2 Kings 5:18
In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing.
2 Kings 5:18 · King James Version
Meaning
One of the key teachings of this verse is the importance of loyalty and obedience to God, even in challenging circumstances. The verse tells the story of a man who served a master who worshipped a false god named Rimmon. Despite his master's desires, the man remained faithful to his own belief in the one true God. When his master asked him to accompany him to the house of Rimmon and bow down in worship, the man complied outwardly, but inwardly sought forgiveness from the Lord for his actions. This verse reminds us that even when faced with difficult decisions or pressure to compromise our beliefs, we must stay true to our faith and seek forgiveness from God for any actions that may go against his teachings. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying steadfast in our faith, even when faced with temptation or the risk of punishment.
Theological Overview
This verse comes from the story of Elisha and Naaman in 2 Kings 5:18. Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, had been cured of his leprosy by God through the prophet Elisha. In this verse, Naaman is seeking forgiveness from the Lord for a specific situation. He asks for pardon when his master, the king of Syria, goes to worship at the temple of the god Rimmon, and Naaman is required to accompany him and bow down in the temple. Despite his commitment to the one true God of Israel, Naaman felt compelled to show respect to Rimmon in this instance due to his position. This verse raises questions about cultural practices, obligations, and the willingness of God to forgive in specific circumstances. Ultimately, it teaches us about the complexity of human behavior in relation to faith and the need for sincere repentance and reliance on God's forgiveness.
2 Kings 5:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
In this thing Jehovah pardon thy servant: when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, Jehovah pardon thy servant in this thing.
World English Bible
In this thing may Yahweh pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon. When I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, may Yahweh pardon your servant in this thing.”
Douay-Rheims
But there is only this, for which thou shalt entreat the Lord for thy servant; when my master goeth into the temple of Remmon, to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand: if I bow down in the temple of Remmon, when he boweth down in the same place, that the Lord pardon me, thy servant, for this thing.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Herein the Lord bee mercifull vnto thy seruant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon, to worship there, and leaneth on mine hand, and I bowe my selfe in the house of Rimmon: when I doe bowe downe, I say, in the house of Rimmon, the Lord be mercifull vnto thy seruant in this point.