Gehazi
“Valley of vision”
Summary
The servant of the prophet Elisha who was struck with leprosy for his covetousness and deceit in obtaining gifts from Naaman the Syrian.
☩Faithful Service
Gehazi first appears as Elisha's trusted servant, observant and practical in nature. When Elisha wished to reward the Shunammite woman for her hospitality, it was Gehazi who perceived what gift would satisfy her heart—the promise of a son. He was also sent to lay Elisha's staff upon the face of the Shunammite's dead child, though reanimation did not occur until Elisha himself came. In these early accounts, Gehazi appears as a willing and efficient servant, jealous of his master's honor.
☩Covetousness and Deception
When Elisha refused Naaman's gifts after healing him of leprosy, Gehazi's covetous spirit was awakened. He ran after the departing Syrian and, in his master's name, falsely requested a talent of silver and two changes of clothing, claiming visitors had arrived who needed provision. Naaman gladly gave two talents and sent servants to carry them. Having hidden this spoil, Gehazi boldly appeared before Elisha and denied having gone anywhere.
☩Divine Judgment
The prophet, whose heart had followed Gehazi, sternly rebuked him: 'Is it a time to receive money?' Gehazi's sin was manifold—he arrogated superior judgment to the Lord's prophet, falsely employed his master's name, invented a charitable excuse, and lied when questioned. The terrible doom was pronounced: 'The leprosy of Naaman shall cleave unto thee and unto thy seed forever.' He went out from Elisha's presence a leper as white as snow.
☩Later Appearance
Despite his leprosy, Gehazi later appears recounting Elisha's mighty deeds to King Joram. When he related the restoration of the Shunammite's son to life, the very woman appeared before the king to claim her property, and Gehazi's testimony helped secure the restoration of her house and lands. Some interpret this favorable account as evidence that Gehazi repented and was perhaps restored to health, though the sequence of events remains debated.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Gehazi," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Gehazi," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Gehazi," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 4.George Morrish, "Gehazi," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Gehazi," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).