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Why did Elisha allow Naaman to bow before Rimmon?

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tonychanyt

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2 Kings 5

Elisha allowed Naaman to bow before the idol Rimmon. On the other hand, Zephaniah 1

5 those who bow in worship on the rooftops to the stars in the sky; those who bow and pledge loyalty to the Lord but also pledge loyalty to Milcom
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How do we reconcile 2 Kings 5:19 and Zephaniah 1:5?

Elisha was gracious and merciful to Naaman, a Gentile. He could have thrown the book at him and quoted the 2nd commandment, Exodus 20:

Was God being unjust by being nice to Naaman and not so nice to the Israelites?

Romans 9:

14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses,
“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
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The more we know of God, the more God expects of us.

How can Naaman's bowing in 2 Kings 5:19 be reconciled with the bowing in Zephaniah 1:5?

In the case of Zephaniah, the Israelites had direct revelations from God through Moses and the prophets. God expected more from them. Naaman was a Gentile. God extended a special grace to him individually, a special case, by allowing him to bow before idols while his heart was with the true God.
 
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AlexB23

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Elisha's interaction with Naaman in 2 Kings 5:18-19 and the warning against idolatry in Zephaniah 1:5 can be reconciled by understanding the context and purpose of each situation. Elisha showed grace and mercy to Naaman, a Gentile, who had been healed of leprosy by the prophet, whereas Zephaniah's warning was directed towards God's chosen people, Israel.

The Bible teaches us that God is not unjust but displays His mercy and compassion on whom He chooses (Romans 9:14-15). In the case of Naaman, God may have extended a special grace to him, recognizing his heart's desire to serve the true God even though he bowed before Rimmon. Elisha may have also known that Naaman's actions were not out of genuine devotion to the idol but a necessary concession in order to serve his master while maintaining his own faith.

On the other hand, Zephaniah's prophecy was a warning against idolatry for the Israelites, who had been given direct revelations from God through Moses and the prophets. They were expected to uphold a higher standard in their faith and worship of God, and idolatry was a serious offense.

In conclusion, Elisha's permissiveness towards Naaman's bowing before Rimmon and Zephaniah's warning against idolatry can be reconciled by understanding the unique circumstances, context, and God's grace in each situation.
 
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Bumble Bee

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After defeating Midian, the Israelites asked Gideon to rule over them. He said no, but asked them each for a gold earring from the spoil. Judges 8:27 “Gideon made it into an ephod, and placed it in his city, Ophrah, and all Israel played the harlot with it there, so that it became a snare to Gideon and his household.”

Hebrews 11:32-33 “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jepthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions…”

That always stuck with me. Gideon, Barak, and Samson all being included in that list, despite their weaknesses.
 
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tonychanyt

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You claim that Gideon used the ephod to lead Israel into idolatry. I am slow. How do the above verses support your claim? Please note the bold emphasis.
 
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Bumble Bee

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Ok, I apologize, it was a commentary I read that said he led Israel into idolatry with the ephod. The Bible does say, though, that it became a snare for him and his family, indicating they also were involved in the idolatry.
 
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