Go and wash in the Jordan seven times.

2 Kings 5:10

Recommended Reading

2 Kings 5:1-19

The story of Naaman teaches the importance of detailed obedience. Though he was a mighty Syrian commander, Naaman was a leper. When a Jewish girl suggested he consult the prophet Elisha, he was desperate enough to try it. Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan River, but Naaman resisted at first. Afterward, urged by his men, he went to the Jordan and humbly dipped into its muddy waters seven times. He came up the seventh time healed.

God could have cleansed Naaman instantly at Elisha’s house, but the Lord wanted to test the commander’s obedience down to the details. Suppose Naaman had dipped himself in the Jordan only six times. He would have remained a leper. God gave specific instructions, and the healing came by obeying down to the exact number.

Obedience isn’t general; it’s specific. Let’s obey God down to the details of what He tells us. Is there an area in your life that’s not under His complete control? Are you content with obeying six times when God wants seven? Let’s obey with precision and diligence.

Go wash in the Jordan seven times. This was… a trial of [Naaman’s] obedience. Those that will be helped of God must do as they are bidden.

Matthew Henry

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Genesis 29–35

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/