John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria , etc.] The general of Benhadad’s army; for he was now king of Syria, though some think Hazael his successor was: was a great man with his master ; high in his favour and esteem: and honourable ; not only acceptable to the king, and loaded with honours by him, but greatly respected by all ranks and degrees among the people: because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria ; out of the hands of their enemies, and victory over them, and particularly in the last battle with Israel, in which Ahab was slain, and, as the Jews suppose, by the hands of Naaman, (see Gill on “ 1 Kings 22:34”) however, when any salvation was wrought, or victory obtained, even by Heathens, and by them over Israel, the people of God, it was of the Lord: he was also a mighty man in valour ; a very courageous valiant man: but he was a leper ; was stricken with the leprosy, which had deformed and disgraced his person, and weakened his strength, and dispirited him; all his grandeur and honour could not protect him from this loathsome disease.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - Though the Syrians were idolaters, and oppressed God's people, yet the deliverance of which Naaman had been the means, is here ascribed to the Lord. Such is the correct language of Scripture, while those who writ common history, plainly show that God is not in all their thoughts. N man's greatness, or honour, can place him our of the reach of the sorest calamities of human life: there is many a sickly, crazy bod under rich and gay clothing. Every man has some but or other, somethin that blemishes and diminishes him, some allay to his grandeur, some damp to his joy. This little maid, though only a girl, could give a account of the famous prophet the Israelites had among them. Children should be early told of the wondrous works of God, that, wherever the go, they may talk of them. As became a good servant, she desired the health and welfare of her master, though she was a captive, a servan by force; much more should servants by choice, seek their masters good. Servants may be blessings to the families where they are, by telling what they know of the glory of God, and the honour of his prophets. Naaman did not despise what she told, because of he meanness. It would be well if men were as sensible of the burden of sin as they are of bodily disease. And when they seek the blessings whic the Lord sends in answer to the prayers of his faithful people, the will find nothing can be had, except they come as beggars for a fre gift, not as lords to demand or purchase.
Original Hebrew ונעמן5283 שׂר8269 צבא6635 מלך4428 ארם758 היה1961 אישׁ376 גדול1419 לפני6440 אדניו113 ונשׂא5375 פנים6440 כי3588 בו נתן5414 יהוה3068 תשׁועה8668 לארם758 והאישׁ376 היה1961 גבור1368 חיל2428 מצרע׃6879
