God would bring about a miracle of international significance.
This girl is a model for us in our difficult times. She didn’t have a pity party for her circumstances but continued to look up to God in a foreign country. She chose to care for those who held her captive. Psalm 62: 8 O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. [3]
We can be assured of God’s presence even when we struggle. David penned these comforting words. Psalm 23: 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. [4] Just as the servant girl was captured, but still believing, we can look up to God in all circumstances.
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/naaman
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.