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Text -- 2 Kings 5:20-27 (NET)

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Context
5:20 Gehazi, the prophet Elisha’s servant, thought, “Look, my master did not accept what this Syrian Naaman offered him. As certainly as the Lord lives, I will run after him and accept something from him.” 5:21 So Gehazi ran after Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from his chariot to meet him and asked, “Is everything all right?” 5:22 He answered, “Everything is fine. My master sent me with this message, ‘Look, two servants of the prophets just arrived from the Ephraimite hill country. Please give them a talent of silver and two suits of clothes.’” 5:23 Naaman said, “Please accept two talents of silver. He insisted, and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, along with two suits of clothes. He gave them to two of his servants and they carried them for Gehazi. 5:24 When he arrived at the hill, he took them from the servants and put them in the house. Then he sent the men on their way. 5:25 When he came and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” He answered, “Your servant hasn’t been anywhere.” 5:26 Elisha replied, “I was there in spirit when a man turned and got down from his chariot to meet you. This is not the proper time to accept silver or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, sheep, cattle, and male and female servants. 5:27 Therefore Naaman’s skin disease will afflict you and your descendants forever!” When Gehazi went out from his presence, his skin was as white as snow.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Elisha a son of Shaphat; a prophet of the 9th century B.C. who succeeded the prophet Elijah,son of Shaphat of Abel-Meholah; successor of the prophet Elijah
 · Ephraim the tribe of Ephraim as a whole,the northern kingdom of Israel
 · Gehazi a man servant of the prophet Elishah
 · Naaman a commander of the army of the king of Syria in Elisha's time,son of Benjamin,son of Bela son of Benjamin,son of Ehud son of Gera of Benjamin
 · Syrian members of the nation of Syria


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Weights | SNOW | Prophet | PROPHECY; PROPHETS, 2 | PALESTINE, 2 | OPHEL | LIE; LYING | LEPER; LEPROSY | HILL, HILL COUNTRY | HEREDITY | Greed | Gift | Gehazi | FATHER | Crisping-pin | Changes of raiment | CRISPING PINS | COVETOUSNESS | Ben-hadad | BAG | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: 2Ki 5:20 - -- One would expect Elisha's servant should have been a saint: but we find him far otherwise. The best men, the best ministers, have often had those abou...

One would expect Elisha's servant should have been a saint: but we find him far otherwise. The best men, the best ministers, have often had those about them, that were their grief and shame.

Wesley: 2Ki 5:20 - -- A stranger, and one of that nation who are the implacable enemies of God's people.

A stranger, and one of that nation who are the implacable enemies of God's people.

Wesley: 2Ki 5:20 - -- He swears, that he might have some pretence for the action to which he had bound himself by his oath; not considering, that to swear to do any wicked ...

He swears, that he might have some pretence for the action to which he had bound himself by his oath; not considering, that to swear to do any wicked action, is so far from excusing it, that it makes it much worse.

Wesley: 2Ki 5:23 - -- Who at first refused it upon a pretence of modesty.

Who at first refused it upon a pretence of modesty.

Wesley: 2Ki 5:26 - -- _Which Gehazi intended to purchase with this money: and therefore the prophet names them, to inform him, that he exactly knew, not only his outward ac...

_Which Gehazi intended to purchase with this money: and therefore the prophet names them, to inform him, that he exactly knew, not only his outward actions, but even his most secret intentions. What a folly is it, to presume upon sin in hopes of secrecy? When thou goest aside into any bye - path, doth not thy own conscience go with thee? Nay, doth not the eye of God go with thee? What then avails the absence of human witnesses?

Wesley: 2Ki 5:27 - -- That is, for some generations; as that word is often used and as may be thought by comparing this with Exo 20:55.

That is, for some generations; as that word is often used and as may be thought by comparing this with Exo 20:55.

Wesley: 2Ki 5:27 - -- Which is the worst kind of leprosy, and noted by physicians to be incurable. Those who get money by any way displeasing to God, make a dear purchase. ...

Which is the worst kind of leprosy, and noted by physicians to be incurable. Those who get money by any way displeasing to God, make a dear purchase. What was Gehazi profited by his two talents, when he lost his health, if not his soul, forever?

JFB: 2Ki 5:20-25 - -- The respectful courtesy to Elisha, shown in the person of his servant, and the open-handed liberality of his gifts, attest the fulness of Naaman's gra...

The respectful courtesy to Elisha, shown in the person of his servant, and the open-handed liberality of his gifts, attest the fulness of Naaman's gratitude; while the lie--the artful management is dismissing the bearers of the treasure, and the deceitful appearance before his master, as if he had not left the house--give a most unfavorable impression of Gehazi's character.

