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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 5 - Verse 10

5:10
And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of 2 Kings in the Bible, we see the prophet Elisha sending a message to Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, who was suffering from leprosy. Elisha instructs Naaman to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River in order to be healed. This command may seem simple, but it holds a deeper meaning. The number seven often represents completion or perfection in the Bible, and in this case, it signifies the fullness of God's healing power. The act of washing in the Jordan River symbolizes a cleansing of not just Naaman's physical ailment, but also his spiritual condition. By following Elisha's instructions, Naaman shows his faith and obedience to God, ultimately leading to his complete healing. This verse teaches us the importance of faith, obedience, and the miraculous power of God to heal and restore us when we trust in Him.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse where Elisha instructs Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed, scholars often point to the symbolic significance of the number seven in the Bible. In Hebrew culture, the number seven is often associated with completion and perfection, representing the divine work of God. The act of washing in the Jordan River seven times can be seen as a symbol of Naaman's need for complete surrender to God and obedience to His command in order to receive healing and cleansing. This verse reminds readers of the importance of faith and obedience in God's miraculous work in our lives.

American Standard Version

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
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