JACOBSZ., Lambert
(b. ca. 1598, Amsterdam, d. 1636, Leeuwarden)

Elisha and Gehazi

c. 1630
Oil on canvas, 82 x 103 cm
Private collection

The painting illustrates the Old Testament story of Elisha confronting his servant, Gehazi (2 Kings 5: 25-26). It depicts a standing boy on the left, his back turned towards the viewer and averting his eyes as a seated greybeard raises an admonishing forefinger to the right.

Naaman was a commander of the army of Syria. He was a good commander but he suffered from leprosy. Naaman's wife had a servant girl from Israel who said that a prophet there would be able to heal him. Naaman tells his lord this and he is sent to Israel with a letter to the king. The king of Israel didn't know what to do, yet Elisha came to the king asking to see Naaman. Elisha advised Naaman to bathe seven times in the river Jordan. Although sceptical, Naaman was convinced to do as Elisha had counseled him, and he was cured. Out of gratitude he offered Elisha six talents of silver, but the prophet refused. His servant Gehazi, on the other hand, considered that Elisha may have insulted Naaman by his refusal, followed him and asked for two Talents and some clothes, which he was duly given, and hid in his house. When questioned by Elisha he denied everything, infuriating his master, who saw through his servant and struck him down with Naaman's disease.