Then he said to Gehazi, “Tuck your cloak into your belt, take my staff in your hand, and go your way. If you meet any man, don’t greet him; and if anyone greets you, don’t answer him again. Then lay my staff on the child’s face.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 29. Salute him not. He that is sent to raise to life the sinner spiritually dead, must not suffer himself to be called off, or diverted from his enterprise, by the salutations or ceremonies of the world. Challoner.—So must the preachers of the gospel diligently fulfil their important office. Luke 10:4. Saint Gregory hom. 17. Urbanity is not reprehended; but no human transaction ought to impede what is divine. Saint Ambrose ib. In ancient comedies, slaves are always represented in a hurry. The Jews will not salute any person when they are going to their synagogues, for fear of being distracted in their devotions. Calmet.—Eliseus requires the utmost expedition, that the favour might be the greater, Qui cito dat, bis dat. Menochius.—He would also prevent his servant from telling any one what he was about, that he might not be touched with vanity, and thus hinder the miracle, which some think was nevertheless the case. R. Salomon. Theod. q. 17. Tirinus.