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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 5 - Verse 5

5:5
And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

Meaning

In this verse from 2 Kings 5:5, we see the king of Syria instructing his general, Naaman, to travel to Israel with a letter as a diplomatic gesture. The king of Syria believed that the king of Israel could heal Naaman's leprosy, hence the sending of the letter. Naaman then departs with ten talents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment as gifts for the king of Israel. The exchange of valuable gifts was a common practice in ancient times to show respect, seek favor, or establish diplomatic relations. The amount of silver and gold mentioned highlights the importance of the request and the wealth of the sender. This verse sets the stage for the miraculous healing of Naaman by the prophet Elisha, showcasing the power of faith and humility.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 2 Kings 5:5, we see the King of Syria instructing his servant to go to the King of Israel with a letter. The mention of ten talents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment in this passage reveals the wealth and power of the King of Syria. The amount of silver and gold mentioned here suggests a significant sum, further emphasizing the importance of the message being delivered. Additionally, the ten changes of raiment may symbolize the importance of presentation and appearances in ancient societies, indicating the meticulousness with which the King of Syria wanted his message to be received. This verse showcases the intricate dynamics between various kingdoms during biblical times, highlighting the complexities of diplomatic interactions and the value placed on material possessions.

American Standard Version

And the king of Syria said, Go now, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand [pieces] of gold, and ten changes of raiment.
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