_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 15:1. OF JERUSALEM.—_From_ Jerusalem (see R.V.). Probably a deputation from the Sanhedrin sent expressly to watch Him. Matthew 15:2. TRANSGRESS THE TRADITION.—The Jews attached greater value to tradition than even to the written law, appealing in support of it to Deuteronom... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 15:21. DEPARTED.—_Withdrew_ (R.V.) for retirement (Mark 7:24). COASTS.—_Parts_ (R.V.). The reference is apparently to the places of Galilee that bordered on the narrow strip of maritime land in which Tyre and Sidon were situated (_Morison_). TYRE AND SIDON.—Phœnician cities... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Matthew 15:29_ Jesus still from home.—We gather, from Mark 7:31, that the scene of this story lay on that side of the sea of Galilee (Matthew 15:29) where the cities of “Decapolis” were situated; and, therefore, in a country which was hardly, if at all, within the... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 15:29. A MOUNTAIN.—Rather, _the_ mountain country; the high land, as distinguished from the low land, which He had left (_Carr_). From Mark 7:31 R.V., it would appear that His journey led Him actually through Sidon. Matthew 15:30. CAST THEM DOWN AT JESUS’ FEET.—Indicating,... [ Continue Reading ]