Elisha goes also beyond
the borders of Israel in dispensing the blessing of which
he is the instrument; and, when the king of Israel is
troubled at Naaman's coming, Elisha heals the leprosy of
this Gentile, who is brought to acknowledge Jehovah, the
God of Israel, as the only true God. The Lord Jesus
points out the sovereign grace of God on this occasion,
which, overstepping the narrow limits of Israel, and,
owning no longer their rights, acts towards the Gentiles
in the way of election.
Gehazi smitten
irremediably with that from which Namaan had been freed
As it has been frequently
remarked, the means used were simple, and humbling to the
flesh and to the pride of man, having their efficacy in
full apprehension of, and full submission of heart and
faith to, death, which is become life unto man, and that
which heals him and cleanses him from sin. The man who
was the most closely connected with Elisha, a prey to
covetousness, suffers the painful consequences of a
hardened heart; and that from which the Gentile had been
freed comes irremediably upon him. Such is the position
of Israel, outwardly nearer to Jehovah, but morally afar
from Him.
2 Kings 5 Bible Commentary
John Darby’s Synopsis
Elisha goes also beyond the borders of Israel in dispensing the blessing of which he is the instrument; and, when the king of Israel is troubled at Naaman's coming, Elisha heals the leprosy of this Gentile, who is brought to acknowledge Jehovah, the God of Israel, as the only true God. The Lord Jesus points out the sovereign grace of God on this occasion, which, overstepping the narrow limits of Israel, and, owning no longer their rights, acts towards the Gentiles in the way of election.
Gehazi smitten irremediably with that from which Namaan had been freed
As it has been frequently remarked, the means used were simple, and humbling to the flesh and to the pride of man, having their efficacy in full apprehension of, and full submission of heart and faith to, death, which is become life unto man, and that which heals him and cleanses him from sin. The man who was the most closely connected with Elisha, a prey to covetousness, suffers the painful consequences of a hardened heart; and that from which the Gentile had been freed comes irremediably upon him. Such is the position of Israel, outwardly nearer to Jehovah, but morally afar from Him.