Matthew 8:28-34

The Gerasene Demoniacs (Mark 5:1 *, Luke 8:26) Mt. is considerably shorter than Mk.; note his summary of Mark 5:3 and omission of Mark 5:8; Mark 5:18. He frequently omits questions put by Jesus. His statement that there were two maniacs may be compensation for the previous omission (Matthew 8:1 *), but perhaps Mk. and Lk. are thinking of the more important of the two. According to Dalman, Son of God (Matthew 8:29) was not a common Messianic title but was substituted for one in the case of demons by the evangelists. The spirits feel that the hour of their doom, the Judgment-day (Eth. Eno ch, 1:5 f.; Jubilees, 10:8 f.), has s truck too soon. The rush and total disappearance of the frightened swine would be a great factor in establishing the patient's peace of mind. What had troubled him. was now gone for ever.