_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 14:1. AT THAT TIME.—_Season_ (R.V.). In our idiom we should bring out the idea by giving a somewhat different turn to the expression, viz., _about_ that time (_Morison_). HEROD.—Antipas, son of Herod the Great by Malthace. Under his father’s will he succeeded to the governm... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 14:13. HE DEPARTED THENCE.—Matthew traces the withdrawal from Capernaum to the eastern side of the lake to the news of John Baptist’s martyrdom. Luke tells us that Herod desired to see Jesus, and the resolve to avoid the tetrarch would be increased by the sad tidings. Mark... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 14:22. CONSTRAINED HIS DISCIPLES.—Perhaps they, too, were carried away by the frenzy of the time, and would have joined the people in proclaiming Him King (John 6:15); or perhaps they were unwilling to leave Him behind among the people at a moment of such excitement (_Laidl... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 14:34. THE LAND OF GENNESARET.—A plain two miles and a half in length and about one mile in breadth. Josephus speaks of its beauty (_Wars_, III. x. 8), and Dr. Robinson says, “Its fertility, indeed, can hardly be exceeded.” _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Matthew 14:34... [ Continue Reading ]