And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what [is] to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.
Ver. 13. Behold thou hast been careful for us.] A gracious man is a grateful man, and studieth retribution.
I dwell among mine own people.] Privately and peaceably, having no business at court; not affecting great friendships, nor groaning under great oppressions. All this was well, if it might have held. The old Greeks gave this grave counsel, saith Suidas,
“ αλευ απο μειζονος ανδρος .” - Suidas.
i.e., Keep aloof from great ones. And the Latin poets say well,
“ Dulcis inexpertis cultura potentis amici,
Expertus metuet … - Horat.
“ Vive tibi, quantumque potes, praelustria vita. ” - Ovid.
But what hold is there of these earthly things? saith another; how long is the Shunammite thus blessed with peace? Stay but a while, you shall see her come on her knees to the king of Israel, pitifully complaining that she was stripped of house and land: and how Gehazi is fain to do that good office for her, which was not accepted from his master. a Those that stand fastest upon earth, have but slippery footing. No man can say that he shall not need friends.
a Bp. Hall.