CHRONOLOGY. Mark and Luke place the events of this section just before the _choice of the Twelve_, which occurred during our Lord's retirement. The season of the year may have been April, at which time the barley would be ripe. It has been inferred from Luke's account (Matthew 6:1: ‘second Sabbath a... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:1. AT THAT TIME, or ‘season.' Here used indefinitely. See Luke 6:1, as to the date. THROUGH THE GRAIN FIELDS. The grain was probably barley, which ripens in April in that region and is usually harvested in May. HIS DISCIPLES. Not the ‘Twelve' exclusively, probably including most of th... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:2. BUT WHEN THE PHARISEES SAW IT. They were lying in wait for something as a ground of opposition. THEY SAID UNTO HIM. Luke represents the objection as made to the disciples, both were probably addressed. THAT WHICH IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO DO ON THE SABBATH. It was lawful on other days, a... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:3. HAVE YE NOT READ WHAT DAVID DID. All three Evangelists record this main argument against the Pharisees. The case of David (1 Samuel 21:1-6) was peculiarly in point. The Pharisees insisted that their mode of observing the Sabbath was needful, if a man would be a patriotic Jew and accept... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:4. THE HOUSE OF GOD. The tabernacle at Nob. THE SHEW-BREAD. Twelve loaves were placed in rows upon a table in the holy place, as a symbol of the communion of God with men. They were renewed every seven days, on the Sabbath, the old loaves being eaten by the priests. David probably came... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:5. THE PRIESTS IN THE TEMPLE PROFANE THE SABBATH AND ARE BLAMELESS? Peculiar to Matthew. On the Sabbath the priests must change the shewbread, and offer double offerings. That construction of the law which condemned His disciples, would condemn this as a profanation, yet the priests were... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:6. THAT WHICH IS GREATER, not some one greater; the comparison with the temple occasions this form, although the reference is undoubtedly to Christ Himself. Argument: If the priests in the temple are authorized to profane the Sabbath (according to your view of what that means) in the perf... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:7. BUT IF YE HAD KNOWN. They ought to have known, professing to interpret the Old Testament. I WILL HAVE MERCY, etc. Quoted before (chap. Matthew 9:13), from Hosea 6:6. Our Lord properly censures them, after defending his disciples. They did not recognize this greater temple (Matthew 12... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:8. FOR THE SON OF MAN IS LORD OF THE SABBATH. This crowning thought occurs in all three narratives. The emphasis rests on the word ‘Lord.' The term ‘Son of man' implies His Messiahship. The Jews admitted that the authority of the Messiah was greater than that of the law of the Sabbath, he... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:9. AND HE DEPARTED THENCE. The miracle which follows, took place on another Sabbath (see Luke 6:6), probably the next one. WENT INTO THEIR SYNAGOGUE. The synagogue of His opponents, probably in some important town in Galilee. Luke says He taught there, as seems to have been His habit.... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:10. A MAN HAVING A WITHERED HAND. It was not only paralyzed, but dried up. According to Luke, the right hand; the language used by Mark implies that this was the effect of accident or disease. There is no evidence that the man was aware that the Pharisees wished to make use of him to accu... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:11. Luke introduces the reply of this verse on another occasion. It was always appropriate under such circumstances. WHAT MAN, etc. Such an act of mercy to a beast was allowed and usual then; but the Rabbins afterwards (perhaps on account of this reply) forbade anything more than to ‘la... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:12. HOW MUCH, THEN, IS A MAN BETTER THAN A SHEEP? Some take this as an explanation: ‘Of how much more worth now is a man than a sheep!' But it is better to regard it as a question. Our Lord recognizes the superiority of man, as well as the superior claims of humanity. WHEREFORE IT IS LA... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:13. Mark tells us, that ‘they held their peace,' and both he and Luke describe our Lord as looking round upon them (with anger and grief). The manner in which the healing took place gave no legal ground for a charge on account of His actions. He did not touch the man, or even command: be... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:14. THEN THE PHARISEES TOOK COUNSEL AGAINST HIM. ‘Held a council' is almost too strong; it was scarcely a formal meeting of the local tribunal, although the consultation was attended by its members. Mark says that ‘the Herodians' (or court party) joined in the plot. Some suppose that this... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:15. WITHDREW. Not from fear, but to carry out His ministry without interruption from these plotters. MANY. ‘Multitudes' is to be omitted. It is evident that our Lord did not wish to avoid the people. HE HEALED THEM ALL, _i.e.,_ all who needed healing, possibly, including spiritual hea... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:16. AND CHARGED THEM, etc. Mark tells of the similar command given to ‘evil spirits.' This more general prohibition was probably given to prevent a rupture between His carnal followers and the Pharisees, so early in His ministry. MAKE HIM KNOWN, as the Messiah.... