(35) He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.—Probably, with the same orderly precision as before, by hundreds and by fifties, the women and children, as we learn from Matthew 15:38, being in this instance also grouped together apart from the men. read more
(37) Seven baskets full.—The nature of the baskets has been explained above. As it is hardly likely that these could have been carried by the disciples on their journey, we must think of them as having been probably brought by some of the multitude to hold their provisions. The fact that the disciples were shortly afterwards (Matthew 16:7) again without provision, suggests the thought that the fragments themselves had been in their turn distributed to the poor of the villages in the district to... read more
Matthew 15:13 If I had not had a hope fixed in me that this Cause and Business was of God, I would many years ago have run from it If it be of God, He will bear it up. If it be of man, it will tumble; as everything that hath been of man since the world began hath done. And what are all our Histories, and other Tradition of Actions in former times, but God manifesting Himself, that He hath shaken, and tumbled down, and trampled upon, everything that He had not planted? Cromwell to the... read more
Chapter 12The Crisis in Galilee Matthew 14:1-36 - Matthew 15:1-39 - Matthew 16:1-12.THE lives of John and of Jesus, lived so far apart, and with so little intercommunication, have yet been interwoven in a remarkable way, the connection only appearing at the most critical times in the life of our Lord. This interweaving, strikingly anticipated in the incidents of the nativity as recorded by St. Luke, appears, not only at the time of our Saviour’s baptism and first introduction to His Messianic... read more
3. The Corruption of the Scribes and Pharisees; the Canaanitish Woman and Her Faith; the Multitudes Healed. CHAPTER 15 1. The Question of the Scribes and Pharisees.(Matthew 15:1-2 .) 2. His Answer. (Matthew 15:3-9 .) 3. The Multitude Called.( Matthew 15:10-11 .) 4. The Disciples Instructed.( Matthew 15:12-20 .) 5. The Canaanitish Woman. (Matthew 15:21-28 .) 6. The Multitudes Healed. (Matthew 15:29-31 .) This chapter introduces us more fully into the events which follow the rejection of... read more
15:32 {7} Then Jesus called his disciples [unto him], and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they {i} continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.(7) By doing this miracle again, Christ shows that he who follows Christ will never be in need, not even in the wilderness.(i) Go not from my side. read more
15:35 And he commanded the multitude to {k} sit down on the ground.(k) Literally, "to lie down backwards", as rowers do in rowing, when they draw their oars to themselves. read more
15:37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken [meat] that was left seven {l} baskets full.(l) A kind of container made with twigs. read more
After the power and grace of the Lord Jesus has wrought so great, refreshing blessing, the cold, barren criticism of scribes and Pharisees of Jerusalem is an example of how the deadening principle of legality is always active in strongly opposing the pure work of the grace of God. They challenge the Lord Himself directly, not simply disciples, but being incensed against Him because He did not require His disciples to conform to Jewish tradition by the washing of their hands before eating. This... read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 15:34
(34) Seven, and a few little fishes.—The resemblance of the answer to that which had been given before is, at least, interesting as showing what was the provision habitually made by the travelling company of preachers for the supply of their daily wants. The few barley loaves and dried fishes, this was all their store, as they went from village to village, or passed days and nights on the hills of Galilee. read more