JFB: 2Ki 5:23 - -- People in the East, when travelling, have their money, in certain sums, put up in bags.

People in the East, when travelling, have their money, in certain sums, put up in bags.

JFB: 2Ki 5:27 - -- (See on Lev 13:3). This heavy infliction was not too severe for the crime of Gehazi. For it was not the covetousness alone that was punished; but, at ...

(See on Lev 13:3). This heavy infliction was not too severe for the crime of Gehazi. For it was not the covetousness alone that was punished; but, at the same time, it was the ill use made of the prophet's name to gain an object prompted by a mean covetousness, and the attempt to conceal it by lying [KEIL].

Clarke: 2Ki 5:20 - -- My master hath spared - this Syrian - He has neither taken any thing from him for himself, nor permitted him to give any thing to me.

My master hath spared - this Syrian - He has neither taken any thing from him for himself, nor permitted him to give any thing to me.

Clarke: 2Ki 5:21 - -- He lighted down from the chariot - He treats even the prophet’ s servant with the profoundest respect, alights from his chariot, and goes to me...

He lighted down from the chariot - He treats even the prophet’ s servant with the profoundest respect, alights from his chariot, and goes to meet him

Clarke: 2Ki 5:21 - -- Is all well? - השלום hashalom ; Is it peace, or prosperity?

Is all well? - השלום hashalom ; Is it peace, or prosperity?

Clarke: 2Ki 5:22 - -- And he said - שלום shalom . It is peace; all is right. This was a common mode of address and answer

And he said - שלום shalom . It is peace; all is right. This was a common mode of address and answer

Clarke: 2Ki 5:22 - -- There be come to me from mount Ephraim - There was probably a school of the prophets at this mount.

There be come to me from mount Ephraim - There was probably a school of the prophets at this mount.

Clarke: 2Ki 5:23 - -- He - bound two talents of silver - It required two servants to carry these two talents, for, according to the computation above, each talent was abo...

He - bound two talents of silver - It required two servants to carry these two talents, for, according to the computation above, each talent was about 120lbs. weight.

Clarke: 2Ki 5:24 - -- When he came to the tower - The Chaldee, Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic understand the word עפל ophel , which we translate tower, as signifying ...

When he came to the tower - The Chaldee, Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic understand the word עפל ophel , which we translate tower, as signifying a secret, dark, or hiding place. He was doing a deed of darkness, and he sought darkness to conceal it. He no doubt put them in a place little frequented, or one to which few had access besides himself. But the prophet’ s discerning spirit found him out.

Clarke: 2Ki 5:26 - -- Went not mine heart with thee - The Chaldee gives this a good turn: By the prophetic spirit it was shown unto me, when the man returned from his cha...

Went not mine heart with thee - The Chaldee gives this a good turn: By the prophetic spirit it was shown unto me, when the man returned from his chariot to meet thee

Clarke: 2Ki 5:26 - -- Is it a time to receive money - He gave him farther proof of this all-discerning prophetic spirit in telling him what he designed to do with the mon...

Is it a time to receive money - He gave him farther proof of this all-discerning prophetic spirit in telling him what he designed to do with the money; he intended to set up a splendid establishment, to have men-servants and maid-servants, to have oliveyards and vineyards, and sheep and oxen, This, as the Chaldee says, he had thought in his heart to do.

Clarke: 2Ki 5:27 - -- The leprosy of Naaman - shall cleave unto thee - Thou hast got much money, and thou shalt have much to do with it. Thou hast got Naaman’ s silv...

The leprosy of Naaman - shall cleave unto thee - Thou hast got much money, and thou shalt have much to do with it. Thou hast got Naaman’ s silver, and thou shalt have Naaman’ s leprosy. Gehazi is not the last who has got money in an unlawful way, and has got God’ s curse with it

Clarke: 2Ki 5:27 - -- A leper as white as snow - The moment the curse was pronounced, that moment the signs of the leprosy began to appear. The white shining spot was the...

