The story of Gehazi is recorded in the book of 2 Kings. The Bible record tells us that Gehazi was the servant of Elisha the prophet that attended to the his needs. He also was an eye witness to the character and the power of God manifested in the prophet’s life.
Naaman the Assyrian
Naaman was the Assyrian army commander but he was also a leper (2 Kings 5:15–27). Through his Israelite slave, the commander was persuaded to seek healing from God’s prophet Elisha. So, he came to Elisha and the prophet through the power of God gave him the healing he was seeking. In great gratitude and joy, Naaman offered Elisha gifts but the prophet refused it and send him away in peace as a converted person that have found the true God.
Gehazi’s lie and greed
Here, the servant of the prophet allowed himself to become a tool in the enemy’s hand and spoil that beautiful story. Gehazi, filled with covetousness and greed, ran after Naaman and lied to him saying that his master is asking for a gift: “My master sent me to say, ‘Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing’” (verse 22). Naaman urged Gehazi to take twice as much silver as he had asked for. Then, Gehazi went and hid the gifts (2 Kings 5:23) and returned to his Master’s home. But nothing can be hidden from the Lord (Numbers 32:23).
Elisha’s message to Gehazi
The Lord revealed to Elisha what Gehazi did and prophet rebuked his servant saying, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you?” (verse 26). The prophet added, “Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves?” (2 Kings 5:26). Gehazi witnessed a miracle, an undeniable display of God’s power that involved the redemption of a man’s health, life, and soul. But all he could think about was money.
Gehazi’s punishment for his greed
So, Elisha said to Gehazi, “the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever” (verse 27). The Lord is kind and merciful and never brings unjust or unnecessary affliction upon His children. But Gehazi, because of his greed, had brought a dreadful judgment upon himself. During his years of association with Elisha, Gehazi had had the opportunity of learning lessons of the joy and fulfillment in the ministry of love. But he had failed to assimilate these valued lessons in his life.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
