Scholars are divided on Naaman's request. Some see him asking for future pardon for bowing in Rimmon's temple, a necessary part of his job he feels is wrong. However, commentator John Gill suggests Naaman is confessing his past idolatry, with the verbs understood in the past tense ('when I went... and I worshipped... forgive me'). This changes the focus from a new convert's compromise to a penitent's confession of past sin.