2 Kings 5:16

16. I will receive none It seems to have been a custom for the prophets to receive presents from those who consulted them, (1 Samuel 9:7,) and it would appear from 2 Kings 8:8-9 that on another occasion Elisha himself received a present from the king of Syria; why, then, did he refuse to accept one from Naaman? Some say because Naaman did not offer his present until after his cure, and thereby showed no little disrespect to the prophet; but a better reason is found in Elisha’s own words, 2 Kings 5:26, “Is it a time to receive money and garments,” etc. It was a time of hypocrisy and avarice among the professed prophets and priests in the northern kingdom, and this fact brought the sacred office into disrepute and contempt among the people. It was wise, therefore, for Elisha, in connexion with this great miracle of healing, to decline the rich present of Naaman, so that all might know that the mighty works of God’s grace were free, and that avarice dwelt not in the heart of the true prophet of Jehovah.