What does the Bible tell us about Gehazi?

Gehazi is a significant yet tragic figure in the Old Testament, known primarily for being the servant of Elisha the prophet. His story is found in 2 Kings 4-8, and he is remembered for both his proximity to God’s miracles and his downfall due to greed and deceit.

Gehazi’s Role as Elisha’s Servant

Gehazi served as the personal assistant of the prophet Elisha, much like Elisha had served Elijah before taking his place as a prophet. He was in a privileged position, witnessing many miracles performed by God through Elisha.

However, unlike Elisha—who was faithful, obedient, and dedicated to God—Gehazi’s heart was tainted by self-interest and greed, which ultimately led to his downfall.

• 2 Kings 4-8 provides insight into his character, actions, and final fate.

The Shunammite Woman (2 Kings 4:8-37)

One of Gehazi’s earliest appearances in Scripture is during the encounter between Elisha and the Shunammite woman.

The Shunammite Woman’s Generosity

• The Shunammite woman was a wealthy woman who provided food and shelter for Elisha whenever he passed through Shunem.
• She even built a special room in her house for Elisha to stay in whenever he traveled.

The Servant’s Role in Identifying Her Need

• 2 Kings 4:12-13 (NKJV) – “Then he said to Gehazi his servant, ‘Call this Shunammite woman.’ When he had called her, she stood before him. And he said to him, ‘Say now to her, “Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?”’”
• When the woman declined any reward, Gehazi pointed out that she had no son, and her husband was old.

The Servant’s Failure to Revive the Dead Child

Later, when the Shunammite woman’s son died, Elisha sent Gehazi ahead with his staff to lay it on the boy.

• 2 Kings 4:31 (NKJV) – “Now Gehazi went on ahead of them, and laid the staff on the face of the child; but there was neither voice nor hearing. Therefore he went back to meet him, and told him, saying, ‘The child has not awakened.’”
• Despite following Elisha’s instructions, Gehazi’s attempt failed, revealing that he lacked the spiritual power and faith that Elisha had.
• This foreshadows his later moral and spiritual failure.

The Servant’s Greed and Punishment (2 Kings 5:20-27)

Perhaps the most well-known story involving Gehazi is his greedy deception of Naaman, which ultimately led to his downfall.

Naaman’s Healing by Elisha

• Naaman, a Syrian commander, suffered from leprosy and sought healing from Elisha.
• Elisha instructed him to wash seven times in the Jordan River, and Naaman was miraculously healed (2 Kings 5:10-14).

The Servant’s Greedy Scheme

• Elisha refused to accept any gifts from Naaman (2 Kings 5:16).
• But the servant saw an opportunity to enrich himself through deception.
• 2 Kings 5:20-21 (NKJV) – “But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, ‘Look, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving from his hands what he brought; but as the Lord lives, I will run after him and take something from him.’”

The Servant’s Lie to Naaman

• Gehazi lied to Naaman, saying that Elisha had changed his mind and now wanted silver and clothing for two visitors.
• Naaman, grateful for his healing, gave him more than he asked.

The Servant’s Lie to Elisha and His Punishment

• Gehazi hid the stolen items and then lied to Elisha, pretending that he had not gone anywhere.
• 2 Kings 5:26-27 (NKJV) – “Then he said to him, ‘Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.’ And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.”

The Severity of the Servant’s Punishment

• Gehazi’s punishment was immediate and severe: he was struck with leprosy and permanently cast out from Elisha’s service.
• His greed, dishonesty, and betrayal of Elisha led to lifelong suffering.

The Servant’s Later Appearance Before the King (2 Kings 8:1-6)

Although Gehazi was cursed with leprosy, he appears once more in 2 Kings 8, speaking with the king of Israel.

The Servant’s Conversation with the King

• 2 Kings 8:4-5 (NKJV) – “Then the king talked with Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, ‘Tell me, please, all the great things Elisha has done.’ Now it happened, as he was telling the king how he had restored the dead to life, that there was the woman whose son he had restored to life, appealing to the king for her house and for her land.”
• The king was curious about Elisha’s miracles, and Gehazi recounted them, including the resurrection of the Shunammite woman’s son.

The Shunammite Woman’s Restoration

• By divine timing, the Shunammite woman arrived to plead for her land, which had been taken.
• The king restored everything to her after hearing Gehazi’s testimony.

Lessons Christians Can Learn from Gehazi’s Life

Gehazi’s life serves as a warning and a lesson for believers today.

A. The Danger of Greed

• Gehazi saw God’s power firsthand but chose material wealth over faithfulness.
• 1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV) – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
• Greed led to his destruction and separation from God’s blessings.

B. The Consequences of Dishonesty

• Gehazi lied to both Naaman and Elisha.
• His deception was exposed, showing that God sees all things.
• Proverbs 12:22 (NKJV) – “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.”

C. The Importance of Obedience

• Unlike Elisha, who obeyed God completely, Gehazi followed his own desires.
• His punishment reminds us that obedience brings blessings, while disobedience brings suffering.

Conclusion

Gehazi’s life is a tragic example of wasted opportunity. He had the privilege of serving one of the greatest prophets, witnessing miracles, and learning about God’s power firsthand. Yet, his greed, dishonesty, and lack of faith led to his downfall.

As Christians, we should learn from Gehazi’s mistakes, choosing faithfulness, honesty, and obedience to God rather than seeking earthly riches.