Congregation Bible Study for the Week of March 29–April 4, 2027

Chapter 31: A Little Slave Girl Who Spoke Courageously

In what ways did the Israelite girl show courage?

Comment 1: She showed courage by speaking about Jehovah in a home where another god was worshipped. Naaman was an important military chief, whereas she was a little foreign slave girl. It could have been intimidating to recommend Jehovah’s prophet as someone who could help him. Yet she did not let their different positions silence her. She spoke to Naaman’s wife because she trusted in Jehovah and wanted to relieve the suffering she saw in that family.

Comment 2: She was also courageous because she continued to trust in Jehovah while far from her family and surrounded by worshippers of false gods. The chapter explains that she did not know whether Elisha had previously cured anyone of leprosy, but she was sure that Jehovah could use him to do what was necessary. Her courage did not depend on having all the answers or controlling the outcome. It rested on what she knew about her God. That trust moved her to speak.

Comment 3: Her courage was accompanied by great compassion. The Syrians had separated her from her family, and Naaman was an enemy of Israel. Even so, she was not glad to see him sick, nor was she indifferent to his wife’s pain. She took a step to help them. This teaches me that being courageous does not always mean confronting someone; sometimes it means doing good under very difficult circumstances, without allowing the suffering we have experienced to take away our desire to help.

1. Why might the Israelite girl have viewed the Syrians as frightening and strange? (w96 5/15 p. 8 par. 3). A

2 Kings 5:2 — On one of their raids, the Syrians had taken captive from the land of Israel a little girl who became a servant to Naaman’s wife.

Comment 1: This verse shows that she had not gone to Syria willingly. She had been captured during a raid and made a servant. So it is understandable that the Syrians may have seemed frightening to her: Their arrival had meant losing her family’s companionship and finding herself in an unfamiliar country. Keeping in mind how she came to that household helps us appreciate her example more. She spoke about Jehovah, not from a comfortable situation, but after enduring very painful circumstances.

Comment 2: There was also a huge religious difference. The reference explains that the Syrians worshipped the sun, the moon, the stars, plants, and even stones. She, on the other hand, came from a family that worshipped Jehovah, the only true God. Thus, she was not only far from the people she knew; she was also living among people with very different beliefs. This contrast helps us understand why that environment could have seemed so strange and why she needed courage to speak about her God.

Comment 3: The girl had been separated from a God-fearing family. Previously she had the companionship of people who shared her worship, but in Syria she no longer had that familiar environment nearby. This made her situation more difficult: She had to adapt to a new life without abandoning what she had learned about Jehovah. I am impressed that, although the people and circumstances had changed so much, her trust in Jehovah remained strong enough for her to speak about him courageously.

2. What effects can leprosy have on a person? (it “Leprosy” pars. 3-5).

Comment 1: The reference work explains that one type of leprosy can thicken the skin and produce lumps, first on the face and later on other parts of the body. It can also damage the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. So it is not simply a superficial skin condition. It can disfigure a person and seriously damage his health. This helps us understand why the chapter describes such a sad atmosphere in Naaman’s household.

Comment 2: Another type mainly affects the peripheral nerves. It can make the skin painful to the touch or, on the contrary, cause loss of sensation and numbness. There is also a type that combines different symptoms. We do not know exactly which manifestations Naaman had, so we should not attribute all of them to him. But knowing these possible effects helps us understand the seriousness of his illness and the compassion the girl felt when she saw him and his wife suffering.

Comment 3: As the disease progresses, it can cause oozing lesions, loss of hair and eyebrows, and deterioration of the nails. In severe cases, it can also destroy tissue in the fingers, nose, and eyes, and may even cause death. These effects show that Naaman had a very serious problem that his power as a military chief could not solve.

3. Why did Elisha refuse Naaman’s gift? (w05 8/1 p. 9 par. 2).

Comment 1: Elisha did not accept the gift because he knew that Naaman had been cured by Jehovah’s power, not his own. He had transmitted God’s instructions, but he was not the source of that power. Refusing the gift was consistent with that recognition. He did not want to benefit personally from the position Jehovah had given him. His example teaches us to remain humble and not take credit for what we can do with Jehovah’s help.

Matthew 10:8 — Cure the sick, raise up the dead, make lepers clean, expel demons. You received free, give free.

Comment 2: Jesus’ instruction at Matthew 10:8 expresses a principle that harmonizes with Elisha’s conduct: What is received from God should not become a means of gaining personal profit. The disciples had not bought the power Jesus gave them. Similarly, Elisha had not produced Naaman’s cure by himself. The reference applies this principle to Jehovah’s servants today: We serve to help people, not to take advantage of them.

