The leprosy—of Naaman shall cleave unto thee— A sentence which Gehazi justly deserved, for his crime was aggravated by a greedy covetousness, which is idolatry, prophanation of God's name, a downright theft, in taking that to himself which was given for others, deliberate and impudent lying, a desperate contempt of God's omnipotence, justice, and holiness, a horrible reproach cast upon the prophet and his religion, and a pernicious scandal given to Naaman and every other Syrian who should chance to hear of it; while we are hence taught that God knows our sins, though committed in secret, and will punish them; and particularly that his wrath pursues all those, in general, who are given to covetousness and dishonest gain; and that goods acquired by wicked means carry a curse with them, which often descends from parents to their children. See Poole and Ostervald.
REFLECTIONS.—Of all men in Israel, there was not one from whom we might expect more exemplary piety than from the favoured Gehazi, the companion almost, rather than servant, of the prophet, blessed with his daily conversation, and beholding continually his bright example; and yet we find him as vile and hardened as the most idolatrous Israelite. Note; The best of men and ministers cannot change even those under their own roof. Nay, to their grief, they behold them sometimes more insensible and stupid than any others.
1. Gehazi's sin was great. A lover of filthy lucre, he could not see the gifts without hankering for them, and blaming his master's refusal: a liar and robber, careless what dishonour he brought on the prophet; or what disgust Naaman might take against God from such a procedure: crafty and dissembling, and as if he could deceive the Spirit of God in his master, seeking to cover one lie by a worse. Note; (1.) The love of money is the root of all evil. They who resolve to be rich, resolve on their destruction and perdition, 1 Timothy 6:9. (2.) Covetousness and lying are nearly allied. (3.) When the heart is hardened by one sin, it is more easily disposed to a greater. (4.) Hope of concealment and impunity is the great encouragement to do evil.
2. His punishment was exemplary. Elisha silences his lying tongue. His spirit followed him to the chariot, and to the place where the robbery was deposited, and clearly foresaw how he designed to lay out these wages of unrighteousness: but short enjoyment shall his wickedness afford him. The curse of God is denounced upon him, the silver of Naaman is turned into his leprosy to eat up his flesh, and the disease entailed upon his latest posterity. Elisha's doors are immediately shut against him, and he departs a leper, loathsome as incurable. Note; (1.) The joy of prosperous wickedness is short-lived, transitory, and terminates in sorrows bitter as endless. (2.) Thus shall God at last lay open men's folly, sin, and shame; and, speechless before him, they shall be driven from his presence, to suffer the just reward of their deeds.