Many of us know quite a bit about Moses and David and Daniel, but there are so many others in the Bible who also lived amazing lives.

I don’t know about you, but I love to learn about some of the lesser-known figures in the Bible!  They might only be mentioned in a single verse or two, yet their story and legacy is important enough they still made it into the pages of the sacred Scriptures! 

One such individual was a slave girl who served Naaman’s wife.  Even Naaman isn’t one of the most well-known Bible personalities, so I’m hoping you and your children will enjoy exploring a passage from 2 Kings 5 with me:

2 Kings 5:1-5 Background Information

“Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife. Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, “Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.”  2 Kings 5:1-5, NKJV

Naaman the Syrian

Naaman the Syrian was a decorated soldier.

He served as the commander of the Syrian king’s army!  The Bible describes him as “a mighty man of valor;” the king of Syria revered him as “great and honorable;” and even the LORD gave his country victory in battle.

But even the bravest and strongest of men can endure the greatest of difficulties.

Naaman suffered from a terrible disease.  He had leprosy.  This would have been an isolating and painful condition, one which was seen as without remedy.  

I wonder what the king thought when he found out that Naaman had become a leper.  Did Naaman’s wife still spend time with him or was Naaman kept quarantined in a separate room or even house?

Leprosy and Isolation

We all went through the pandemic.  

How did it feel to be isolated from others?  

Did you ever feel unfairly judged?  

Did you ever feel alone?

Naaman suffered and his skin condition was known to the household – including to the Israelite slave girl who served Naaman’s wife.

An Israelite slave girl’s faith and love

The Israelite girl may have been enduring captivity, but she didn’t let that stop her from being a witness in faith. She knew that a true prophet of God could surely heal Naaman of his leprosy.

What faith!

The Bible indicates that Elijah’s successor, Elisha, was gaining quite a reputation in Israel as a prophet and miracle-worker.  At some point before becoming Naaman’s slave, it appears this Israelite girl had either heard about or seen firsthand the wonders occurring in Israel through Elisha’s ministry.

She knew there was hope for her master:

“If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.”  2 Kings 5:3

There’s no “maybe” in that verse.

The enslaved Israelite girl had confident faith.  She said to her mistress, if only Naaman were with Prophet Elisha, Naaman would receive his healing.

This girl also showed that she had a big heart and love!

She was a captive in a foreigner’s home, but she had enough love in her heart to care that her master receive a miracle.

The Israelite girl didn’t show resentment for being enslaved.  She was genuinely concerned for Naaman.

Lessons for kids today

No matter what happens in life, keep a positive attitude.  

Love others, no matter your own personal circumstances!

Seek ways to pray for others around you.  

When you observe that someone is struggling or in pain, point them to the God of all Hope, our Healer and Savior!  

Have faith!  Be confident that the LORD is absolutely able to work wondrous wonders in our lives!  

Memory Verses on Loving Others

You may enjoy learning some of these memory verses that remind us to love others.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34

“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

I pray these verses and this lesson will be of blessing to you and your family!

Shalom!

Prayer

Father, You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  You are also the same God who used the Prophet Elisha to work wonders in Israel and make Your Name famous.  We praise You and honor You! Though we do not know the name of the slave girl mentioned in 2 Kings 5, we do know that she had faith and compassion for others.  Lord, help us to care about others, too, and help us to put our faith into practice each and every day!  In the Name of our Messiah Jesus, Amen.

Craft/Worksheet Idea

If you are looking for a craft or worksheet idea to go along with this lesson with your children, LeAnn Thorpe has a wonderful set of free printables about Naaman and the servant girl that will bless your littles!  You can find it on Teachers Pay Teachers at this link.  

Guest Bio:  

Jennifer Fuentes loves to help children and adults alike better understand the Scriptures.  She and her husband have pastored several mission churches and are currently pastoring their children through homeschooling. You can find her blog at www.adonaishalom.com.