Bible Society of South Africa

Seisoen na Pinkster: Proper 23 (28)

Alternatiewe eerste lesing en Psalm

Naaman is Cured

1Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, was highly respected and esteemed by the king of Syria, because through Naaman the LORD had given victory to the Syrian forces. He was a great soldier, but he suffered from a dreaded skin disease. 2In one of their raids against Israel, the Syrians had carried off a little Israelite girl, who became a servant of Naaman's wife. 3One day she said to her mistress, “I wish that my master could go to the prophet who lives in Samaria! He would cure him of his disease.”

2 Kings 5:1-3GNBOpen in Bible reader

7When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and exclaimed, “How can the king of Syria expect me to cure this man? Does he think that I am God, with the power of life and death? It's plain that he is trying to start a quarrel with me!”

8When the prophet Elisha heard what had happened, he sent word to the king: “Why are you so upset? Send the man to me, and I'll show him that there is a prophet in Israel!”

9So Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and stopped at the entrance to Elisha's house. 10Elisha sent a servant out to tell him to go and wash himself seven times in the River Jordan, and he would be completely cured of his disease. 11But Naaman left in a rage, saying, “I thought that he would at least come out to me, pray to the LORD his God, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and cure me! 12Besides, aren't the rivers Abana and Pharpar, back in Damascus, better than any river in Israel? I could have washed in them and been cured!”

13His servants went up to him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. Now why can't you just wash yourself, as he said, and be cured?” 14So Naaman went down to the Jordan, dipped himself in it seven times, as Elisha had instructed, and he was completely cured. His flesh became firm and healthy, like that of a child. 15He returned to Elisha with all his men and said, “Now I know that there is no god but the God of Israel; so please, sir, accept a gift from me.”

2 Kings 5:7-15GNBOpen in Bible reader

In Praise of the LORD

1Praise the LORD!

With all my heart I will thank the LORD

in the assembly of his people.

2How wonderful are the things the LORD does!

All who are delighted with them want to understand them.

3All he does is full of honour and majesty;

his righteousness is eternal.

4The LORD does not let us forget his wonderful actions;

he is kind and merciful.

5He provides food for those who honour him;

he never forgets his covenant.

6He has shown his power to his people

by giving them the lands of foreigners.

7In all he does he is faithful and just;

all his commands are dependable.

8They last for all time;

they were given in truth and righteousness.

9He set his people free

and made an eternal covenant with them.

Holy and mighty is he!

10The way to become wise is to honour the LORD;

he gives sound judgement to all who obey his commands.

He is to be praised for ever.

Psalms 111-111GNBOpen in Bible reader
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