Yahweh Day 89

 

Yahweh, Day 89

Yahweh: Allows One To Be... Ridiculous.

But Elisha said, "As the Lord lives, I stand before Him. I will not accept it." Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused. Naaman responded, "If not, please let two mule-loads of dirt be given to your servant, for your servant will no longer offer a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but Yahweh.
2Kings 5:16-17 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Now Naaman vows to worship no other god than Yahweh... yet... in the same breath follows with an admission that he is going to continue worshiping with his king at the Temple of Rimmon...

"... However, in a particular matter may the Lord pardon your servant: When my master, [the king of Aram], goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship and I, as his right-hand man, bow in the temple of Rimmon-when I bow in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord pardon your servant in this matter." So he said to him, "Go in peace."...
2Kings 5:18-19 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

... So...

    *First Naaman tries to dictate to Elisha...

    *Then he tries to buy Elisha...

    *Then he tries to influence Elisha by some material presence...

    *Now he feigns to vow total allegiance to Elisha's God, Yahweh...

    *Followed with an immediate admission that he will continue worshiping the wretched idol of Rimmon...

One can almost hear the total exasperation in Elisha's voice as he replies, "Go in peace."

I think Elisha is saying... "Would you please get out of here and stop this ridiculous charade!"

It was... the last time they would ever meet.