But the king, laboring under an erroneous idea as to Benhadad's motive in sending Naaman to him, wished so to act as to leave Benhadad no pretext for making war upon him. Benhadad had in reality desired to be complimentary in the wording of his letter in order to propitiate Jehoram, so that the latter would command Elisha to heal Naaman.
"Naaman of Syria," said Jehoram, "I did promise thee an answer to the letter of thy king. Go thou to the house in Samaria of the prophet, Elisha, and say unto him, 'I am Naaman of Syria, a leper, who hast come to thee to be made whole.' Then will Elisha heal thee of thy leprosy."
"My lord, I know not where dwelleth this Elisha," said Naaman.
"I will send a servant to guide thee," said the king.
So Naaman entered his chariot, and with all his retinue, started for the home of the prophet. The king's servant led the way on foot. The magnificent caravan passed through the streets of Samaria, wound among the hills and stopped before a small and lowly dwelling.
Lifting himself from among his silken cushions, Naaman called impatiently to one of his servants,
"Why hast the caravan come thus to a halt?"
"At the command of the king's servant, my lord," was the reply.
"Send to me the king's servant," cried Naaman, angrily.