Naaman’s Slave Girl

The story of Naaman’s slave girl teaches us an important lesson about how we should treat those in the world. What can we learn from this unnamed girl?

The story of Naaman is one of faith, compassion and humanity. It is a very special story. Naaman was a unique individual. He wasn’t an Israelite, but was actually a Syrian general—and Syria was an enemy nation of Israel. But he was also a leper. In a fascinating display of God’s power, he was healed of his leprosy through the prophet Elisha.

What makes this such a unique event? How did it come to pass?

Luke 4:27 states: “And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” As an enemy of Israel, how was he chosen to receive this unique healing?

Naaman’s story

Second Kings 5:1-3 introduces the account: “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.’”

God was working behind the scenes through this young Israelite girl. It was her character and actions that led to Naaman’s healing. We don’t even know her name, but we do know she was taken from her home to work in servitude at a young age, and she must have served well to be trusted to serve a general’s wife. Since Naaman listened to her words, it seems that he thought highly of her. She must have had character of great quality.

A godly compassion

This young girl saw Naaman and had compassion on him. Though he was an enemy to her people, she still looked at him with concern. She saw a man in need and not a tyrannical boss. Naaman was quick to listen to his servants, even when he may not have been in the best mind-set (2 Kings 5:10-14). This young girl was a good servant and sought the best for those who ruled over her. Her compassion led her to speak up and tell Naaman about Elisha.

How do we see the people of this world? How do we treat them? Do we have compassion on them and yearn to help them?

We do not have the power to fix everything—but we can help those around us. Even if it is something little, it may have huge consequences that we may not see. All this young girl said was “there is someone who can help you.” That is such a little thing—but it had a big effect. We all have the power and ability to pray about things. That may sound small, but prayer can have big effects! When we have the opportunity, we should “do good to all” (Galatians 6:10).

A broader perspective: God’s plan for mankind

This young girl had a broader perspective than just her own life. She saw Naaman not as an enemy, but as someone she served and wanted to help. This is how we should look at others, because God desires all people to eventually be in His family (1 Timothy 2:4).

The last step in God’s plan will be to bring spiritual knowledge to the entire world. We have to have a broader perspective than just our own individual lives. Too often, we get focused on ourselves and we see the evil and ignorance of the world. We can treat people in the world with hostility because that is what we see and how we are treated. We have to remember the potential they hold—to be in God’s family.

As God’s people, let’s strive to follow the example of the young servant girl who helped Naaman.

To learn more, read our articles “The Little Maid From Israel” and “How to Be a Good Neighbor.”