A leper as white as snow - The moment the curse was pronounced, that moment the signs of the leprosy began to appear. The white shining spot was the sign that the infection had taken place. See on Lev 13:2 (note), and the notes at Lev 13:58 (note)

1.    Some have thought, because of the prophet’ s curse, The leprosy of Naaman shall cleave unto thee and thy seed for ever, that there are persons still alive who are this man’ s real descendants, and afflicted with this horrible disease. Mr. Maundrell when he was in Judea made diligent inquiry concerning this, but could not ascertain the truth of the supposition. To me it appears absurd; the denunciation took place in the posterity of Gehazi till it should become extinct, and under the influence of this disorder this must soon have taken place. The for ever implies as long as any of his posterity should remain. This is the import of the word לעולם leolam . It takes in the whole extent or duration of the thing to which it is applied. The for ever of Gehazi was till his posterity became extinct

2.    The god Rimmon, mentioned 2Ki 5:18, we meet with nowhere else in the Scriptures, unless it be the same which Stephen calls Remphan. See Act 7:43 (note), and the note there. Selden thinks that Rimmon is the same with Elion, a god of the Phoenicians, borrowed undoubtedly from the עליון Elion , the Most High, of the Hebrews, one of the names of the supreme God, which attribute became a god of the Phoenicians. Hesychius has the word Ῥαμας Ramas, which he translates ὁ ὑψιστος Θεος, the Most High God, which agrees very well with the Hebrew רמון Rimmon , from רמה ramah , to make high or exalt. And all these agree with the sun, as being the highest or most exalted in what is called the solar system. Some think Saturn is intended, and others Venus. Much may be seen on this subject in Selden De Diis Syris

3.    Let us not suppose that the offense of Gehazi was too severely punished

1. Look at the principle, covetousness

2. Pride and vanity; he wished to become a great man

3, His lying, in order to impose on Naaman: Behold even now there be come to me, etc

4. He in effect sells the cure of Naaman for so much money; for if Naaman had not been cured, could he have pretended to ask the silver and raiment

5. It was an act of theft; he applied that to his own use which Naaman gave him for his master

6. He dishonored his master by getting the money and raiment in his name, who had before so solemnly refused it

7. He closed the whole by lying to his master, denying that he had gone after Naaman, or that he had received any thing from him. But was it not severe to extend the punishment of his crime to his innocent posterity? I answer, it does not appear that any of Gehazi’ s children, if he had any prior to this, were smitten with the leprosy; and as to those whom he might beget after this time, their leprosy must be the necessary consequence of their being engendered by a leprous father

Reader, see the end of avarice and ambition; and see the truth of those words, "He that Will be rich, shall fall into temptation, and a snare, and into divers hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition."- St. Paul

4.    We have already remarked the apparently severe and manifestly kind providence of God in this business

1. A marauding party was permitted to spoil the confines of the land of Israel

2. They brought away, to reduce to captivity, a little maid, probably the hope of her father’ s house

3. She became Naaman’ s property, and waited on his wife

4. She announced God and his prophet

5. Naaman, on the faith of her account, took a journey to Samaria

6. Gets healed of his leprosy

7. Is converted to the Lord; and, doubtless, brought at least his whole family to believe to the saving of their souls. What was severe to the parents of the little maid was most kind to Naaman and his family; and the parents lost their child only a little time, that they might again receive her with honor and glory for ever. How true are the words of the poet

"Behind a frowning providence he hides a smiling face.

And see the benefits of a religious education! Had not this little maid been brought up in the knowledge of the true God, she had not been the instrument of so great a salvation. See my sermon on this subject 2Ki 5:12 (note).

TSK: 2Ki 5:20 - -- Gehazi : 2Ki 4:12, 2Ki 4:31, 2Ki 4:36; Mat 10:4; Joh 6:70, Joh 12:6, Joh 13:2; Act 8:18, Act 8:19 my master : Pro 26:16; Luk 16:8; Joh 12:5, Joh 12:6;...

TSK: 2Ki 5:21 - -- he lighted : Luk 7:6, Luk 7:7; Act 8:31, Act 10:25, Act 10:26 Is all well : Heb. Is there peace, 2Ki 4:26, 2Ki 9:17-22

he lighted : Luk 7:6, Luk 7:7; Act 8:31, Act 10:25, Act 10:26

Is all well : Heb. Is there peace, 2Ki 4:26, 2Ki 9:17-22

TSK: 2Ki 5:22 - -- My master : 1Ki 13:18; Isa 59:3; Jer 9:3, Jer 9:5; Joh 8:44; Act 5:3, Act 5:4; Rev 21:8 the sons : 2Ki 2:3; 1Ki 20:35 give them : 2Co 12:16-18 a talen...