Comment 3: I am struck by the fact that Elisha maintained his decision even though Naaman kept insisting. The problem was not that Naaman lacked gratitude; in fact, he wanted to express it with a gift. But Elisha clearly understood that he should not use his service to Jehovah to become rich. This firmness teaches us to decide beforehand why we serve God. If our motive is love for Jehovah and for people, we will be able to reject opportunities for improper gain.

4. Why was Elisha sure that Jehovah would forgive Naaman when he bowed before Rimmon? (2 Ki. 5:18, 19; w05 8/1 p. 9 par. 3). B

2 Kings 5:18-19 — But may Jehovah forgive your servant for this one thing: When my lord goes into the house of Rimmon to bow down there, he supports himself on my arm, so I have to bow down at the house of Rimmon. When I bow down at the house of Rimmon, may Jehovah, please, forgive your servant for this.” At this he said to him: “Go in peace.” After he departed from him and had traveled for some distance,

Comment 1: Naaman explained that the king leaned on his arm when he bowed down. The reference clarifies that the elderly king needed that support because of his poor health. Thus, when Naaman bowed down, he would do so to support the king, not to worship Rimmon. It would be a purely mechanical movement related to his civil duty. Elisha accepted his explanation. The prophet’s response did not approve of false worship; rather, it took into account what Naaman would actually be doing.

Comment 2: The context shows that Naaman was not looking for a way to continue worshipping two gods. After being cured, he had expressed his determination to offer sacrifices only to Jehovah. His concern was how to fulfill his obligation to support the king when the king bowed before Rimmon. Elisha accepted that this was his true intention. So the key was not simply his body position, but the fact that his action had the sole purpose of supporting the king.

Comment 3: This case teaches me to examine the facts carefully before reaching conclusions about someone. From the outside, a person might see Naaman bowing and think that he was worshipping Rimmon. However, his explanation showed that he was supporting the king and wanted to serve only Jehovah. This does not make participation in false worship acceptable. Rather, it reminds us to distinguish between what an action appears to mean and what is really happening in a particular situation.

Naaman was chief of the Syrian army. Although he invaded Israel, Jehovah cured him. What does this teach you about Jehovah’s mercy and impartiality? C

Comment 1: It teaches me that Jehovah does not limit his mercy to people of a certain nationality. Naaman was Syrian and chief of the army of a nation that was an enemy of Israel. Even so, when he followed the instructions transmitted by Elisha, Jehovah cured him. We should not conclude that a person is beyond Jehovah’s help because of his background or the group he belongs to. This account moves me to view every person as someone who may come to know Jehovah and serve him.

Comment 2: I also see that Jehovah allowed Naaman to change. At first, he became furious over the instructions he received and was about to leave. But he listened to his servants, humbled himself, and obeyed. Jehovah cured him, and afterward Naaman acknowledged the true God. This helps me not to define someone solely by his first reaction. A person who initially rejects what he hears may later reflect, show humility, and respond favorably to spiritual help.

Comment 3: I can imitate this impartiality by witnessing without being influenced by people’s appearance. The picture in the material shows a young Witness speaking with a classmate whose appearance is different from his. We cannot know what is in someone’s heart simply by looking at him. The Israelite girl saw Naaman as a person who was suffering and could receive help. I too want to focus on a person’s needs instead of deciding beforehand that he will not be interested in learning about Jehovah.

How does the Israelite girl’s example help you to witness despite feeling afraid?

Comment 1: Her example reminds me that being afraid does not mean that I cannot act courageously. The girl was in an intimidating situation, but she had something good to communicate. The chapter indicates that she likely asked Jehovah for courage. I too can pray before a conversation that worries me. Instead of waiting until I feel completely calm, I can focus on the help the other person might receive and take a simple step to speak respectfully about Jehovah.

Comment 2: It helps me to see that she did not need to give a long explanation. The few words she said to Naaman’s wife pointed out where help could be found. Sometimes fear increases because we think we will have to explain many things or answer every question. This account encourages me to begin with something simple that I know well. A clear Bible thought, expressed with sincere interest, can open a conversation. I do not have to say everything at once to give a good witness.

Comment 3: The girl thought about Naaman’s and his wife’s suffering, not only about how difficult it might be to speak. This teaches me to direct my attention toward the person. If a classmate is worried or going through a painful time, I can ask myself what Bible teaching might comfort him. The desire to help can move me to speak even when I am nervous. In this way, witnessing stops being merely a situation that frightens me and becomes an opportunity to show love.

In what other ways can you copy the Israelite girl’s courageous example?

