Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
Aren't the Abana and Pharpar rivers in Damascus better than all the waters in Israel? Can't I wash in them and be healed? So he turned around and left in anger.
Naaman is furious because he expected a grand healing ceremony, but the prophet simply told him to wash in the muddy Jordan River instead of the beautiful rivers back home.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of the story of Naaman, a powerful Syrian military commander who had leprosy and came to the prophet Elisha for healing. The Abana and Pharpar were clear, beautiful rivers flowing through Damascus, Syria's capital, while the Jordan River in Israel was muddy and unimpressive. Naaman's pride was wounded because he expected special treatment befitting his high status.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.