TSK: 2Ki 5:23 - -- Be content : 1Ki 20:7; Luk 11:54 And he urged him : 2Ki 5:16, 2Ki 2:17 bound : 2Ki 12:10 *marg. and they bare : Isa 30:6

Be content : 1Ki 20:7; Luk 11:54

And he urged him : 2Ki 5:16, 2Ki 2:17

bound : 2Ki 12:10 *marg.

and they bare : Isa 30:6

TSK: 2Ki 5:24 - -- tower : or, secret place and bestowed : Jos 7:1, Jos 7:11, Jos 7:12, Jos 7:21; 1Ki 21:16; Isa 29:15; Hab 2:6; Zec 5:3, Zec 5:4

tower : or, secret place

and bestowed : Jos 7:1, Jos 7:11, Jos 7:12, Jos 7:21; 1Ki 21:16; Isa 29:15; Hab 2:6; Zec 5:3, Zec 5:4

TSK: 2Ki 5:25 - -- stood before : Pro 30:20; Eze 33:31; Mat 26:15, Mat 26:16, Mat 26:21-25; Joh 13:2, Joh 13:26-30 Whence : 2Ki 20:14; Gen 3:8, Gen 3:9, Gen 4:9, Gen 16:...

stood before : Pro 30:20; Eze 33:31; Mat 26:15, Mat 26:16, Mat 26:21-25; Joh 13:2, Joh 13:26-30

Whence : 2Ki 20:14; Gen 3:8, Gen 3:9, Gen 4:9, Gen 16:8

Thy servant : 2Ki 5:22; Act 5:3, Act 5:4

no whither : Heb. not hither or thither

TSK: 2Ki 5:26 - -- he said : Psa 63:11; Pro 12:19, Pro 12:22; Act 5:9 Went : 2Ki 6:12; 1Co 5:3; Col 2:5 Is it a time : 2Ki 5:16; Gen 14:23; Ecc 3:1-8; Mat 10:8; Act 20:3...

TSK: 2Ki 5:27 - -- leprosy : 2Ki 5:1; Jos 7:25; Isa 59:2, Isa 59:3; Hos 10:13; Mal 2:3, Mal 2:4, Mal 2:8, Mal 2:9; Mat 27:3-5; Act 5:5, Act 5:10, Act 8:20; 1Ti 6:10; 2Pe...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 2Ki 5:20 - -- This Syrian - The words are emphatic. Gehazi persuades himself that it is right to spoil a Syrian - that is, a Gentile, and an enemy of Israel....

This Syrian - The words are emphatic. Gehazi persuades himself that it is right to spoil a Syrian - that is, a Gentile, and an enemy of Israel.

As the Lord liveth - These words are here a profane oath. Gehazi, anxious to make himself believe that he is acting in a proper, and, even, in a religions spirit, does not scruple to introduce one of the most solemn of religious phrases.

Barnes: 2Ki 5:21 - -- He lighted down from the chariot - This was an act of quite uncalled-for courtesy. It indicates eagerness to honor the master in the person of ...

He lighted down from the chariot - This was an act of quite uncalled-for courtesy. It indicates eagerness to honor the master in the person of his servant.

Barnes: 2Ki 5:22 - -- From mount Ephraim - Bethel and Gilgal 2Ki 2:1, at both of which there were "schools of the prophets,"were situated on Mount Ephraim. A ta...

From mount Ephraim - Bethel and Gilgal 2Ki 2:1, at both of which there were "schools of the prophets,"were situated on Mount Ephraim.

A talent of silver - A large demand in respect of the pretended occasion; but small compared with the amount which Naaman had pressed on the prophet 2Ki 5:4. Gehazi had to balance between his own avarice, on the one hand, and the fear of raising suspicion on the other.

Barnes: 2Ki 5:23 - -- Be content - i. e. "consent."

Be content - i. e. "consent."

Barnes: 2Ki 5:24 - -- The tower - Rather, "the hill,"the well-known hill by Elisha’ s house. The hill interrupted the view in the direction taken by Naaman, and...

The tower - Rather, "the hill,"the well-known hill by Elisha’ s house. The hill interrupted the view in the direction taken by Naaman, and Gehazi dismissed Naaman’ s servants at this point lest they should be seen from his master’ s residence.

Barnes: 2Ki 5:25 - -- Lest his absence should be noticed, Gehazi hastened, without being called, to appear before his master. In the East it is usual for servants to rema...

Lest his absence should be noticed, Gehazi hastened, without being called, to appear before his master. In the East it is usual for servants to remain most of the day in their lord’ s presence, only quitting it when given some order to execute.

Barnes: 2Ki 5:26 - -- Went not mine heart with thee? - i. e. "Was I not with thee in spirit - did I not see the whole transaction, as if I had been present at it?"He...

Went not mine heart with thee? - i. e. "Was I not with thee in spirit - did I not see the whole transaction, as if I had been present at it?"He uses the verb "went,"because Gehazi has just denied his "going."

Is it a time ... - i. e. "Was this a proper occasion to indulge greed, when a Gentile was to be favorably impressed, and made to feel that the faith of the Israelites was the only true religion? Was it not, on the contrary, an occasion for the exhibition of the greatest unselfishness, that so a pagan might be won to the truth?"

