2 Kings 8:9

evenof every good thing of Damascus Cf. the present which Jacob sent by his sons when they were going down into Egypt to buy food (Genesis 43:11), -Take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present &c."

forty camels" burden The number of camels was for display. We are not to suppose that each was fully laden. Nor need we think that Elisha who had refused Naaman's present would be more ready to accept Benhadad's.

stood before him It must have been well known where Elisha was to be found. There was no concealment in his visit. An array of forty camels would only be brought to a definite spot.

Thy son Ben-hadad The term indicates the humility of the petitioner. So Ahaz (2 Kings 16:7) when he sent for help to Tiglath-pileser, said -I am thy servant and thy son". In like manner Jehoram called Elisha -my father", above in 2 Kings 6:21.