2 Kings 5:16
2 Kings 5:16 in Multiple Translations
But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.
But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
But he said, As Jehovah liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
But he said, By the life of the Lord whose servant I am, I will take nothing from you. And he did his best to make him take it but he would not.
But Elisha replied, “As the Lord lives, the one I serve, I will not accept anything.” Even though Naaman tried to persuade him to take the gift, he refused.
But hee sayde, As the Lord liueth (before whom I stand) I wil not receiue it. And he would haue constrained him to receiue it, but he refused.
And he saith, 'Jehovah liveth, before whom I have stood — if I take [it];' and he presseth on him to take, and he refuseth.
But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” He urged him to take it; but he refused.
But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it ; but he refused.
But he answered: As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And when he pressed him, he still refused.
But Elisha replied, “Just as certainly as Yahweh, the one whom I serve, lives, I will not accept any gifts.” Naaman kept urging him to accept the gifts, but Elisha kept refusing.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 5:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 5:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
חַי
יְהוָ֛ה
אֲשֶׁר
עָמַ֥דְתִּי
לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו
אִם
אֶקָּ֑ח
וַ/יִּפְצַר
בּ֥/וֹ
לָ/קַ֖חַת
וַ/יְמָאֵֽן
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חַי
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָמַ֥דְתִּי
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֶקָּ֑ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וַ/יִּפְצַר
pâtsar
H6484
to press
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בּ֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לָ/קַ֖חַת
lâqach
H3947
to take
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וַ/יְמָאֵֽן
mâʼên
H3985
to refuse
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 5:16
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
חַי
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָמַ֥דְתִּי
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לְ/פָנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֶקָּ֑ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
וַ/יִּפְצַר
pâtsar
H6484
"to press"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to press or push, and can also imply being stubborn or arrogant. It is used in different contexts, such as pushing or pressing something, or displaying insolence. The KJV translates it as press, urge, or stubbornness.
Definition: 1) to press, push 1a) (Qal) to push, press 1b) (Hiphil) be insolent, display pushing (arrogance, presumption)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: press, urge, stubbornness. See also: Genesis 19:3; Judges 19:7; 2 Kings 5:16.
בּ֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לָ/קַ֖חַת
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
וַ/יְמָאֵֽן
mâʼên
H3985
"to refuse"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say no or reject something. It is used in Exodus 23:5 to describe refusing to help someone in need. God commands people to not refuse help.
Definition: (Piel) to refuse
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 37:35; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 77:3.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 5:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 5:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 5:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 5:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:16
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 5:16
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 5:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:16
- Sermons on 2 Kings 5:16
Context — Gehazi’s Greed and Leprosy
14So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean.
15Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”
16But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.
17“If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD. 18Yet may the LORD forgive your servant this one thing: When my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my arm, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant in this matter.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 5:26 | But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? |
| 2 | 2 Kings 5:20 | Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, while not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” |
| 3 | 2 Kings 3:14 | Then Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 17:1 | Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD lives—the God of Israel before whom I stand—there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!” |
| 5 | Daniel 5:17 | In response, Daniel said to the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the inscription for the king and interpret it for him. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 13:8 | But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. |
| 7 | Genesis 14:22–23 | But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 12:14 | See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. |
| 9 | Acts 8:18–20 | When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! |
| 10 | Acts 20:33–35 | I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” |
2 Kings 5:16 Summary
[Elisha refused Naaman's gift because he wanted to make it clear that the healing was a gift from God, not something that could be bought or earned. This shows that Elisha was a man of integrity who trusted in God's provision, rather than human wealth or resources (as seen in Proverbs 30:7-9). By refusing the gift, Elisha was also setting an example of how to live a life of simplicity and humility, and this is something that we can all learn from (as taught in Matthew 6:19-21).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elisha refuse Naaman's gift?
Elisha refused Naaman's gift because he wanted to make it clear that the healing was a gift from God, not something that could be bought or earned, as seen in 2 Kings 5:16, and this is in line with the principle that God's gifts are free and not for sale, as stated in Isaiah 55:1
Is it wrong to accept gifts from people we have helped?
Not necessarily, but in this case, Elisha was setting an example of not using his position for personal gain, and this is in line with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 10:8, where He instructs His disciples to freely give and receive
What does Elisha's statement 'As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand' mean?
Elisha's statement is an oath, invoking the name of the Lord as his witness, similar to the way God swears by Himself in Hebrews 6:13, and it emphasizes his commitment to integrity and honesty
How does Elisha's refusal of Naaman's gift relate to the concept of stewardship?
Elisha's refusal of the gift shows that he understood that his role as a prophet was to be a steward of God's resources and gifts, and not to use them for personal benefit, as taught in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, where we are called to be faithful stewards of God's grace
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can, like Elisha, demonstrate my commitment to integrity and honesty in my daily life?
