AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGY

The account of the healing of Naaman (2 Kgs 5:1-27) underlines YHWH’s lordship over all the earth and his power over all sicknesses and infirmities. It also presents Elisha as the prophet of YHWH, endowed with the power to cure sicknesses. Elisha cured Naaman of his leprosy but refused to accept any monetary reward. The story presents a powerful narrative contrasting the selflessness of Elisha with the greed displayed by his servant, Gehazi, as well as the materialism of some modern-day healers. Induced by greed and personal gain, Gehazi employed falsehood and deceit to secretly collect from Naaman the money that his master had rejected. Gehazi’s sharp practice is comparable to the gimmicks of many modern-day healers who set up healing ministries for financial enrichment. Gehazi’s act of deceit and his subsequent punishment emphasize the moral consequences of greed.

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