THE LITTLE CAPTIVE MAID.
: Old Testament StoriesNaaman was a great general in the army of the King of Syria, who
esteemed him highly, because it was Naaman that led the Syrians when
God gave them victory over the Israelites. But in spite of his bravery
and his high position, he was miserable, because he suffered from a
terrible disease called leprosy. Now, among the captives whom the
Syrians had brought back from war was a little Israelitish maiden, who
was appointe
wonderful things which Elisha did in the name of God; and she told her
mistress that if Naaman could only see this prophet, who was in
Samaria, he could be cured. And the King was told what the maid had
said, and he sent a letter to the King of Israel commanding him to
cure Naaman of his leprosy. But the King of Israel was afraid, and
thought the King of Syria sought this way to quarrel with him. When
Elisha heard of the King's fear, he sent and desired that Naaman
should be brought to him. So Naaman came in his chariot, and stood at
Elisha's door. But the prophet instead of coming to him, sent a
message directing Naaman to wash in Jordan seven times, when his
leprous flesh would be restored to health. Naaman had thought that
Elisha would have received him with much ceremony and touched him,
bidding the leprosy to depart; so he was angry and said, "Are not the
rivers of Damascus better than all the waters of Israel? May I not
wash in them and be clean?" Therefore he went away in a rage. But his
servants persuaded him to carry out the prophet's injunction, and he
went and dipped seven times in Jordan, and was made whole.
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