And oliveyards and vineyards ... - Gehazi’ s thoughts had probably run on to the disposition which he would make of his wealth, and the prophet here follows them, enumerating his servant’ s intended purchases.

Poole: 2Ki 5:20 - -- Naaman this Syrian a stranger, and one of that nation who are the implacable enemies of God’ s people; whom therefore my master should not have ...

Naaman this Syrian a stranger, and one of that nation who are the implacable enemies of God’ s people; whom therefore my master should not have had so much regard to as to the Lord’ s prophets, who before deserved and more needed the money which he offered than Naaman himself did.

As the Lord liveth he swears, that he might have some pretence for the action to which he had bound himself by his oath, not considering that to swear to do any wicked action is so far from excusing it, that it makes it much worse.

Poole: 2Ki 5:21 - -- He lighted down from the chariot to meet him thereby testifying his great respect to the prophet his master.

He lighted down from the chariot to meet him thereby testifying his great respect to the prophet his master.

Poole: 2Ki 5:22 - -- This was a very unlikely story; but Naaman was not willing to question it, but glad of the opportunity of showing his gratitude to the prophet.

This was a very unlikely story; but Naaman was not willing to question it, but glad of the opportunity of showing his gratitude to the prophet.

Poole: 2Ki 5:23 - -- He urged him who at first refused it upon a pretence of modesty and obedience to his master’ s command.

He urged him who at first refused it upon a pretence of modesty and obedience to his master’ s command.

Poole: 2Ki 5:24 - -- The tower a safe and private place which he chose for that purpose, and where possibly he hid and kept other things which he had got by such-like fra...

The tower a safe and private place which he chose for that purpose, and where possibly he hid and kept other things which he had got by such-like frauds and artifices.

He let the men go before they came within sight of his master.

Poole: 2Ki 5:26 - -- Went not mine heart with thee? did not my mind. being enlightened by God’ s Spirit, discern what thou saidst and didst? Is it a time? was this...

Went not mine heart with thee? did not my mind. being enlightened by God’ s Spirit, discern what thou saidst and didst?

Is it a time? was this a fit season for this action? I had but newly and obstinately refused his gifts, for great reasons; of which See Poole "2Ki 5:16" ; and now thou hast given him cause to think that I was a cursed and wicked impostor, who vain-gloriously refused in public what I inwardly and greedily desired, and sought only a fitter place and opportunity to take; and that all our religion is but an imposture; and that the God who owns such a vile wretch for his prophet, as thou hast represented me to him, is not so holy and righteous as we pretend.

Garments, and oliveyards & c.; which Gehazi intended to purchase with this money; and therefore the prophet names them, to inform him that he exactly knew by Divine inspiration, not only Gehazi’ s outward actions, but even his most secret intentions.

Poole: 2Ki 5:27 - -- And unto thy seed for ever i.e. for some generations; or for a long time, as that word is oft used, and as may be thought by comparing this with Exo ...

And unto thy seed for ever i.e. for some generations; or for a long time, as that word is oft used, and as may be thought by comparing this with Exo 20:5 24:7 .

He went out from his presence being confounded with the sense of his guilt, and shame, and misery, and banished from the company of others by God’ s law, Le 13 Le 14 .

A leper as white as snow which is the worst kind of leprosy, and noted by physicians to be incurable. See Exo 4:6 Num 12:10 2Ch 26:19,20 . Nor was this punishment too severe for Gehazi’ s wickedness, which was great and various; horrid covetousness, which is idolatry; the profanation of God’ s name by a wicked oath; downright theft; deliberate and impudent lying, and that to a prophet, which was in a manner a lying to the Holy Ghost, like theirs, Act 5:3 ; a desperate contempt of God’ s omniscience, justice, and holiness; a horrible reproach fastened upon the prophet, and his religion; and a mischievous scandal given to Naaman and all other Syrians that might hear of it.

Haydock: 2Ki 5:20 - -- Liveth. How unnecessary was this oath! But the Simoniac has no regard for any thing but money. (Haydock)

Liveth. How unnecessary was this oath! But the Simoniac has no regard for any thing but money. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ki 5:23 - -- Him. The weight must have been considerable, (6000 sicles, ver. 26., and Exodus xxxviii. 25.; Haydock) otherwise Giezi would have preferred carrying...

Him. The weight must have been considerable, (6000 sicles, ver. 26., and Exodus xxxviii. 25.; Haydock) otherwise Giezi would have preferred carrying them himself, that his master might not know. (Calmet) ---

He had pretended a reluctance to take more than one talent, not to swerve from his master's injunctions. (Menochius)

Haydock: 2Ki 5:24 - -- Evening. Septuagint, Syriac, &c., seems to have read aupol, instead of the present Hebrew hopel, eminence," (Calmet) Protestants, "tower," (Hayd...

