_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 12:1. PLUCK THE EARS OF CORN.—See Deuteronomy 23:25. Matthew 12:3. WHAT DAVID DID.—David’s action was not an apparent contravention of the Sabbath-law, but an apparent contravention of the temple or tabernacle-law. But our Lord reasons from equals to equals, or, on the pri... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 12:10. HAND WITHERED.—Shrunk and dried by some kind of atrophy. IS IT LAWFUL, etc.—Talmudical scholars tell us that in later days the Rabbins differed on the point, but that the prevalent opinion was, that only sickness threatening immediate danger to life could lawfully be... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 12:18. JUDGMENT.—The idea embodied in the prediction is that it would be the aim of the Messiah, as universal Judge, to put all things to rights among all nations. The judicial function is one of the most important elements in the office of a monarch. It is in virtue of it... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 12:23. IS NOT THIS THE SON OF DAVID?—See “The Parallel New Testament” (1882). The “not” is omitted in both columns. It “was wisely omitted by King James’ translators. It is not found in the 1611 edition, the primary edition. Neither is it found in the four succeeding folio... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 12:38. A SIGN.—See Luke 11:16. They wanted something of an immediate and decisive nature, to show, not that His miracles were real—that they seemed willing to concede—but that they were from above, not from beneath (_Brown_). Gerlach and Lisco suggest that these Pharisees w... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 12:46. HIS BRETHREN.—See on Matthew 13:55. DESIRING TO SPEAK WITH HIM.—A motive is assigned (Mark 3:21). It would seem that the Pharisees, on the pretext that Jesus had a demon, had persuaded His friends to secure Him (_Carr_). _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Matthew 1... [ Continue Reading ]