Naaman said, “If not, then, please let two mules’ load of earth be given to your servant; for your servant will from now on offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 17. Mule; (burdonum,) the offspring of a horse and of an ass. Menochius.—Earth, to make brick for an altar, or to inclose within a box of brass, as was done in the altar of holocausts in the desert; or, in fine, to sprinkle on some clean place, where an altar might be erected, in honour of the true God. He does not inquire what ceremonies were used in the land of Israel, ( Calmet.) as he was not enrolled by circumcision, among the Hebrews, as an observer of their law; but intended to serve God, like Job, and many other righteous Gentiles, who kept themselves clear of idolatry, and observed the ancient patriarchal religion with a clean heart. Bible.—As God had sanctified the land by the observance of his true religion, Naaman rightly judged that it was fitter for an altar than the earth of his own country. Worthington.—The Jews had a particular veneration for it. Psalms 101:15. They built a synagogue in Persia, with earth and stones taken from Jerusalem. Benjamin.—Christians sometimes carry away the same earth. Saint Augustine de Calmet. xxii. 8. Turon. i. 7.—The Donatists had a sovereign respect for it; (Saint Augustine ep. 52.) and it is said that S. Helena brought a great quantity to the church of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem, at Rome. Mabillon, Itin. p. 187. Calmet.—Lord. Out of Palestine, the Gentiles were not prohibited to offer sacrifice to the true God any where; nor were they under any obligation of following the law of Moses. Abulens. Tirinus.