CHARACTER STUDY ~ GEHAZI

Gehazi is a Hebrew name which means valley of vision, valley of sight, depressed vision, or diminished sight. He was a servant to Elisha. But unlike his master, who took a double portion of Elijah's anointing, Gehazi ended terribly on a sad note. 

Some Characteristics of Gehazi:

√ Gehazi was an observant servant of the prophet Elisha. It is recorded that he suggested to Elisha the Shunemite woman be given a son when they wanted to show appreciation. Gehazi outlined the plight of the woman and her husband, which triggered Elisha's swift response. We must also be observant as we carry on our duties. 

√ Gehazi was responsible for running errands for the prophet Elisha. When the rich woman was coming to see Elisha on account of her son's death, Gehazi was sent to inquire of her if everything was well. He carried out his task well. 

√ Gehazi was sent by the prophet Elisha. Elijah said to him, “Get ready to travel; take my staff and go! Don’t talk to anyone along the way. Go quickly and lay the staff on the child’s face.” He did as he was instructed and returned to inform Elisha that the boy was still dead. 

√ Gehazi told the king of Israel what his master had done in the past. His good spirit of recalling helped the rich woman of Shunem to reclaim all her possessions. We must keep records for future reference. 

√ Gehazi was covetous. When Elisha rejected Naaman's gifts, Gehazi secretly went after him to collect the items. His greed for material possessions, instead of his faithful service to God and drawing souls to God, made his master ask him if this was the time to receive money and clothing. 

√ Gehazi lied to Naaman and the prophet Elisha. When asked where he had been, Gehazi responded 'I haven't been anywhere. He was blindfolded by the spirit of covetousness to lie. One sin leads to another if you don't come to penitence. 

√ Gehazi brought a curse upon his generation. His evil deeds brought the leprosy of Naaman upon him and his generation by the word of the prophet Elisha. It was said he left Elisha's presence covered with leprosy, and his skin was as white as snow. 

What have you learned today? Share your response in the comments section below. 

Action: Ask God to deliver you from the spirit of covetousness, lies and curses. 

Supporting Scriptures: 2 Kings 4:8-36; 5:1-27 & 8:4-5