Matthew 9

17 bottles. Rather, “wine-skins” (R.V.): see Josh. ix. 4. These skin-bottles, when they are old, become dry, and unsuitable for new wine, as they cannot swell when it ferments. They therefore burst. So the forms of the old dispensation were unsuitable to the free and expansive spirit of the new. It is not fasting in itself which is prohibited (see vi. 16, 17; Acts xiv. 23), but the imposition of the burdensome restrictions and observances of the old dispensation upon the Christian.

18 a certain ruler. That is, a ruler or president of the synagogue of Capernaum. His name was Jaima. The events of this section are more fully recorded in Mark v. 22-43, on which see notes.

is even now dead. Matthew, giving only a short account, passes over the fact mentioned by Mark, that the death of the child was reported to the father after his application to Jesus.

27-31. The record of this miracle and the next is peculiar to Matthew.

37. Son of David. By this appellation the blind men acknowledged Jesus to be the Messiah, for it appears to have been the general popular designation of the expected King of Israel (see xxii. 42). But, as this seemed to favour the idea of an earthly reign over the Jewish nation, and so was liable to grievous abuse (as when the people desired to make Jesus a king, John vi. 15), our Lord did not Himself employ it, but preferred to call Himself “the Son of man”—a title of deeper significance, and less liable to perversion.

39. See that no man know it. The charge was strict, even impassioned, as the word employed signifies. The reason was perhaps the desire of Christ to avoid mere notoriety. That the command was disobeyed shows that zeal prevailed over the spirit of obedience.

34 through the prince of the devils (demons). See xii. 23-30 (where the charge is repeated), and notes.

36 fainted. Rather “were harassed” or “distressed” (R.V.): like sheep, each one wearied out, and the flock scattered by the negligence and rapacity of their keepers: cp. Zech. xi. 16, 17. The Jewish teachers, by their burdensome traditions and grievous exactions, had robbed religion of all that could sanctify and comfort; so that the people, wearied with the double oppression of the Romans and of their own leaders, were ready to wander after any one who promised them relief: cp. xxiv. 24.

38 pray. Recognising His power to qualify labourers and His authority to call them forth, and appealing to the interest which He takes in “His harvest.” Those who pray earnestly for this blessing will be ready for the call to labour, whenever (as in ch. x.) it is addressed to themselves.

happen to have a staff, you may use it; but do not stay to procure one. Do not make the slightest provision, as for a journey.

worthy of his meat (food). That is, worthy of his sustenance.