Matthew 15:21

ἀνεχώρησεν, cf. Matthew 12:15. εἰς τὰ μέρη Τ. καὶ Σ.: towards or into? Opinion is much divided. De Wette cites in favour of the latter, Matthew 2:22; Matthew 16:13, and disposes of the argument against it based on ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων ἐκείνων (Matthew 15:22) by the remark that it has force only if ὅρια, contrary to the usage of the evangelist, be taken as = boundaries instead of territories. On the whole, the conclusion must be that the narrative leaves the point uncertain. On psychological grounds the presumption is in favour of the view that Jesus crossed the border into heathen territory. After that interview with sanctimonious Pharisees who thought the whole world outside Judea unclean, it would be a refreshment to Christ's spirit to cross over the line and feel that He was still in God's world, with blue sky overhead and the sea on this hand and mountains on that, all showing the glory of their Maker. He would breathe a freer, less stifling atmosphere there.