Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Kings 5:26

Albert Barnes Commentary

2 Kings 5:26

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

2 Kings 5:26

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And he said unto him, Went not my heart [with thee], when the man turned from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards and vineyards, and sheep and oxen, and men-servants and maid-servants?" — 2 Kings 5:26 (ASV)

Went not mine heart with thee? - that is, “Was I not with you in spirit? Did I not see the whole transaction, as if I had been present at it?” He uses the verb “went” because Gehazi had just denied his “going.”

Is it a time... - that is, “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, so that a pagan might be won to the truth?”

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