Untitled Podcast 80, Story if Elisha, “Pt 6”

Podcast 80, Story if Elisha, “Pt 6”

To study Elijah and Elisha is to study miracles. Their lives are defined by miracles. Remember Elisha asked for a double portion when requesting the mantle of Elijah. It may appear ironically significant that of the recorded miracles, Elisha performs twice as many as Elijah. Some Biblical scholars interpret that to mean his double portion. But one thing that is commendable in both prophets is that neither sought personal gain from their miracles. They were devoted, sincere, and true prophets of God who put their lives at risk and who lived very ascetic lives, sacrificing their comfort and security rather than seeking wealth and power.

Perhaps nothing destroys religious devotion more than priestcraft. In fact, it could be said that nothing could put people in slavery faster than priestcraft. AI gave me the following definition of priestcraft: “Religion used as a tool of personal power rather than humble service to God and others.” In related terms it gave, ‘religious corruption,’ clerical abuse of power,’ spiritual exploitation,’ and false shepherding.’ I continue with the definition, “Manipulating doctrine or ritual to maintain influence over the people; claiming special spiritual authority (e.g., exclusive access to God, revelation, or forgiveness) for personal advantage; exploiting fear, superstition, or ignorance to secure obedience or material gain.”

In the following miracle, Elisha condemns priestcraft which was practiced by Gehazi, his own faithful servant, through using Elisha’s miracle of healing for personal gain. It is the famous story of Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, who contracted leprosy.  

2 Kings 5:1

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.

The Syrians, also called Aram, the people known as Arameans, were enemies to Israel. A young Israelite girl was taken captive in one of the raids. She becomes a servant to Naaman’s wife. She tells her mistress about Elisha the prophet who can perform miracles. 

2 Kings 5:2-3

And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

Naaman was informed of Elisha. The king of Syria himself commanded Naaman go and the king promised to send a letter to the king of Israel. With that letter he sends a fortune of gold and raiment.

2 Kings 5:4-5

And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel. And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

We can see the value and regard the king of Syria held for Naaman, the captain of his army. And in a strange way we see the faith the king of Syria, declared enemy to the Israelites, held for the God of Israel. The Syrians were polytheistic, worshiping many gods. The chief god of Syria was Rimmon. 

Idols have specific qualities and powers. That partly answers why there are so many. Think, for example of the Greek gods. India, whose primary god is Braman has thousands of gods. While in India, Linda and I regularly visited KGF. Nearby was a field of idols called the Kotilingeshwara Temple, a huge temple complex dedicated to Shiva. It has thousands of small stone idols called lingas, symbols of Shiva. One colossal bull, which dominates the Kotilingeshwara Temple, is several stories high.