Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

GEHAZI

(Heb. gêḥăzî)

The servant of the prophet Elisha (2 Kgs. 4:12-36). Elisha resides with a Shunammite woman in a roof chamber built for him. When Elisha is unsure how to repay this kindness, Gehazi reveals that the woman has no son and that her husband is old. The servant’s hint to Elisha allows him to intercede with God. When this child dies, the mother seeks Elisha, who sends Gehazi ahead with his staff to pledge his personal involvement, or to prevent the body’s removal for burial on the day of death (as was the custom). Perhaps Gehazi exceeds Elisha’s instructions by attempting to resuscitate the child with the help of a staff with healing properties. The boy recovers only when Elisha prays.

Naaman, commander of Syria’s army, is leprous, but is healed when he washes in the Jordan at Elisha’s direction. Although Elisha refuses any gift, Gehazi, seeking personal gain, follows Naaman and requests silver and clothing. Gehazi later conceals his actions from Elisha. For his greed, lying, and betrayal, Naaman’s leprosy falls on Gehazi (2 Kgs. 5:20-27). No healing narrative follows, so punishment appears to be permanent, but Gehazi still enjoys social contact, without levitical restrictions (cf. Lev. 13–15).

During a famine, Elisha sends the Shunammite woman away. On returning, she seeks restoration of her property from the king. At Gehazi’s intervention this request is granted (2 Kgs. 8:4-6).

Bibliography. L. Bronner, The Stories of Elijah and Elisha. Pretoria Oriental Series 6 (Leiden, 1968).

Patricia A. MacNicoll

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

GEHAZI

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)