Evening. Septuagint, Syriac, &c., seems to have read aupol, instead of the present Hebrew hopel, eminence," (Calmet) Protestants, "tower," (Haydock) at or near Samaria; when Giezi thought proper to take the burden himself to prevent detection. Eliseus would hardly dismiss the Syrians, when the night was so near at hand. (Calmet) ---

It might however be found more eligible to travel in the evening, (Haydock) as it was now the spring or summer season, (Tirinus) or at least warm, ver. 10. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ki 5:26 - -- Present is not expressed in Hebrew but must be understood. Protestants, "Went not mine heart with thee. " (Haydock) --- God has revealed the whol...

Present is not expressed in Hebrew but must be understood. Protestants, "Went not mine heart with thee. " (Haydock) ---

God has revealed the whole transaction to me. (Menochius) ---

Heart in Scripture, often denotes the spirit or soul. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ki 5:27 - -- For ever. Not perhaps to those who might be already born, unless they were accomplices in the crime. The leprosy is hereditary. Giezi was punished...

For ever. Not perhaps to those who might be already born, unless they were accomplices in the crime. The leprosy is hereditary. Giezi was punished for simony, in selling the miracle, as well as for lying and disobedience. (Calmet) ---

He might also have given occasion to Naaman to judge ill of his master; as the false prophets were noted for such avarice, Micheas iii. 11. But Eliseus would probably take care to give him better information. (Tirinus) ---

He did not require his servant to give up what he had unjustly received, as the general had made over the property to him; and he thought proper to leave it in the hands of Giezi, to indemnity him for past services, and that he might have wherewith to support himself, as he now dismissed him from his company. (Salien, the year before Christ 903.) ---

Snow, and therefore more incurable. (Tirinus) ---

See Leviticus xiii. (Calmet) ---

"All the covetous and misers, together with their riches, possess the leprosy of Giezi:" thesaurum criminum congregarunt. (St. Ambrose) Giezi prefigured Judas, the false apostles of Christ, and all those who buy or sell spiritual things. By their avarice, they procure infamy in this world, and damnation in the next. (St. Augustine, ep. 208, de Temp.) (Worthington)

Gill: 2Ki 5:20 - -- But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God said,.... Within himself, observing what had passed: behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syri...

But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God said,.... Within himself, observing what had passed:

behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: he speaks contemptibly of Naaman, as an alien from the commonwealth of Israel, and reproaches his master for letting him go free, without paying for his cure; when he thought he should have taken what he brought and offered, and given it to needy Israelites, and especially to the sons of the prophets, that wanted it; and perhaps it mostly disturbed him, that he had no share of it himself:

but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him; the word for "somewhat", wanting a letter usually in it, is what is sometimes used for a blot; and Jarchi observes, that Gehazi taking something from Naaman, was a blot unto him, and indeed such an one that he could not wipe off.

Gill: 2Ki 5:21 - -- So Gehazi followed after Naaman,.... As fast as he could: and when Naaman saw him running after him; which he might observe, looking back, or be in...

So Gehazi followed after Naaman,.... As fast as he could:

and when Naaman saw him running after him; which he might observe, looking back, or be informed of by some of his servants:

he lighted down from the chariot to meet him; in honour to the prophet, whose servant he was:

and said, is all well? fearing something ill had befallen Elisha; or he himself had done something wrong, which occasioned the servant to run after him.

Gill: 2Ki 5:22 - -- And he said, all is well,.... He need give himself no uneasiness at the coming and sight of him: my master hath sent me, saying, behold, even now t...

And he said, all is well,.... He need give himself no uneasiness at the coming and sight of him:

my master hath sent me, saying, behold, even now there be come to me; just then, since he departed from him:

from Mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: where perhaps was a school of them:

give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments: which, as it was a downright lie, so highly improbable that Elisha should ask so large a sum of money, with two changes of raiment, for two young scholars, see 2Ki 5:5 and which Naaman, with a little reflection, might have seen through; but his heart was so filled with gratitude for the benefit received, that he was glad of an opportunity, at any rate, of showing respect to the prophet.

Gill: 2Ki 5:23 - -- And Naaman said, be content,.... Or be pleased; do not object to it: take two talents: a talent for each young man, which amounted to between three...

