leprosy in the Bble
Just for your thoughts:
In the Old Testament, four people are mentioned as having been affected by leprosy:
Miriam
King Uzziah
Gehazi
Naaman
1.Miriam
When she could not bear the exaltation of her brother Moses and said, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t He also spoken through us?” she opposed Moses. Because of this, the Lord struck her with leprosy.
2.Gehazi
After Naaman, in obedience to the word of Elisha, dipped himself seven times in the Jordan River and was healed of his leprosy, he wanted to offer Elisha a gift. But Elisha refused. Gehazi, however, went to Naaman and said falsely, “Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing, as my master has sent me to ask of you.” Naaman gladly gave him two talents of silver.
When Elisha came to know this, he said, “Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Immediately, Gehazi became leprous, as white as snow (2 Kings 5:27).
3.King Uzziah
According to the Old Testament, priestly duties belonged only to the family of Aaron. By the Law of Moses, neither a king nor a prophet could perform priestly functions. But King Uzziah desired to do what was not appointed to him. He entered the temple to burn incense at the altar, which God had not called him to do. As a result, God’s anger struck him, and leprosy broke out on his forehead. He remained a leper for the rest of his life.
Naaman
Naaman was healed of his leprosy when he obeyed the prophet’s command.
Miriam and King Uzziah were not content with their own calling. They desired the position that God had not given them, and in doing so, they rebelled against the divine order of authority. Coveting another person’s calling is a grave sin. Failing to remain satisfied in our own calling and being envious of others’ position is like a spiritual leprosy.
As for Gehazi, one might even forgive his greed for wealth. But his real sin was misusing the prophet’s name to obtain what he did not deserve. We must never misuse someone else’s name or reputation to gain wealth, influence, or political advantage.
Miriam’s leprosy was temporary because of Moses’ intercessory prayer.
King Uzziah’s leprosy was permanent, because his act was deliberate, arrogant, and rooted in pride—thinking, “Who can stop me?” Hence, he lived and died as a leper.
Three sins we must avoid in life:
Greed, like Gehazi.
Hostile accusation, like Miriam.
Rebellion against God’s calling, like King Uzziah.
Ezekiel Shanmugavel