The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-02-26
4. The Earts.

hears Of Jehoram's distress while Naaman was
yet at the palace.
A. The Facts.
Benhadad is King. His principal General Is
Naaman. JehOram, son Of Ahab, is King Of
Israel. The going out. in verse 2, does not
probably refer TO a formal battle. II was a sort
OF raid for spOil-the act rather Of freebOOters
than soldiers. The DOuay styles the captors
robbers" Such exploits were similar to the
predatory incuTsiOus Of the Bedouiu Arabs, or
to the disOrderly attacks Of the H0ObOOs in the
vicinity Of Sierra Leone, or to the inroads Of
Italian banditti. If committed by soldiers is
was without regular orders. Sometime before
our lesson opens. body of Syrian pillagers re-
turning from their fOTays, among other booty
brought home a little Jewish girl as a captive.
She was sold as a Syrian slave and became the
property Of Naaman-the waitingmaid Of his
wife. The General for time had been afflicted
with leprosy. The captive girl noticed Naa-
mans condition aud felt sorry for him. One
day she remarked TO her mistress: II wish
Elisha, our Israelitish Prophet, might only SEQ
Naaman he would surely cure him." The
suggestion leaked out. male servant heard
1t aud went at once and told il to Naaman. IL
reached the ear Of Benhadad, who held Naaman
in great esteem and would make any sacrifice
in his interest. He called for Naaman, and
proposed that trial at once be made of the
introduction for Naaman to take to the King Of
Israel. He also furnished presents to be given
to Elisha-mOney to Q amount of S69, 900, and
10 suits Of apparel. What subjects do can be
credited 10 their rulers; so, though Elisha was
to effect the cure, il was 20 DO by the permission
of Jehoram; and so. in the letter Of introduction,
he IS addressed as the author Of the cure. Ben
hadad 8 subjects were at his order, and he sup
posed JehOram's were, and that hence the King
of Israel has but to command Elisha to favor
Naaman. On reading the letter, JehOram
inferred that the object was to stir up trouble
leading To war. The letter asked Jehoram To
do an impossible thing, falling in which Ben
hadad would declare war. As soon as Elisha
hears Of his Kings agitation and its cause he
sends word TO him To have Naaman directed to
his prophetic home. After a little, chariot and
horses are seen before Elisha's house. The
Prophet does not approach the royal occupants
lie simply sends out word by his servant, di-
recting NaamaH to plunge seven times beneath
the waves Of the jordan. Naaman imagined
he did not receive such attention rs became his
rank. He expected the Prophet would APP
preach him In an ObsequlOus manner, and, pass
ing his hands over the leprous skin, remove
the disorder. Then, if he must wash in any
river, he is offended by the Prophets choice
lie thought river Of Syria more fitting The
Jordan was not beautiful and clear as either
the ALBANIA or the Pharpar. Had it not been
Tor the peTsuaSlOus OF his servants be would
have returned to Damascus incurred. They
urged he at least make the experiment, and
not be offended because the means suggested
by Elisha were so simple. He listened and
needed. The company drove on 10 the Jordan.
Naaman walked down TO the river bank and
out into the stream. Six times he dipped and
no signs Of cure. Now comes the telling mo-
ment. Naaman is just bending beneath the
waters for the seventh time. He rises. Won
derfnl change! The grimy skin, filthy in its
open, disgusting cracks and seams offensive in
its deadly Odor, is changed for skin fair, soft,
clean as that of little child.
8. Suggestions
]. Greatness is rot exempt from affection.
Naaman was to Syria what Grant was to the
United States. He was the General Of Ben
halad's army. But both Naaman and Grant
suffered from iucuTable diseases
=. The ease of Naaman gives hint as 10 the
Catholiety of Christianity, and so is suggestive
from missionary point. Not only Jews were
benefited by Prophets of Israel, but likewise
Geutiles.
3. What men do they do through Gods aid |
and permission. Even Naaman's victory over |
Israel was by the Lords help. VIZ 1t was
3 punishment.
4. The ecclesiastic dominates over the civil /
In the religious realm. Kings are impOtent |
where at times the clergy are effective. Jeho-
ram was forced To turn Naaman over TO Elisha
prophetic power was superior TO the royal.
This principle is illustrated also in Benhadad. /
He could command ehariOts and horses, gold