And Naaman said, be content,.... Or be pleased; do not object to it:

take two talents: a talent for each young man, which amounted to between three hundred and four hundred pounds apiece:

and he urged; pressed him hard, insisted upon his taking them, who might pretend a great deal of modesty, and a strict regard to his master's orders:

and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments; for each young man:

and laid them upon two of his servants, the servants of Naaman, not choosing to burden Elisha's servant with them; for such a quantity of money and clothes was pretty heavy:

and they bare them before him; both for his ease, and for his honour.

Gill: 2Ki 5:24 - -- And when he came to the tower,.... Of Samaria, or which was near it; a fortified place, and where was a watch, to whom he could safely commit the mone...

And when he came to the tower,.... Of Samaria, or which was near it; a fortified place, and where was a watch, to whom he could safely commit the money and clothes:

he took them from their hand; not willing they should go any further with him, lest the affair should be discovered to his master:

and bestowed them in the house; deposited them there in the hands of some person whom he could trust; or laid them out, or ordered them to be laid out, in the purchase of houses, lands, vineyards, &c. see 2Ki 5:26.

and he let the men go, and they departed; to their master.

Gill: 2Ki 5:25 - -- But he went in, and stood before his master,.... To know his will, and minister to him, as he had used to do, and as if he had never been from the hou...

But he went in, and stood before his master,.... To know his will, and minister to him, as he had used to do, and as if he had never been from the house:

and Elisha said unto him, whence comest thou, Gehazi? where had he been, and where was he last?

and he said, thy servant went no whither; he pretended he had never been out of doors, which was another impudent lie; one would have thought that he who had lived so long with the prophet, and had seen the miracles wrought by him, and knew with what a spirit of prophecy he was endowed, would never have ventured to tell such an untruth, since he might expect to be detected; but covetousness had blinded his eyes and hardened his heart.

Gill: 2Ki 5:26 - -- And he said unto him, went not mine heart with thee?.... Did my heart or knowledge go from me, that what thou hast done should be hid from me? so Ben ...

And he said unto him, went not mine heart with thee?.... Did my heart or knowledge go from me, that what thou hast done should be hid from me? so Ben Gersom and others; or my heart did not go with thee, it was contrary to my mind and will what thou didst; so Abendana; or rather, as the Targum, by a spirit of prophecy it was shown unto me, &c. I knew full well what thou wentest for, and hast done; and so Maimonides y; was not I employed in my thoughts? or, did I not think that so it was as thou hast done? I did:

when the man turned again from chariot to meet thee? meaning Naaman the Syrian:

is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments: as Gehazi had now done:

and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? that is, to purchase those with the two talents of silver he had received, as he thought in his heart, or intended to do, as the Targum; or had given orders to purchase such for him to the persons to whom he had committed the care of them in the tower; this was not a proper time, when the honour of the prophet, and the credit of religion, and the good of this man, as a new proselyte, were in danger thereby.

Gill: 2Ki 5:27 - -- The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever,.... As long as any of his race remained; as through his covetousne...

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever,.... As long as any of his race remained; as through his covetousness he had his money, so for his punishment he should have his disease:

and he went out from his presence; as one ashamed and confounded, and discharged from his master's service:

a leper as white as snow; a leprosy of which colour is the worst, and is incurable.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 2Ki 5:20 Heb “Look, my master spared this Syrian Naaman by not taking from his hand what he brought.”

NET Notes: 2Ki 5:21 Heb “Is there peace?”

NET Notes: 2Ki 5:22 The Hebrew term כִּכָּר (kikkar, “circle”) refers generally to something that is round. When use...

NET Notes: 2Ki 5:23 Heb “before him.”

NET Notes: 2Ki 5:24 Heb “and he sent the men away and they went.”

NET Notes: 2Ki 5:26 In the MT the statement is phrased as a rhetorical question, “Is this the time…?” It expects an emphatic negative response.

NET Notes: 2Ki 5:27 Traditionally, “he went from before him, leprous like snow.” But see the note at 5:1, as well as M. Cogan and H. Tadmor, II Kings (AB), 66...

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 5:21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw [him] running after him, ( l ) he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, [Is] all w...

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 5:24 And when he came to the tower, he took [them] from their hand, and bestowed [them] in the house: and he let the men go, and ( m ) they departed. ( m ...

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 5:26 And he said unto him, ( n ) Went not mine heart [with thee], when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? [Is it] a time to receive money,...

Geneva Bible: 2Ki 5:27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy ( p ) seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 2Ki 5:1-27 - --1 Naaman, by the report of a captive maid, is sent to Samaria to be cured of his leprosy.8 Elisha, sending him to Jordan cures him.15 He refusing Naam...

MHCC: 2Ki 5:20-27 - --Naaman, a Syrian, a courtier, a soldier, had many servants, and we read how wise and good they were. Elisha, a holy prophet, a man of God, has but one...

