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REVIEW: GEHAZI, THE SERVANT OF ELISHA

Text: 2 Kings 5
4 May 2010

(I) REVIEW: GEHAZI, THE SERVANT OF ELISHA

1. Introduction of Gehazi as the servant of Elisha (2 Kings 4:12)

2. Gehazi sent out to heal the son of the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:29)

3. Failure of Gehazi on this mission (2 Kings 4:31)

(II) GEHAZI’S COVETOUSNESS

1. Observation

“Look, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving from his hands what he has brought” 2 Kings 5:20b

2. Secret determination

“But as the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him.” 2 Kings 5:20c

(III) NAAMAN AND GEHAZI

1. Naaman noticed Gehazi running after him (2 Kings 5:21a)

2. Graciously he got down from his chariot to greet Gehazi

“Is all well?” 2 Kings 5:21b

3. Gehazi’s lie

“My master has sent me, saying, ‘Indeed, just now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the mountains of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of garments.’ ” 2 Kings 5:22

a) Outright fabrication

b) Using Elisha’s name in vain

c) Request for money and clothing

4. Naaman’s magnanimity (2 Kings 5:23-24)

a) He offers 2 talents of silver

b) Two changes of garments

c) He sent 2 servants to help carry these items

(IV) ELISHA AND GEHAZI

1. Elisha’s query

“Where did you go, Gehazi?” 2 Kings 5:25a

2. Gehazi’s reply

“Your servant did not go anywhere” 2 Kings 5:25b

3. Rebuke of Gehazi

“Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?” 2 Kings 5:26b

a) Money

b) Clothing

c) Olive groves

d) Vineyards

e) Sheep and oxen

f) Male and female servants

(These were the potential gifts that grateful people could offer the powerful prophets of God; wisely, Elisha refused to fill his heart and mind with such things)!

4. Punishment of Gehazi

“ ’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.” 2 Kings 5:27

a) A severe punishment

b) A necessary one

i) Deterrent to other sons of the prophets

ii) Gehazi damaged the reputation of Elisha considerably