Shall cleave. — Or, cleave! i.e., let it cleave. The prophetic sentence is naturally expressed as an imperative.
A leper as white as snow. — Comp. Exodus 4:6 Numbers 12:10. A sudden outbreak of leprosy may follow upon extreme fright or mortification (Michaelis).
Unto thy seed for ever. — Like other skin diseases, leprosy is hereditary. If it be thought that the sentence is too strong, it should be remembered that the prophet is really pronouncing inspired judgment upon the sin of Gehazi, and milder language might have produced erroneous impressions. Covetousness and lying are never spared in Scripture, and it is well for mankind that it is so. (Comp. Acts 5)