- How can I, like Naaman, respond with gratitude and humility when I experience God's blessing and provision in my life?
- What are some gifts or blessings that I have received from God, and how can I use them to bless and serve others, rather than keeping them for myself?
- In what ways can I, like Elisha, trust in God's provision and care, rather than relying on human resources or wealth?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 5:16
But he said, as the Lord liveth, before whom I stand,.... Whose minister and prophet he was, and by whom he swears: I will receive none: to let him know that this cure was not to be attributed to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 5:16
But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:16
Not that he thought it simply unlawful to receive gifts or presents, which he did receive from others, , but because of the special circumstances of the present case; this being much for the honour of the true God and religion, that the Syrians should see the generous piety, and charity, and kindness of his ministers and servants, and how much they despised all that worldly wealth and glory which the priests or prophets of the Gentiles so greedily sought after; and that hereby Naaman might be much confirmed in that good religion which he had embraced, and others might be brought to a love and liking of it.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:16
2 Kings 5:16 But he said, [As] the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take [it]; but he refused.Ver. 16. Before whom I stand.] As his menial servant, being θεοφορος, i.e., carrying God in him, as Isidor Pelusiot was called, full of God. Particeps Dei est vir sapiens, saith a philosopher, a wise man is a partaker of God, and therefore holds everything else worthless: as Abraham, when once assured that God, "the possessor of heaven and earth," was his "shield and exceeding great reward," would not take of the king of Sodom anything, to a shoelatchet. I will receive none.] Lest I should seem covetous, or to be thy beneficiary, or pensioner engaged. This made also Abraham so resolute. Epaminondas, the famous Theban, though very poor, would by no means accept of a great mass of money sent him by the king of Persia; et ut mea fert sententia, magnificentior fuit is qui non aurum accepit, quam qui donavit, saith Aelian, and it was very bravely done of him. It was God’ s glory that the prophet in this refusal aimed at, and Naaman’ s soul’ s good: that he might give all the honour of his cure to God alone; and learn to set light by earthly property, and pomp of the world. Var., Hist., lib. v.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:16
(16) But.—And (both times). I will receive none.—Theodoret compares our Lord’s “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). (Comp. Acts 8:20.) Such may have been Elisha’s feeling. His refusal, strongly contrasting with the conduct of ordinary prophets, Israelite and heathen (comp. 1 Samuel 9:6-9), would make a deep impression upon Naaman and his retinue.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:16
Verse 16. I will receive none.] It was very common to give presents to all great and official men; and among these, prophets were always included: but as it might have appeared to the Syrians that he had taken the offered presents as a remuneration for the cure performed, he refused; for as God alone did the work, he alone should have all the glory.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 5:16
16. I will receive none] Just as in the earlier part of his conduct Elisha had done everything to direct Naaman’s attention to Jehovah alone as the healer of his disease; so now he will have no gift for himself, lest thereby he should mar the effect of the previous lesson. Heathen priests and prophets were noted for the greed with which they received and demanded rewards. With the servants of the God of Israel there could be nothing of this kind. It was not of them, except as instruments, that the help came, and the gratitude must be paid where it was due. So in spite of much urging, Elisha would receive nothing. He stood before the Lord, and feeling whose servant he was, he must direct all honour to be offered to his Master.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 5:16
I will receive none - The prophets were in the habit of receiving presents from those who consulted them 1 Samuel 9:7-8; 1 Kings 14:3, but Elisha refused.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 5:16
16. I will receive none — It seems to have been a custom for the prophets to receive presents from those who consulted them, (1 Samuel 9:7,) and it would appear from 2 Kings 8:8-9 that on another
Sermons on 2 Kings 5:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Profiteering Christianity by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Naaman, and Gehazi. It highlights the importance |
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Where Christianity Becomes Profiteering by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Gehazi, and Naaman. It highlights the importance |
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Contentment - Ii Kings 5 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of contentment through the story of Gehazi in II Kings 5, illustrating how discontentment can lead to spiritual ruin. He highlights that tr |
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The Word of Knowledge by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, particularly focusing on the 'word of knowledge' as described in 1 Corinthians 12:8. He emphasizes that this gift is a |
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Lacking One Thing by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a story from the Old Testament where three kings and their armies were lacking water, which would ensure victory in battle. The preacher draw |
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Where Is the Fire? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who came to his office. The young man had been in Nicaragua and witnessed the power of God there. He tells the speaker |
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No Man Is Greater Than His Prayer Life by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of Elijah, whom he considers one of the greatest men in history. He highlights the miraculous events and accomplishments of Elijah, s |