TRADITION; traditions were laws or precepts of men, which they said had been handed down by word of mouth from past generations, and many of which were afterwards written. They were often treated as of more authority than the laws of God. The scribes were the interpreters of these traditions, and co... [ Continue Reading ]
A reception of the Bible as the word of God, and a familiar acquaintance with its contents, is a great safeguard against false doctrines and vicious practices. Hence, the good of men, as well as the glory of God, requires its universal circulation among all classes of people.... [ Continue Reading ]
IT IS A GIFT; that is, has been consecrated as a gift to the Lord. If children should announce to their parents that they had devoted to religious uses what might otherwise have been given to their support, the scribes said they were released from obligation to assist them, however much they might s... [ Continue Reading ]
HONOR NOT; namely, by providing for them a comfortable support.... [ Continue Reading ]
DRAWETH NIGH; they pretended to honor God with words and outward observances, while their hearts and practices were opposed to him.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR DOCTRINES; teaching as the commands of God what were merely the commands of men.... [ Continue Reading ]
NOT THAT; not food which goeth into the mouth, as the Pharisees pretended, but wickedness in the heart, coming out in false doctrines and wicked conduct, defileth a man.... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERY PLANT; he means false teachers, such as these Pharisees, with their corrupt doctrines and practices. SHALL BE ROOTED UP; God is continually rooting them out of his earthly church, as he did the Pharisees of old, by his providence cooperating with his word and Spirit; and in the world to come... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THEM ALONE; regard not what they say, and have nothing to do with them.... [ Continue Reading ]
When we do not clearly understand the Scriptures, we should ask God to teach us. And though he may see that a right use of our faculties would have removed our ignorance, yet, if we sincerely desire to know the truth, he will, in the proper use of means, instruct us, and make us wise to salvation.... [ Continue Reading ]
WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING; common sense, if rightly exercised, would teach, that not food in the mouth, but sin in the heart defileth a man.... [ Continue Reading ]
The teaching of God will lead a man to place less reliance upon external observances, and to look more to the state of his heart, in obedience to the command of Christ, "Make the tree good," in order that the fruit may be good.... [ Continue Reading ]
COASTS OF TYRE AND SIDON; Zidonia, or Phoenicia, on the Mediterranean coast north of Palestine. Of this country Sidon was the earlier, and Tyre the later emporium.... [ Continue Reading ]
WOMAN OF CANAAN; for the Zidonians were descended from Canaan, Genesis 10:15. By Mark 7:26, she is also called a Greek, as being a Gentile in her religion; and a Syrophoenician, as belonging to the Syrian Phoenicia, as distinguished from the Libyan Phoenicia of Africa. The Evangelists dwell on her g... [ Continue Reading ]
SEND HER AWAY; by granting her request.... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM NOT SENT; the reference of our Lord is here to his personal ministry. See note on chap Matthew 10:6. In the Bible, and in the bestowment of his blessings in providence, God makes much of "due time." Men, even good men, are often in great haste. They would do things, if they could, much sooner t... [ Continue Reading ]
NOT MEET; not suitable. CHILDREN'S BREAD; that which was designed for the Jews, called children. DOGS; Gentiles, by the Jews called dogs. This he said to lead the woman to show her true character, which she soon did in a very striking manner.... [ Continue Reading ]
EAT OF THE CRUMBS; as dogs, without robbing the children, eat the crumbs which fall from the table, so she thought she might receive this mercy without injury to any one; and she had the fullest confidence in his power thus to help her.... [ Continue Reading ]
God often delays answering our requests, as a trail of our faith and humility. When these have been brought into exercise, a gracious answer will speedily come.... [ Continue Reading ]
MAIMED; such as had lost a limb, a hand, or foot. Restoring them, therefore, was an act of creative power. There is nothing men need which Jesus Christ cannot bestow. All should therefore wait upon him; and if not weary in doing his will, in due time they shall receive all needed good.... [ Continue Reading ]