Daily Tanach Monday 5th Shevat, Sefer Melachim 2 Chapter 5 Part 3:Geichazi chases after Naaman to receive gifts from him

1. Geichazi chases after Naaman to receive gifts from him:

• Geichazi chases after Naaman and asks him for a gift: Geichazi, the servant of Elisha the prophet, said to himself that it is not right that his master Elisha refused the gift offered to him by Naaman, the Aramean, and hence he will chase after Naaman and request from him a gift. So, Geichazi chased after Naaman and when Naaman saw him running after him, he leaned over the side of the chariot towards him, and asked him as to if everything is well and as to what he wants. Geichazi answered him that everything is fine, and he has chased after him being that Elisha, his master, sent him to request a gift from Naaman, as two youths who are disciples of the prophets have just arrived from Mt. Ephraim [and are in need of funds]. “My master has requested you to please give them a talent of silver and two suits of clothing.”
• Naaman gives him the requested gifts and more: Naaman [made Geichazi swear that he in truth was sent by Elisha[1] and then] generously replied saying, “Please take two talents of silver [even though he only asked for one].” Naaman urged him to accept the extra gift and he tied two talents of silver in two pockets, and prepared two suits of clothing and he gave them to his two servants, and they [these two servants of Naaman[2]] carried them before Geichazi.
• Geichazi hides the gifts he received: Geichazi traveled to a discreet location where there was a high tower where he would keep his money, and he then took the gifts from the hands of the servants of Naaman, and he deposited them in the tower, and sent off the servants back to their master [in order so they will not be seen by Elisha, and tell him of the gifts that they had delivered[3]].

2. Geichazi is chastised and cursed by Elisha:

• Geichazi is confronted as to his whereabouts and lies: Geichazi arrived and stood before his master, Elisha, and Elisha inquired of him as to where he was and as from where he was coming from. Geichazi replied to him with a lie stating that he was not coming from anywhere and has not gone to any place.
• Elisha curses Geichazi with leprosy: Elisha responded to Geichazi saying, “Do you not know that my prophetic vision escorted you to the man who turned from his chariot [i.e. Naaman] in order to ask as to what you want? Was it really the appropriate circumstance for you to take the silver in order to [become rich and use the money to[4]] buy clothing and olive trees and vineyards and sheep and cattle and slaves and maidservants [as it is not appropriate for one to benefit from a miracle of G-d[5]]? Now Naaman’s Tzaras shall cling to you and to your children forever.”
• Geichazi left the presence of Elisha stricken with Tzaras, and he was as white as snow.

[1] Rashi 5:23

[2] Rashi 5:23

[3] Rashi 5:24

[4] Rashi 5:26

[5] Metzudos Dovid 5:26