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:17. THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED, etc. While Mark details the occurrences, Matthew only declares that the retirement of our Lord was a fulfilment of prophecy, however contrary to the popular notions about the Messiah. ISAIAH THE PROPHET. (Chap. Isaiah 42:1-4). A translation from the Hebre... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:18. BEHOLD MY SERVANT. The Greek word means both ‘son' and ‘servant' Christ as Messiah was obedient as a ‘servant' and dear as a ‘Son.' The latter thought comes into prominence in the next clause: MY BELOVED, etc. Comp, the accounts of the baptism (chap. Matthew 3:17) and the transfigurat... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:19. HE SHALL NOT STRIVE, NOR CRY, etc. Not a combatant nor a noisy declaimer in public places, but meek and retiring. (Those who refer ‘judgment' to the gospel, take this verse as descriptive of the means by which it was to be extended.) There is also a contrast with ‘victory' in Matthew... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:20. A BRUISED REED, etc. The reed is a hollow cylinder, so formed that its strength and usefulness are well-nigh lost, if it be bruised. It is also emblematic of feebleness, being easily bruised. The figure points to the state of the sinner as useless and weak, while the word ‘bruised' su... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:21. AND IN HIS NAME SHALL GENTILES HOPE. On the ground of what His name, as the Messiah, implies. Those to whom He presented Himself as Judge would learn to trust Him in consequence of the gentle, patient dealing just spoken of, and more fully brought out in the original prophecy. Matth... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:22. THEN. Indefinite, here meaning ‘afterwards.' WAS BROUGHT. Such an one could not come alone. ONE POSSESSED, etc., or, ‘a demoniac,' BLIND AND DUMB. A different case from that mentioned in chap. Matthew 9:32-34. The physical effect of the possession was similar, but more unfortunate... [ Continue Reading ]
INTRODUCTORY NOTE. These occurrences seem to have followed each other in immediate succession. Luke places the last one (Matthew 12:46-50) after the parable of the sower, but Mark gives the same order as Matthew, Matthew 12:46 is more definite as to time than Luke's account, and that occurrence was... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:23. The effect of such a remarkable miracle on the people was astonishment, and they asked: IS THIS THE SON OF DAVID? The original indicates an expectation or hope of a _negative_ answer (see next verse); so that we must not attribute to the multitude any strong spiritual conviction.... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:24. BUT WHEN THE PHARISEES HEARD IT. According to Luke, some who were present; according to Mark, ‘the scribes which came down from Jerusalem,' probably sent to spy out his actions. A public declaration of war against our Lord on the part of the Pharisees, and an answer to the question of... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:25. AND KNOWING THEIR THOUGHTS. He perceived not only that they opposed, but their very thoughts. Their words had been addressed, not to Him, but in reply to the multitudes (Matthew 12:23). The best authorities omit the word ‘Jesus.' EVERY KINGDOM DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF. The assertion of... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:26. AND IF SATAN CAST OUT SATAN. The accusation reduced to an absurdity, namely, that a person is divided against himself. A man might be at war within, but even then the outward acts would not necessarily be in opposition. Satan is utterly wicked, hence good and evil do not strive within... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:27. BY WHOM DO YOUR SONS, _i.e.,_ disciples, CAST THEM OUT? ‘If casting out devils is an evidence of a league with Satan, then this holds good against your scholars who profess to do it also.' THEREFORE THEY SHALL BE YOUR JUDGES. They shall convict you of partiality. The argument is val... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:28. BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, _i.e.,_ in union with the Spirit of God. The contrast with ‘Beelzebub' points to a ‘Person,' not an influence. The alternative raised by the Pharisees is accepted, namely, such works of power are done either by God or Satan. Then having proved the absurdity of th... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:29. OR. The course of thought is, ‘If I were not the Messiah, _stronger than Satan_, how could I thus spoil him?' SPOIL HIS GOODS. The strong man represents Satan; his ‘house' the world where he has long reigned; ‘his goods,' the possessed or the evil spirits possessing them. SPOIL HI... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:30. HE THAT IS NOT WITH ME. The opposition between the kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of Satan is absolute; it is impossible to be neutral. ‘Neutrality' is often the worst ‘hostility.' Since these two opposing kingdoms exist, all moral beings must belong to one or the other. Our Lord h... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:31. Our Lord, who knew the thoughts of His opposers, now explains the awful meaning of their enmity. THEREFORE I SAY UNTO YOU. A revelation on the authority of Christ. EVERY SIN AND BLASPHEMY. Every sin up to and including blasphemy, with the exception afterwards mentioned. ‘Blasphemy... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:32. WHOSOEVER SPEAKETH A WORD, _i.e.,_ in passing, not as the result of a determined state of hostility, AGAINST THE SON OF MAN, against Christ in the form of a servant, through ignorance of His real glory, IT SHALL BE FORGIVEN HIM. Even this great sin can be pardoned. BUT WHOSOEVER SPE... