HUMAN PRIDE BROUGHT LOW.
But there was one drawback in Naaman’s case. Though he was willing to take the advice of the little girl, he was not willing to take the remedy. The stumbling-block of pride stood in his way. The remedy the prophet offered him was a terrible blow to his pride. I have no doubt he expected a grand reception from the king of Israel, to whom he brought letters of introduction. He had been victorious on many a field of battle, and held high rank in the army; perhaps we may call him Major-General Naaman of Syria, or he might have been higher in rank even than that; and bearing with him kingly credentials, he expected no doubt a distinguished reception. But instead of the king rushing out to meet him, he, when he heard of Naaman’s arrival, and his object, simply rent his mantle, and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive?”
But at last the king bethinks himself of Elisha the prophet, and he says, “There is a subject in my kingdom who may be able to help you and cure your leprosy.” And I can imagine Naaman’s pride reasoning thus: “Surely the prophet will feel very much exalted and flattered that I, the great Syrian general, should come and call upon him.” And so, probably, full of those proud thoughts, he drives up to the prophet’s humble dwelling with his chariot, four-in-hand, and his splendid retinue. Yes, Naaman drove up in grand style to the prophet’s abode, and as nobody seemed to be coming out to greet him, he sent in his message: “Tell the prophet Major-General Naaman of Syria has arrived, and wishes to see him.”