Legacy: God Honors the Heart by Vance K. JacksonНамуна

Naaman

“Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.” 2 Kings‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

Naaman was recognized for his success throughout Syria. In fact, 2 Kings 5:1 KJV declares that he was a “great man” and captain of the Syrian Army. As we will soon discover, the depth and breadth of Naaman’s title reached far beyond the word “Captain”—the Bible depicts him as a “mighty man in valor.”

According to Strong’s Concordance, Naaman’s name meant—“pleasantness” (H5283). Naaman was a man of honor, strength, power, and authority—yet he was pleasant. Through the story of Naaman, we will soon find that you’re able to lead with strength, power, authority, and might—while remaining pleasant. In fact, you’ll find “Naamans” are respected, honorable, full of character, and well-regarded by kings and those in authority.

You’ll find that these “Naamans” are pleasant to be around and are trusted advisors and confidants who have earned the respect of kings, those they lead, and those who surround them. According to 2 Kings‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭AMPC, the Amplified Version unpacks Naaman’s title further—he was more than just a captain—he was a Commander, one appointed by the king. Naaman was Commander of the Syrian army. His words carried weight. His commands carried power.

In fact, Naaman was a man of war, strategy, and strength. Naaman not only was well-regarded and trusted by his peers—he was respected by the king. The Bible declares that he was both accepted and “acceptable.”

The Amplified Version puts it this way, “NAAMAN, COMMANDER of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, accepted [and acceptable], because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.”

Naaman had the respect of the king and was accepted by those above him, those around him, and those who served him. Naaman was a great man of honor, character, and integrity. Through his track record of success and victorious leadership—he was accepted. Through his character, he was “acceptable." The Bible calls him a “mighty man in valor.”

According to Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word for ‘Valor’‬‬ is (ḥayil - H2428), which means, “Strength, efficiency, virtue, or wealth.” Beyond being a great man, honorable, successful, full of character, strength, and might—Naaman carried the culture of character.

In fact, this man was so honored and esteemed by those around him that his success was considered as deliverance of an entire nation. His performance was considered economic deliverance. His actions were considered deliverance for an entire region. An entire kingdom accepted his authority.

Naaman was not a powerless figurehead in authority—he was appointed because through him God had granted deliverance to Syria. Your position has power. But victory comes from God. According to the Amplified Version, the word ‘deliverance’ used in 2 Kings‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬‬‬ is translated as “Victory”:

“NAAMAN, COMMANDER of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, accepted [and acceptable], because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria...”

Naaman was accepted by the king. He was accepted by those around him—acceptable and full of character. Naaman was a deliverer. Through him the Lord had given victory to Syria.