Mark 9:22. To destroy him. The father describes the case still further, representing the demon as a malignant enemy seeking to kill his only son.

If thou canst do anything. The father's sense of need is stirred by the recital, but his faith is very weak. Not strong at first, it had probably been weakened by the failure of the disciples.

Have compassion on us, and help us. The father's feelings are intense, as he naturally and properly identifies himself with the misery of his son. (comp. Matthew 15:25). But intense feeling is not faith!

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Old Testament