Naaman

Naaman was the commander of the army of Aram-Damascus, a powerful general who suffered from a skin disease (traditionally translated 'leprosy'). Through an Israelite slave girl, he learned of Elisha the prophet in Samaria (2 Kings 5). His expectation of a dramatic healing ritual was confounded by Elisha's simple command to wash seven times in the Jordan River; when his servants persuaded him to comply, he was healed completely. He returned to Elisha declaring, 'Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel' (2 Kings 5:15). When Elisha refused any payment, Naaman asked to take Israelite soil home so he could worship the LORD on it, a touching act of practical piety. Jesus cited Naaman's healing to illustrate God's grace extending beyond Israel (Luke 4:27).