27 There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian."
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Many lepers - For an account of the leprosy see the notes at Matthew 8:1.
Time of Eliseus - Time of Elisha. The word "Eliseus" is the Greek way of writing the word Elisha, as Elias is of Elijah.
Saving Naaman the Syrian - The account of his cure is contained in 2 Kings 5.
None of them was cleansed - This verse is to be understood as the 26th; for Naaman, being a Syrian, was no leper in Israel. The meaning of these verses is, God dispenses his benefits when, where, and to whom he pleases. No person can complain of his conduct in these respects, because no person deserves any good from his hand. God never punishes any but those who deserve it; but he blesses incessantly those who deserve it not. The reason is evident: justice depends on certain rules; but beneficence is free. Beneficence can bless both the good and the evil; justice can punish the latter only. Those who do not make this distinction must have a very confused notion of the conduct of Divine Providence among men.
And many lepers were in Israel,.... The leprosy was a disease very common among the Jews; hence those laws concerning it in Leviticus 13:1 and it seems by this account, that it was very prevalent,
in the time of Eliseus the prophet; that is, the prophet Elisha; who, by the Septuagint, in
1Ki 19:16 and, in other places, is called "Elisaie": and none of them was cleansed; from their leprosy, by any direction of the prophet,
saving Naaman, the Syrian: or but Naaman, who was not an Israelite, but a Syrian: he was cleansed and cured of his leprosy, being ordered by Elisha to dip himself seven times in Jordan, which he did, and was healed, 2-Kings 5:14.
*More commentary available at chapter level.