4 Kings — Chapter 5
These annotations are from the original 1609 Douay Old Testament, the first complete English Catholic Bible translation, produced by English scholars in exile at the English College of Douai. The archaic spelling is preserved.
This content was digitized from the original 1609 Douay (Old Testament) and 1582 Rheims (New Testament) print editions by OCR. The OCR process sometimes confused print page numbers with verse numbers, and may have assigned annotations to the wrong chapter. Chapter and verse labels on this page reflect the OCR output from the original print pagination and may not correspond to canonical Scripture chapter/verse numbers. For canonical reference, consult a standard Douay-Rheims edition. The annotation texts themselves are authentic 1609/1582 Douay-Rheims content.
Verse 15
In respect of Gods special electing and sanctifying the land of Chanaan, by his true religion, Naaman rightly esteemed that earth fitter for an altar, then the earth of his owne countrie.
Verse 19
Before Christs Gospel was promulgate, neither al Articles of faith were so expresly taught, nor the external profession thereof so strictly commanded, as now they are in time of more grace, which giueth more ayde to mans weaknes; wherein also more perfection is required. And therfore our Sauiour exacteth of al to confesse him, and his Religion, before men: els he wil denie them before his Father. Mat. 10. Likewise in the place where this Nobleman dwelt, his presence in the temple, and seruice to the King, could not be accounted a reuolt from true religion, which was neuer professed there, nor be scandalous to anie man, being al Infidels: but in a christian countrie, where al beare the name of Christians, especially where men are at controuersie about the true Christian religion, al that frequent, or repaire to the same assemblies, for publike seruice of God, are reputed to be of the same religion; or els dissemblers. This example therfore doth in no sort warrant going to the heretical Church: but contrariwise admonisheth al to take resolution in our case (as Naaman did in his) of our Eliseus, or spiritual Superiour.
Verse 27
Giezi prefigured Iudas the false Apostle of Christ, and al those that buy or sel spiritual things for money, who by their auarice lose Gods grace, and gaine infamie in this world, and eternal damnation in the next. S. Aug. ser. 108. de tempore.