מלכים ב, פרק ה׳, פסוק י״ט

The brief farewell between a prophet and a newly converted foreign commander holds deep implications about faith, coercion, and navigating a new religious identity in a pagan environment. Elisha's short response serves as a final approval of Naaman's request to serve God. The primary approach among commentators is that the prophet accepts the commander's words and sends him on his way [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This acceptance can be understood through a legal lens. As a non-Jew, Naaman is not obligated to sacrifice his life for his faith. Because he is forced to bow in a pagan temple when the Aramean king leans on his arm, Elisha grants him permission to continue his duties without conflict [חומת אנך].

Alternatively, this parting blessing serves as a word of caution. According to this view, Elisha advised Naaman against taking soil from the Land of Israel or publicly displaying his new beliefs. Openly practicing his faith would become a severe obstacle; if his countrymen discovered his conversion, they would undoubtedly banish him. Furthermore, the prophet may have prevented him from taking the soil because he was not yet circumcised [אברבנאל].

Following their parting, Naaman travels a specific measure of land [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Some identify this distance precisely as one mile [רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. Others suggest that the description refers to the cultivated landscape, such as the fields, vineyards, and gardens immediately surrounding the city. This detail highlights that the commander had not yet managed to travel very far [רלב״ג, אברבנאל].