But there was one drawback in Naaman's case. Though he was willing to
take the advice of the little girl, he was not willing to take the
remedy. The stumbling-block of pride stood in his way. The remedy the
prophet offered him was a terrible blow to his pride. I have no doubt
he expected a grand reception from the king of Israel, to whom he
brought letters of introduction. He had been victorious on many a
field of battle, and held high rank in the army; perhaps we may call
him Major-General Naaman of Syria, or he might have been higher in
rank even than that; and bearing with him kingly credentials, he
expected no doubt a distinguished reception. But instead of the king
rushing out to meet him, he, when he heard of Naaman's arrival, and
his object, simply rent his mantle, and said, "Am I God, to kill and
to make alive?"
But at last the king bethinks himself of Elisha the prophet, and he
says, "There is a subject in my kingdom who may be able to help you
and cure your leprosy." And I can imagine Naaman's pride reasoning
thus: "Surely the prophet will feel very much exalted and flattered
that I, the great Syrian general, should come and call upon him." And
so, probably, full of those proud thoughts, he drives up to the
prophet's humble dwelling with his chariot, four-in-hand, and his
splendid retinue. Yes, Naaman drove up in grand style to the prophet's
abode, and as nobody seemed to be coming out to greet him, he sent in
his message: "Tell the prophet Major-General Naaman of Syria has
arrived, and wishes to see him."