2 Kings 5

2 Kings 5:1

GReat man] in dignity, wealth, power, and favur.

2 Kings 5:3

In Samaria] not that his ordinary abode and dwelling were there, but because hee was often there. Vnlesse that by the head city, the whole Kingdome be meant.

2 Kings 5:7

Heerent] detesting such an impious opinion, as that hee shou’d have the power of God: and for feare least under this so impertinent a demand, there should bee some plot, or traine hidden.

2 Kings 5:10

Wash] see upon 2 Kings 4:41.

2 Kings 5:16

Hee refused] prophets did use to accept of some small presents, which came from aa honst kinde of liberality, or of things necessary for stenance: See upon 1 Samuel 9:7. but here there were great reasons to disswade him from it: as not to let the pagan conceive that he was avaitious; to not seeme to sell the gift of God Matthew 10:8 Acts 8:18. and to not make himselfe beholding to any great worldly man, &c.

2 Kings 5:17

Of earth] of this countrey earth, which countrey is consecrated to the Lord, that I may offer sacrifices thereon: and keepe it, as a pawne of my communion with his people. A demand which had a shew of good zeale, but it was without knowledge: for the holinesse of the service was not annexed to the materiall earth, but to the observing of Gods command, which was for worship by sacrifice in that place only.

2 Kings 5:18

I bow] though it bee without any intent of idolatrizing, but only for a ceremony of honour, to the King my Lords presence and devotion. So hee acknowledgeth that he did sin in that, through the remorse, or doubt hee hath of it [Rimmon] an Idol of the Syrians.

2 Kings 5:19

Goe in peace] the Prophet doth not approve of this dissimulation, or division of the heart and the act of the body; but it seemes that the Lord having given him no commission, nor revealed unto him that hee should instruct him any further in the true religion, or incorporate him into the body of his people; hee only takes his leave of him, without otherwise answering his question: As saying, content thy selfe with the benifit which thou hast already received: [a little way] the Italian, a mile, or a stadium, see upon Genesis 35:16.

2 Kings 5:24

Tower] the Italian, the rock, it might bee some Fort standing upon the high-way, or peradventure the place it selfe where Elisha dwelt.

2 Kings 5:26

Mine heart] hath not God revealed the act unto mee in spirit, as well as if I had been there bodily present? [is it a time] was this a proper occasion to shew thine avarice, taking a present to enrich thy selfe? couldest thou not perceive by my resusing of it, that the thing was unlawfull? Or at this time wherein true Prophets ought to glorify God, and justifie their function, by vortue, which is contrary to false prophets vices, wouldest thou staine my house, and mine office? Or in these times of the Churches desolation, wouldest thou think upon thy private dishonest gaines?

2 Kings 5:27

VVhite] see Exodus 4:6 Numbers 12:10.