Gehazi Is Struck With Leprosy

Gehazi Is Struck with Leprosy

Q: Why did Gehazi have leprosy?

• a. He lied to Elisha.
• b. He caught it from Naaman.
• c. He was born with it.

Naaman had taken many expensive gifts with him when he went to see Elisha. After Naaman was cured of his leprosy, he went back to Elisha to present him with the gifts. Elisha didn’t want the gifts, though. He was simply doing God’s work and didn’t require a reward.

Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, saw all the things Naaman had offered Elisha, and he wanted them. Gehazi ran after Naaman and told him that two young prophets had just arrived, and Elisha wanted 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothes to give them. Naaman gave him twice the amount of silver along with the two sets of clothes. When Gehazi arrived back at the house, he hid them.

“Where have you been?” Elisha asked.

“I haven’t been anywhere,” Gehazi said.

Elisha faced him and said, “Don’t you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman’s leprosy forever.”

Gehazi witnessed the miracles of God and saw God’s power through Elisha, yet he chose to lie to Naaman and to Elisha. The lies had the immediate consequence of leprosy, not only for Gehazi, but for his children and their children and on down the line.

For You

Gehazi had a good position as Elisha’s servant, but his greed caused him to act foolishly. Focus on God and his goodness, and avoid the problems that greed can cause.

Answer: a

[Elisha said to Gehazi,] “Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman’s leprosy forever.” When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow.   2 Kings 5:27

(The Whole Story: 2 Kings 5)