And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand [pieces] of gold, and ten changes of raiment.
Ver. 5. And took with him ten talents of silver, &c.] Very great sums he took - ten or eleven thousand pounds sterling, - partly for expenses in so long a journey, but principally for presents to the king and courtiers; but especially to the prophet, for he thought that, as among the heathen,
“ Aνευθε χαλκου φοιβος ου μαντευεται .”
Gifts make room for a man, and bringeth him before great ones. Pro 18:16 Their priests also were δωροφαγοι, and "with shame loved, Give ye." Hos 4:18 Now he knew not but Elisha might be of the same strain.