Mark 7:33

aside from the multitude Comp. Mark 8:23. Why? (1) Some think it was to avoid all show and ostentation; (2) others, to prevent a publicity which might bring together the Gentiles in crowds; (3) others, far more probably, that apart from the interruptions of the crowd the man might be more recipient of deep and lasting impressions.

and put his fingers into his ears In this man's case there were evidently circumstances which rendered it necessary that his cure should be (1) gradual, and (2) effected by visible signs. And so our Lord (a) took him aside from the multitude; (b) put His fingers into his ears, (c) touched his tongue with the moisture of His mouth (comp. ch. Mark 8:23; John 9:6; 2 Kings 2:21); (d) looked up to heaven (comp. Matthew 14:19; Mark 6:41; John 11:41), and sighed (comp. Mark 8:12; John 11:33; John 11:38), and (e) spake the one word Ephphatha(comp. Mark 5:41).