Comment 1: I can imitate her by maintaining my loyalty to Jehovah when surrounded by people who do not share my beliefs. The girl continued trusting in him even though she was far from her family and lived in an environment of false worship. In my case, I might be at school or work without other Witnesses nearby. Her example encourages me not to hide my convictions out of embarrassment or be carried along by the environment. I can be respectful toward others while remaining faithful to Jehovah.

Comment 2: Another way is to keep doing good when my circumstances are difficult. The girl had suffered greatly, but she retained a compassionate heart. She did not allow her own pain to make her indifferent to the suffering of those around her. This encourages me not to think that I can help only after all my problems have been solved. Even during a difficult period, I may be able to listen to someone, offer encouragement, or do something kind. Her example shows that courage and compassion can go hand in hand.

Comment 3: I can also imitate her by not allowing someone’s age or position to make me feel that I have nothing to contribute. She was a slave girl, but she knew Jehovah and knew where Naaman could obtain help. She did not try to impress anyone or speak harshly. She simply communicated what could help. This especially encourages young ones: Even if others have more experience or authority, you can do much good by humbly sharing what you have learned from Jehovah.

What does this account teach me about Jehovah?

Comment 1: It teaches me that Jehovah has the power to do what no human can accomplish by himself. Naaman was an important and respected warrior, but that did not free him from his disease. When he obeyed the instructions transmitted by Elisha, he became completely clean. The cure did not come from Naaman’s military power or from the resources he brought with him. It came from Jehovah. This strengthens my confidence that human limitations are not limitations for our God.

Comment 2: It teaches me that Jehovah values those who may go unnoticed by others. The Bible does not tell us the girl’s name, but it preserves what she did. The chapter emphasizes that Jehovah does know her name and speaks of the joy of meeting her when he resurrects her. This moves me because she did not hold an important position. Her faith and courage were what stood out. To Jehovah, a person does not need to be famous or powerful for his faithfulness to have value.

Comment 3: I also learn that knowing Jehovah can profoundly change a person. Naaman did not return home with only healthy skin. After experiencing Jehovah’s power, he decided to stop offering sacrifices to other gods and to serve him. The girl had pointed to a solution for his illness, but the result went much further. This reminds me that the most valuable help we can offer is to draw someone closer to Jehovah, because that can transform his worship and his way of life.

How does this account relate to Jehovah’s purpose and the Bible’s main theme?

Comment 1: The account relates to the sanctification of Jehovah’s name because it enabled Naaman to recognize who the true God is. He had worshipped Rimmon, but after his cure he acknowledged Jehovah and decided to serve only him. The result was not to bring fame to the girl or enrich Elisha. Most important, Jehovah received the recognition he deserves. Thus, a personal experience can highlight the truth about God and bring honor to his name.

Comment 2: We also see that knowledge of Jehovah was not to be limited to one family or one nation. The words of an Israelite girl reached a Syrian military chief and, through him, the king of Syria. Naaman eventually worshipped Jehovah. The account shows that people of other nations can come to know the true God. This gives meaning to our efforts to speak about him to people of every background, without assuming that their past will prevent them from listening.

Comment 3: The chapter also directs our attention to the resurrection, inviting us to think about meeting this girl when Jehovah resurrects her. The story is not limited to the suffering she endured or to the little we know about her life. Jehovah knows the rest of her story and can restore her to life. This perspective connects the account with the Bible’s hope for those who have died and moves us to imitate her faith now, with the desire to meet her in the future.

What would I like to ask the Israelite girl when she is resurrected? a

Comment 1: I would like to ask her name and learn more about her family. The chapter lets us see her faith and courage, but leaves many details of her life untold. It would be wonderful to hear from her how life was in Israel before she was taken captive. Thinking about that conversation makes the resurrection hope more personal to me: It is not merely a matter of remembering an account, but of being able to meet the person who lived it.

Comment 2: I would ask what she had learned about Jehovah and Elisha before arriving in Syria. The chapter says that her parents had probably told her about the remarkable things Jehovah had done through the prophet, but it does not say which ones she knew. I would like to know what teachings strengthened her trust so much. Her answer could help us appreciate even more the value of teaching children about Jehovah and helping them know him well before they face difficult situations.

Comment 3: I would ask what helped her adapt to her new life without losing trust in Jehovah. We know that she was far from her family and became a slave, but we do not know all the challenges she faced each day. I would like to hear how she kept her faith alive under those circumstances. I would not want to assume details that the Bible does not tell us; that is precisely why hearing her own experience and learning how she relied on Jehovah would be so valuable.

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