Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 5:16

"But he said, As Jehovah liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused." — 2 Kings 5:16 (ASV)

But.—And (both times).

I will receive none.—Theodoret compares our Lord’s “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). (Compare to Acts 8:20.) Such may have been Elisha’s feeling. His refusal, strongly contrasting with the conduct of ordinary prophets, Israelite and pagan (compare to 1 Samuel 9:6–9), would make a deep impression upon Naaman and his retinue.