Matthew 12:45

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. WHEN THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT IS GONE OUT OF A MAN ... On this important parable, in connection with the corresponding one - Matthew 12:29 - see the notes at Luke 11:21. A charming little incident, given only in Luke 11:27, seems to have its proper place here. "And it came to pass, as He spake these things, a certain woman of the company" [ ek (G1537) tou (G3588) ochlou ...

45._He taketh with him seven other spirits _The number _seven _is here used indefinitely, as in many other passages. By these words Christ shows that if we fall from his grace, our subjection to Satan is doubled, so that he treats us with greater cruelty than before, and that this is the just punishment of our slothfulness. (149) Let us not then suppose that the devil has been vanquished by a single combat, because he has once gone out of us. On the contrary, let us remember that, as his lodgment within us was of old standing, ever since we were born, he has knowledge and experience of all the approaches by which he may reach us; and that, if there be no open and direct entrance, he has dexterity enough to creep in by small holes or winding crevices. (150) We must, therefore, endeavor that Christ, holding his reign within us, may block up all the entrances of his advers

38-45 Though Christ is always ready to hear and answer holy desires and prayers, yet those who ask amiss, ask and have not. Signs were granted to those who desired them to confirm their faith, as Abraham and Gideon; but denied to those who demanded them to excuse their unbelief. The resurrection of Christ from the dead by his own power, called here the sign of the prophet Jonah, was the great proof of Christ's being the Messiah. As Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale, and then came out again alive, thus Christ would be so long in the grave, and then rise again. The Ninevites would shame the Jews for not repenting; the queen of Sheba, for not believing in Christ. And we have no such cares to hinder us, we come not to Christ upon such uncertainties. This parable represents the case of the Jewish church and nation. It is also applicable to all those who hear the word of God,...

Verse 45. _SEVEN OTHER SPIRITS MORE WICKED_] _Seven_ was a favourite number with the Jews, implying frequently, with them, something _perfect, completed, filled up_, for such is the proper import of the Hebrew word _sheva_ or _shevang_: nearly allied in sound to our _seven_. And perhaps this meaning of it refers to the _seventh day_, when God rested from his work, having _filled up_, or _completed_ the whole of his creative design. _Seven demons_-as many as could occupy his soul, harassing it with pride, anger, self-will, lust, c., and torturing the body with disease. _THE LAST_ STATE _OF THAT MAN IS WORSE THAN THE FIRST._] His soul, before influenced by the Spirit of God, dilated and expanded under its heavenly influences, becomes more capable of refinement in iniquity, as its powers are more capacious than formerly. Evil habits are formed and strengthened by relapses and

WHEN THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT ... - The “general sentiment” which our Saviour here teaches is much more easily understood than the illustration which he uses. The Jews had asked a sign from heaven that should decisively prove that he was the Messiah, and satisfy their unbelief. He replies that, though he should give them such a sign a proof conclusive and satisfactory, and though for a time they should profess to believe and apparently reform, yet such was the obstinacy of their unbelief and wickedness, that they would soon return to their former course. and become worse and worse. Infidelity and wickedness, like an evil spirit in a possessed man, were appropriately at “home” in them. If driven out, they would find no other place so comfortable and undisturbed as their bosoms. Everywhere they would be, comparatively, like an evil spirit going through deserts and lonely places, and finding no p...

EXPOSITION MATTHEW 12:1 The opposition that our Lord met with (1) from his enemies (Matthew 12:1); (2) from his relations (Matthew 12:46-40); ,and the manner in which he dealt with it. MATTHEW 12:1 (1) _Opposition from his enemies._ (A) Conscious and wilful opposition (Matthew 12:1). (α) As regards the sabbath ...

THEN GOETH HE, AND TAKETH WITH HIMSELF SEVEN OTHER SPIRITS,.... This is said in allusion to, and in imitation of the seven spirits before the throne; or may denote a large number of devils, seven being a number of perfection; or else the various corruptions of a man's heart, the swarms of internal lusts which are there stirred up by Satan; MORE WICKED THAN HIMSELF, as these are more pernicious to man, than the devil himself: AND THEY ENTER IN AND DWELL THERE; that is, though they were there before, now they exert and show themselves, and such men appear to be under the power and government of them; when leaving their seeming religion and holiness, they return like the dog to the vomit, and the swine to the wallowing in the mire. AND THE LAST STATE OF THAT MAN IS WORSE THAN THE FIRST: he becomes more wicked than ever he was, before he made pretensions to religion; as such apostates gen...

Matthew 12:38. _Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:_ The queen of Sheba did not ask for a sign. She did not expect Solomon to work a miracle; but, sitting down in his presence, she proposed her hard questions, and meekly awaited his answers. So should these scribes and Pharisees have done with the Lord Jesus Christ. These were his signs: Matthew 12:40. For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgmen

GENERATION (_ See Scofield) - (Matthew 24:34). _...

9. THE REJECTION CONSUMMATED AND THE BROKEN RELATIONSHIP. CHAPTER 12 1. The Hungry Disciples and the Accusing Pharisees. (Matthew 12:1 .) 2. The Man with the Withered Hand Healed.(Matthew 12:10 .) 3. The Hatred of the Pharisees.(Matthew 12:14 .) 4. The King in Rejection. (Matthew 12:15 .) 5. The Demon Possessed Man Healed. (Matthew 12:22 .) 6. The Blasphemy of the Pharisees and the King's Answer. (Matthew 12:24 .) 7. The Sign of Jo