Matthew Henry: 2Ki 5:20-27 - -- Naaman, a Syrian, a courtier, a soldier, had many servants, and we read how wise and good they were, 2Ki 5:13. Elisha, a holy prophet, a man of God,...

Keil-Delitzsch: 2Ki 5:20-22 - -- Punishment of Gehazi. - 2Ki 5:20-22. When Naaman had gone a stretch of the way ( ארץ כּברת , 2Ki 5:19; see at Gen 35:16), there arose in Ge...

Keil-Delitzsch: 2Ki 5:23 - -- But Naaman forced him to accept two talents ( קח הואל , be pleased to take; and כּכּרים , with the dual ending, ne pereat indicium nu...

Keil-Delitzsch: 2Ki 5:24 - -- When Gehazi came to the hill ( העפל , the well-known hill before the city) he took the presents from the bearers, and dismissing the men, laid ...

Keil-Delitzsch: 2Ki 5:25-26 - -- But when he entered his master's presence again, he asked him, "Whence (comest thou), Gehazi?"and on his returning the lying answer that he had not ...

Keil-Delitzsch: 2Ki 5:27 - -- "And let the leprosy of Naaman cleave to thee and to thy seed for ever." This punishment took effect immediately. Gehazi went out from Elisha covere...

Constable: 2Ki 2:1--8:16 - --4. Jehoram's evil reign in Israel 2:1-8:15 Jehoram reigned 12 years in Israel (852-841 B.C.). Hi...

Constable: 2Ki 5:1-27 - --God's ability to heal and cleanse ch. 5 Naaman (Aram. gracious) was commander of the Ara...

Guzik: 2Ki 5:1-27 - --2 Kings 5 - Naaman the Leper A. Naaman comes to Elisha. 1. (1) Naaman's problem. Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a gre...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF KINGS, in the ancient copies of the Hebrew Bible, constitute one book. Various titles have been given them; in the Septu...

JFB: 2 Kings (Outline) MOAB REBELS. (2Ki 1:1) AHAZIAH'S JUDGMENT BY ELIJAH. (2Ki 1:2-8) ELIJAH BRINGS FIRE FROM HEAVEN ON AHAZIAH'S MESSENGERS. (2Ki 1:9-16) AHAZIAH DIES, A...

TSK: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) The events detailed in these books (Kings) are highly interesting and important. The account of the wisdom, magnificence, and extended commerce of So...

TSK: 2 Kings 5 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 2Ki 5:1, Naaman, by the report of a captive maid, is sent to Samaria to be cured of his leprosy; 2Ki 5:8, Elisha, sending him to Jordan c...

Poole: 2 Kings 5 (Chapter Introduction) KINGS CHAPTER 5 Naaman, by his captive maid’ s report, goeth to Elisha to be cured of his leprosy, 2Ki 5:1-9 . Elisha sends to him a command t...

MHCC: 2 Kings 5 (Chapter Introduction) (2Ki 5:1-8) Naaman's leprosy. (2Ki 5:9-14) The cure of it. (2Ki 5:15-19) Elisha refuses Naaman's gifts. (2Ki 5:20-27) Gehazi's covetousness and fal...

Matthew Henry: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Second Book of Kings This second book of the Kings (which the Septuagint, numbering from Samuel, ca...

Matthew Henry: 2 Kings 5 (Chapter Introduction) Two more of Elisha's miracles are recorded in this chapter. I. The cleansing of Naaman, a Syrian, a stranger, from his leprosy, and there, 1. The...

Constable: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) Introduction Second Kings continues the narrative begun in 1 Kings. It opens with the translation of godly Elijah to hea...

Constable: 2 Kings (Outline) Outline (Continued from notes on 1 Kings) 3. Ahaziah's evil reign in Israel -1 Kings 22:51-2...

Constable: 2 Kings 2 Kings Bibliography Ackroyd, Peter R. "An Interpretation of the Babylonian Exile: A Study of 2 Kings 20, Isaia...

Haydock: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) THE FOURTH BOOK OF KINGS. INTRODUCTION. This Book brings us to the conclusion of the kingdom of Israel, (chap. xvii.) and to the captivity of ...

Gill: 2 Kings (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS This, and the preceding book, are properly but one book divided into two parts, because of the size of it, as the book of S...

Gill: 2 Kings 5 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 5 This chapter gives an account of the leprosy of Naaman the Syrian, and of the cure of it by Elisha; how he came to hear o...

Advanced Commentary (Dictionaries, Hymns, Arts, Sermon Illustration, Question and Answers, etc)


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