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:33. EITHER MAKE THE TREE GOOD, etc. The law of God's creation is: good trees, good fruit; corrupt trees, evil fruit. Judge the tree by its fruit. My works are good, hence I am good; the blasphemous words of the Pharisees show their character. Some explain ‘make' as meaning ‘exhibit,' ‘rep... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:34. YE BROOD OF VIPERS. Comp. chap. Matthew 3:7. The meek and lowly Saviour utters these words. The Pharisees were referred to, as the corrupt tree (Matthew 12:33), a poisonous plant; now as poisoning animals. There is probably an allusion to the ‘seed of the serpent' (Genesis 3:15), whic... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:35. The thought of Matthew 12:33, in another figure; words are represented as fruits. THE GOOD TREASURE. The words: ‘of the heart,' though not in the text, suggest the correct explanation. The contents of our hearts are known to God alone and partially to ourselves, but our unrestrained... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:36. AND I SAY UNTO YOU. An authoritative revelation, opposed to the common opinion of men, yet preeminently reasonable. EVERY IDLE WORD, _i.e._, morally useless. If ‘the idle word' must be accounted for, much more the wicked ones spoken on this occasion.... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:37. FOR BY THY WORDS THOU SHALT BE JUSTIFIED, declared righteous, acquitted, not made righteous. The word never has the latter sense in the New Testament. The index of character will be the words, not hypocritical ones, although even these speedily reveal their true character, but those c... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:38. THEN CERTAIN OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES. ‘Others' (Luke 11:16); on the same occasion, however. MASTER, or ‘Teacher.' In this instance the term was either a polite formality or used in ironical doubt (Luke: ‘tempting him'). WE WOULD SEE A SIGN FROM THEE. Luke: ‘from heaven.' They... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:39. AN EVIL AND ADULTEROUS GENERATION. These Pharisees represent the great part of the Jewish people, who looked for a temporal Deliverer, showing signs from heaven. Here, as in the Old Testament, ‘adulterous' means unfaithful to God, idolatrous. Their craving after a sign was a token of... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:40. IN THE BELLY OF THE WHALE, or ‘great fish.' (Comp. Jonah 1:17, chap. 2) Probably a white shark, which reaches an immense size in the Mediterranean. Our Lord vouches for the main fact. SO SHALL THE SON OF MAN BE THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS. In round numbers according to the Jewish mo... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:41. THE MEN OF NINEVEH SHALL RISE, _i.e.,_ as witnesses, by their example. IN THE JUDGMENT, not ‘in judgment.' WITH THIS GENERATION, _i.e.,_ at the same time, not necessarily against them, although this would be the result.... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:42. THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH. The queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1), supposed to be Sabæa, in the southern part of Arabia. Josephus represents her as a queen of Ethiopia, and the Abyssinians claim her as the ancestress of their kings. FROM THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. A common Greek expression for... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:43. The figure in Matthew 12:43-45 refers primarily to the Jewish people, but is applicable also in the history of Christianity and to individuals (see on Matthew 12:45). WHEN. The original indicates a supposed case. GONE OUT. How, is altogether immaterial. PASSETH THROUGH DRY PLACES... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:44. MY HOUSE, _i.e._ , the demoniac. HE FINDETH IT. Not in a state of moral purity, but EMPTY of a good tenant; SWEPT of all that would be forbidding to an evil spirit; AND GARNISHED, set in order, and adorned, but in a way inviting to the unclean spirit.... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:45. THEN, seeing this inviting residence. SEVEN OTHER SPIRITS, etc. To be understood indefinitely, of a more complete and terrible possession; there being no resistance to their entrance. AND THE LAST STATE OF THAT MAN IS WORSE THAN THE FIRST. Possibly a reference to some well-known ca... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:46. WHILE HE WAS YET SPEAKING TO THE MULTITUDES. This definite expression fixes the occasion. HIS MOTHER AND BRETHREN. On the brethren of our Lord, see chap. Matthew 13:55. STOOD, ‘or were standing,' WITHOUT. Either outside the crowd or the house; it is not certain that He was in a hou... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:47. THEN ONE SAID UNTO HIM. We need not suppose that this unnamed person wished to interrupt the discourse, still less that he would call attention to the humble relatives to prove that Jesus was not the Messiah.... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:48. WHO IS MY MOTHER? AND WHO ARE MY BRETHREN? Implying, not contempt nor carelessness, but that the family relation in His case was peculiar. He was more than man, or was not justified in thus speaking.... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:49. AND HE STRETCHED FORTH HIS HAND TOWARD HIS DISCIPLES. MARK 3:33: ‘He looked round about on them which sat about him,' hence ‘disciples' in the wider sense. BEHOLD MY MOTHER AND MY BRETHREN, _i.e.,_ these are as nearly allied and as dear to me (see next verse).... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 12:50. FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL DO THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN. Mere profession of discipleship does not entitle to such a position. Our Lord does not say how we are enabled to do the will of His heavenly Father, but makes such a result the criterion. HE IS MY BROTHER, AND SISTER, AND... [ Continue Reading ]