2 Kings 5:26

Went not mine heart? The Lord had revealed to Elisha exactly what had taken place, how Gehazi had ran out after Naaman, how he had lied to him and had succeeded in securing the coveted gift, and how it had been hidden. Man may lie to his fellow men, but he cannot lie to God. Deeds of evil may be hidden from the eyes of man, but the eyes of the Lord see all (see Heb. 4:13).

It is a time to receive money? What a terrible rebuke the words of Elisha brought home to the heart of his servant! A notable miracle had been performed. The commander of the armies of Syria had been brought to believe in God and to rejoice in his new-found faith. God had been gracious to His servants, and heaven had come very close to earth. Gehazi’s heart should have been uplifted in praise and thanksgiving to God for the wonderful blessings received. He should have thought of how Naaman’s heart might be favorably impressed and how the Syrian commander might be brought to feel that the faith of the Israelites was the world’s only true religion which made men unselfish, honest, and kind. But instead he thought only of himself and of his own interests.

Elisha’s words of rebuke were not only for his servant Gehazi but for those in God’s church today who manifest the same spirit as did Gehazi. In our day God has again been very near, and wonderful miracles of grace have been wrought in many lands. Sinners everywhere are being reclaimed and songs of thanksgiving and victory are ascending to God. But once more in the hearts of some the spirit of avarice and greed has been allowed to prevail. They are engaged in the service of self. Silver is being hoarded and hidden that should be employed toward the salvation of men. Once more God is looking down from heaven, and the question is asked, “Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments?”

Oliveyards. Gehazi had been thinking of the disposition he would make of his wealth, and the prophet here probably enumerates the purchases his servant intended to make.