SECTION A: THEMES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
Question 4
- How was greed demonstrated in the life of Gehazi?
- Give three areas in the society where greed is prevalent.
Observation
How greed was demonstrated in the life of Gehazi. (2 Kings 5:14-27)
This question was popular among the candidates. A great percentage of the candidates attempted it. However, a greater performance was recorded in the part B rather than the part A. The performance to this question was above average. The supposed points candidates were expected to have written are;
- After the cleansing of Naaman’s leprosy at river Jordan, he returned to the man of God (Elisha) with large amount of gifts
- He presented the gifts to Elisha the prophet, but he refused to accept them and dispatched him even after persuasion
- When Naaman had gone a short distance with his gifts, Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, followed him to request for the items his master had rejected
- Naaman saw him and alighted from his chariot to meet him
- He asked if all was well; Gehazi lied, saying that his master had sent him to collect the gifts
- Naaman gave Gehazi twice his request and ordered his servants to assist him carry the items home
- He put them on two of his servants to carry them for Gehazi
- When they came close home he collected the items from them and sent the men away
- He then hid them in his room
- Later, his master Elisha got to know the misdeed of his servant and questioned him, ‘Where have you been, Gehazi?”
- Gehazi lied that he went nowhere
- His master said he was with him in spirit and he saw the things he collected from Naaman
- He therefore cursed him that the leprosy of Naaman would cleave to him, and his descendants forever
- And it was so/ he became leprous immediately, as a result of his greed
In the B part which however was less challenging to the candidates, other points expected of candidates include;
- In the political circle - e.g. Legislative/Judiciary/Executive circles
- In business - e.g. profiteering/cheating
- In the family/neighbourhood – e.g. land and family properties
- Religious institutions/organizations -e.g. Diversion of resources
- In the office – Ministries/Departments/Agencies e.g. Bribery and corruption
- In the sharing of things/inheritance
- Port and habours/ Customs- e.g. clearing of goods/over and under invoicing
- Educational institutions e.g. Examination malpractices/corruption
- Police/Immigration - e.g. extortion
- Social organisations —NGOs e.g. Corruption, etc