John 2:1

CHAPTER II.

THE FIRST MIRACLE (John 2:1-11)

"On the third day" after the events narrated in the closing portion of the last chapter there occurred the first exercise of miraculous power on the part of the Savior. The scene was Cana of Galilee, the northern district of Palestine, to which he had returned immediately after the witness of John (Chap. 1:43).

1. And the third day there was. marriage.

It is well known that the marriage ceremonies of the Jews began at twilight. It was the custom in Palestine

"To bear away The bride from home at blushing shut of day," covered from head to foot in her flowing veil, garlanded with flowers, and dressed in her fairest robes. She was heralded by torchlight, with songs and music and dances, and led to the bridegroom's home. She was attended by the maidens of her native village, and the bridegroom came to meet her with his youthful friends.-- Farrar. Lightfoot says that among the Jews virgins were married on the fourth day of the week (Wednesday) and widows on the fifth day. The feast was at the home of the bridegroom after the marriage and was. joyous occasion, sometimes prolonged for. number of days (see Gen. 28:27 and Judges 14:14).

In Cana of Galilee.

The site is not certainly known. Dr. Robinson thinks it was. place, now called Kana, twelve miles north of Nazareth. Geikie also holds the same view. It is now. ruin and has not been inhabited for. considerable period. Farrar thinks it was. place called Kenna, five miles northwest of Nazareth.

The mother of Jesus was there.

John never mentions her by name. As Joseph is not mentioned, after the visit to Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve years old, he was probably dead. It is supposed from the presence of Mary, the great interest she exhibited and the degree of authority shown in commanding the servants, that the family where the marriage took place was related to her.