Mark 8

1-9. On these verses, see Matt. xv. 32-39.

3 divers. Several.

10-12. See notes on Matt. xvi. 1-4.

10. Dalmanutha. On the western side of the lake, now Ain-el-Bareideh; not far from Magdala or Magadan: see Matt. xv. 39.

12. He sighed deeply. Deeply grieved with the perverseness of these men.

There shall no sign be given. The wording of this refusal is most emphatic.

14-21. See notes on Matt. xvi. 5-12.

14 neither . . . more than one loaf. A point of detail peculiar to Mark.

15 and [of] the leaven of Herod. Only in Mark. The “leaven” or corrupt doctrine of Herod was itself a form of Sadduseeism: worldliness arising from scepticism as to spiritual truths, and leading to alliance with the political power: see on Matt. xxii. 16.

17 have ye your heart yet hardened? Comp. Isa. vi. 9.

22. Bethsaida. On Bethsaida, see note on vi. 45. This miracle is related by Mark alone; and it is remarkable not only for the use of an external application (see note on vii. 34), but also for the gradual process of the cure: illustrating the variety of the Divine methods.

24 i see men as trees, walking. I can distinguish men from trees only by their movements.

Chapters viii. 27-38, ix., closely resemble Matt. xvi. 13-28, xvii., xviii.

31 after three days. On “three days,” see note on Matt. xii. 40.

33 looked on His disciples. All of whom probably felt what Peter had expressed. It is observable that, though Mark (with Luke) omits the praise given to Peter, he records (with Matthew) the reproof addressed to the apostle.

34 deny himself. “renounce” or “give up” himself.

and take up his cross. Jesus here puts the hard and yet the heroic aspect of His service in the forefront. To follow Him means the daily sacrifice of self.

38 adulterous. See note on Matt. xii. 39.