In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing.
2 KINGS 5:18KJVWhat does 2 Kings 5:18 mean?
2 Kings 5:18 shows Naaman, the Syrian commander, asking the God of Israel to forgive him for bowing in the temple of Rimmon when his master, the king, leans on his arm and expects him to do so. Naaman is concerned that, even though he now believes in the LORD, his position requires him to be present in an act of worship to another god, and he seeks pardon for this unavoidable situation.
Naaman is speaking to the prophet Elisha after being healed of leprosy and declaring his faith in the LORD. He explains that as the king’s servant, he must accompany the king into the temple of Rimmon, a Syrian god, and physically support him, which means Naaman will appear to bow as well. Naaman is not asking permission to worship Rimmon, but rather for understanding and forgiveness from the LORD for this act that is part of his official duties, not his personal belief.
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 5:18
- "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of the God of Israel, showing that Naaman is addressing the true God, not Rimmon or any other deity.
- "pardon" (סָלַח, salach): This word means to forgive or spare. Naaman is asking for the LORD’s mercy regarding his unavoidable actions in the temple of Rimmon.
- "servant" (עֶבֶד, eved): Naaman calls himself the LORD’s servant, showing his new loyalty and humility before the God of Israel, even while serving a foreign king.
- "bow" (שָׁחָה, shachah): This verb means to bow down or prostrate, often in worship. Naaman is careful to explain that his bowing is not genuine worship, but a required gesture because of his position.
Why 2 Kings 5:18 matters
- 2 Kings 5:18 clarifies that Naaman’s request is not for permission to worship another god, but for understanding as he navigates a difficult situation where his actions might be misunderstood.
- The verse highlights the tension believers may feel when their faith conflicts with cultural or professional expectations, showing that God understands genuine struggles.
- This moment connects to the wider story by showing Naaman’s sincere conversion and his desire to honor the LORD, even as he returns to a pagan environment.