Gehazi's Greed and Punishment: A Lesson in Integrity

By New Prophets Gods Chosen | May 21, 2024
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In the book of II Kings, we encounter the compelling story of Gehazi, the servant of the prophet Elisha. After Naaman, a commander of the Aramean army, was miraculously healed of leprosy by following Elisha's instructions to bathe in the Jordan River, he offered a generous reward to Elisha. However, Elisha declined, insisting that it was not he, but God who healed Naaman. Gehazi, driven by greed, saw an opportunity to profit from this situation. He secretly followed Naaman, fabricating a story that Elisha had changed his mind and now requested gifts for two young prophets. Naaman, grateful for his healing, readily gave Gehazi silver and garments. Gehazi hid these spoils in his house, believing his actions were unseen. But upon returning to Elisha, Gehazi was confronted. Elisha, aware of Gehazi's deceit through divine insight, sternly rebuked him. As a consequence of his dishonesty and greed, Gehazi was struck with Naaman's leprosy, a punishment that would cling to him and his descendants. This story serves as a stark reminder of the perils of deceit and the importance of integrity in all aspects of life.

Scripture:

II Kings 5:20-27 (KJV)


But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

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?

And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.

And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.

And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.

But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.

And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.


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