2 Kings 8:9

A present with him — i.e., in money. (Comp. 2 Kings 5:5, and see the margin here.)

Even of every good thing. — Rather, and every kind of good thing; in addition to the present of money. Damascus was a great centre of traffic between Eastern and Western Asia. (Comp. Ezekiel 27:18; Amos 3:12.) Damask silk was originally imported from Damascus, and the Damascene sword-blades were famous in mediæval Europe.

Forty camels’ burden. — To be understood of an actual train of forty camels, carrying the presents of Ben-hadad. The Orientals are fond of making the most of a gift in this way. Chardin remarks, that “fifty persons often carry what a single one could very well carry” (Voyage, 3:21).

Came. — Or, went in, i.e., into the house where Elisha was.

Thy son Ben-hadad. — Comp. 2 Kings 13:14; 2 Kings 5:13; 2 Kings 4:12; 2 Kings 6:21. “Father” was a respectful mode of addressing the prophet.