CHARACTER STUDY OF GEHAZI

CHARACTER STUDY OF GEHAZI - SERVANT OF ELISHA

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 5:20-27
"But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither." – 2 Kings 5:25

Supporting Texts: 2 Kings 4:12-31, 2 Kings 8:4-6

INTRODUCTION:
Gehazi was the servant of Prophet Elisha, entrusted with great opportunities to witness God’s power firsthand. However, his greed and dishonesty led to his downfall. His life serves as a lesson on the dangers of covetousness and dishonesty in the service of God.

1. GEHAZI’S ROLE AS ELISHA’S SERVANT

a) A Close Associate of Elisha
He served as an aide to the great prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4:12).

b) Witnessed Many Miracles
He saw firsthand how God worked through Elisha (2 Kings 4:34-35).

c) Given Opportunities to Serve
He was entrusted with tasks such as delivering messages and assisting in prophetic works (2 Kings 4:29).

d) Had Potential for Spiritual Growth
Like Elisha to Elijah, Gehazi had the chance to be a successor (2 Kings 2:9-10).

e) Biblical Example: Joshua, who faithfully served Moses and later succeeded him (Numbers 27:18-23).

2. GEHAZI AND THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN

a) Introduced Her to Elisha
He acted as an intermediary between Elisha and the woman (2 Kings 4:12-13).

b) Failed to Perceive Spiritual Matters.
He did not recognize the deep distress of the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:27).

c) Sent on a Mission to Heal Her Son.
He was given Elisha’s staff to place on the dead child (2 Kings 4:29-30).

d) His Efforts Lacked Power
The child did not respond to his actions (2 Kings 4:31).

e) Biblical Example: The disciples of Jesus who sometimes lacked faith and understanding (Matthew 17:19-20).

3. GEHAZI’S GREED AND DECEPTION

a) Coveted Naaman’s Wealth
He saw an opportunity for personal gain when Elisha refused Naaman’s gifts (2 Kings 5:20).

b) Lied to Naaman
He falsely claimed that Elisha sent him to collect silver and clothing (2 Kings 5:22).

c) Hid His Actions from Elisha
He secretly stored the gifts, thinking he could deceive the prophet (2 Kings 5:24).

d) Exposed by Elisha:
Elisha, through divine revelation, confronted him about his dishonesty (2 Kings 5:26).

e) Biblical Example: Achan, who secretly took forbidden items and brought judgment upon himself (Joshua 7:20-21).

4. GEHAZI’S PUNISHMENT AND DOWNFALL

a) Cursed with Naaman’s Leprosy
Elisha pronounced judgment on him for his deceit (2 Kings 5:27).

b) His Greed Led to His Destruction
His desire for wealth cost him his health and position (2 Kings 5:27).

c) A Life of Suffering and Isolation
Leprosy made him an outcast from society (Leviticus 13:45-46).

d) A Warning Against Dishonesty
His downfall serves as a lesson for those serving in God’s work (Proverbs 28:20).

e) Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for money and met a tragic end (Matthew 27:3-5).

5. GEHAZI’S FINAL APPEARANCE IN SCRIPTURE

a) Spoke with the King of Israel
He narrated Elisha’s miracles to the king (2 Kings 8:4).

b) Confirmed the Shunammite Woman’s Story
His account helped restore her land (2 Kings 8:5-6).

c) Evidence of God’s Mercy
Despite his past, he still had a voice before the king (2 Kings 8:6).

d) A Lesson in Second Chances
His story reminds us that failure is not the end if one repents (Joel 2:25-26).

e) Biblical Example: Peter, who denied Jesus but was later restored (John 21:15-17).

6. STRENGTHS  OF GEHAZI

a) Had Access to a Great Prophet – He was close to Elisha and saw God’s power firsthand (2 Kings 4:12).

b) Trusted with Important Tasks – Elisha entrusted him with missions, showing his potential (2 Kings 4:29).

c) Witnessed God’s Miracles – He saw miraculous events and had opportunities to learn (2 Kings 4:34-35).

d) Retained Some Influence – Despite his past, he later stood before the king (2 Kings 8:4-6).

e) A Lesson for Future Generations – His life serves as a warning against greed and dishonesty (1 Timothy 6:10).

7. WEAKNESSES OF GEHAZI

a) Greedy and Dishonest – He sought wealth dishonestly and lied (2 Kings 5:20-22).

b) Lacked Spiritual Discernment – He failed to understand spiritual matters deeply (2 Kings 4:27).

c) Disobedient and Deceptive – He acted against Elisha’s instructions and hid his wrongdoing (2 Kings 5:25).

d) Suffered a Severe Punishment – His sin led to a lifelong curse of leprosy (2 Kings 5:27).

CONCLUSION:
Gehazi’s life teaches that proximity to God’s power is not enough; one must also develop godly character. His greed and deception led to his downfall, yet his later presence before the king suggests that repentance is always possible. We must guard our hearts against covetousness and dishonesty in our service to God.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to serve You with integrity and faithfulness.

2. Father, deliver me from the spirit of greed and dishonesty.

3. Lord, give me spiritual discernment to recognize what is right.

4. Father, help me to be content with what You have given me.

5. Lord, protect me from making decisions that will lead to destruction.

6. Father, expose every hidden sin in my life and give me the grace to repent.

7. Lord, help me to be a faithful steward of every opportunity You give me.

8. Father, restore every blessing I have lost due to disobedience.

9. Lord, grant me wisdom to handle wealth and influence with righteousness.

10. Father, let my life be a testimony of godly character and faithfulness.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will serve God with integrity and faithfulness.

2. Greed and dishonesty will have no place in your life.

3. The Lord will grant you wisdom to handle divine opportunities.

4. You will not fall into the trap of covetousness.

5. Every hidden sin in your life is exposed and forgiven in Jesus’ name.

6. The Lord will make you a trustworthy steward of His blessings.

7. You will not suffer the consequences of disobedience.

8. Divine discernment will guide your decisions.

9. Your service in God’s kingdom will bring honour, not shame.

10. You will finish well and fulfill your divine purpose.

Gehazi had the opportunity to be a great prophet, but greed led him astray. His life serves as a warning to remain faithful, truthful, and content in the service of God. May we learn from his story and walk in obedience to the Lord.