The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Kings — Section 62

HOMILETICS. Vars. 1-19.-The lessons taught by the story of Naaman. "The Rtory of Naaman," e&ys Menken, "is a worthy part of the history of those revelations and manifestations of the living God which, in their connection and continuation through many centuries, and in their tendency towards one goal and object, were designed to plant upon earth the knowledge and the worship of the true God! But it offers besides to our considera- tion a rich store of reflections, in which neither heart nor understanding can refuse a. willing participation." Among the lessons, or " reflections," would seem to be the following. I. No EARTHLY HAPPINESS WITHOUT ALLOY. Na.a.man, as far as external prosperity went, had all that he could desire. 1. He was " captain of the host of the King of Syria," commander-in-chief, i.e., of all the national forces. He held a great position, involving high rank, vast patronage, considerable emolument, and a place in the thoughts of men next to that of the king. 2. He was "a great man with his master ''-high in the royal favour-able to obtain any boon that he desired, and advance all whom he cared to patronize. 3. He was also "a mighty man of valour," or rather "a good tried 1oldier," approved by deeds of arms to the nation, and enjoying his own confidence and self-respect. But on all this there was one drawback. Naaman "was a leper." And so it is generally. "Everywhere, where there is or seems to be something great and fortunate, there is also some discordant 'but,' which, like a false note in a melody, mare the perfectness of the good fortune. A worm gnaws at the root of everything pertain- ing to this world; and everything here below contains the germs of death in itself" (Menken). Life is full of compensations. There is no misery without alleviation; no low estate without some gleam of joy or hope to brighten and glorify it; and also no happiness without some concomitant annoyance or discomfort. Now it is domestic trouble, now an unhappy turn of mind, now a recollection of some sin in the past, now an anticipation of some calamity in the future. But, perhaps most frequently, it is ill health, some form of bodily suffering. Na.a.man's affliction was of the most grievous kind-leprosy I a disease at once painful, unsightly, disgusting, and regarded as a disgrace. !I. SOLACE A~"D HELP COME TO US FROM THE HOST UNEXPECTED QUARTERS. A "little maid," a. foreigner, a captive, a. slave, accidentally introduced into his house- hold, and occupying a very humble place in it, perhaps almost unknown by sight to the great lord of the mansion, who has something better to do than to take notice of bis wife's attendants,-this little maid, humble as she is, and apparently of the least possible consequence, initiates the entire series of events which form the substance of the narrative. She sees her master's sufferings; she is touched by them; she longs to have them assuaged; and she bethinks herself of a possible cure of them. "Vi ould God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria I " Perhaps it was a mere vague wish, a thought that rose in the mind, and was uttered without the slightest idea that action would be based on it. But our lightest words may have effects of which we never thought. 'l'he "little maid's" gentle aspiration fell on some ear which took note of it; inquiry was made; hope was aroused; and :finally action followed. The small accident of an Israelite maid, who knew of Elisha's power to work miracles, being a member of his wife's household, and giving utterance to her feelings of compassion, led on to the great general's cure, and to the glorification of the Name of Jehovah throughout the Syrian nation. 'The mouse in the fable gave aid which was of the most vital importance to the lion. We can never tell from what humble friend or dependant we may not receive help in trouble, by precious hints or suggestions, or by effectual fervent prayers, which may be of inestimable service to us. III. 'l'HE GREAT OF THE EARTH A POOR STAY AND SUPPORT. Neither Benhadad King of Syria, nor Joram King of Israel, were really of any help to Naaman in his trouble. Benhadad meant well; but his letter to the King of Israel confused the plain 100 THE SECOND BOOK OF THE KINGS. [en. v. 1-27.