Mar 12:28-34 | Barnes | STEP | Verses 28-34. See . Verse 28. Perceiving that he answered them well . That is, with wisdom, and with a proper understanding of the law. In this case the opinion of the Saviour corresponded with that of the Pharisees; and this question seems to have been one of the very few candid inquiries made of him by the Jews, for the purpose of obtaining information. Jesus answered it in like spirit of kindness, and commend the conduct of the man. (i) "And one of the Scribes"

Mark 12:28-34

Verses 28-34. See Mt 22:34-40.

Verse 28. Perceiving that he answered them well. That is, with wisdom, and with a proper understanding of the law. In this case the opinion of the Saviour corresponded with that of the Pharisees; and this question seems to have been one of the very few candid inquiries made of him by the Jews, for the purpose of obtaining information. Jesus answered it in like spirit of kindness, and commend the conduct of the man.

(i) "And one of the Scribes" Mt 22:35 Verse 29. Hear, O Israel. This was said to call the attention of the to the great importance of the truth about to be proclaimed. See De 6:4,6.

The Lord our God, etc. Literally, "Jehovah, our God, is one Jehovah." The other nations worshipped many gods, but the God of the Jews was one, and one only. Jehovah was undivided; and this great truth it was the design of the separation of the Jewish people from other nations to keep in mind. This was the peculiar truth which was communicated to the Jews, and this they were required to keep and remember for ever.

(k) "commandments is" De 6:4,5, Lk 10:27 Verse 30. And thou shalt love. If Jehovah was the only God, then they ought not to love any other being supremely. Then they might not bow down before any idol. They were required to love God above all other beings or things, and with all the faculties of their minds. Verse 31.

(l) "Thou shalt love" Lev 19:18, Mt 22:39, Rom 13:9 Verses 32-34. This answer of the scribe is not found in Matthew.

Verse 32. Is more than all. Is of more importance and value.

Discreetly. Wisely, according to truth.

Not far from the kingdom of God. Thou who dost prefer the internal to the external worship of God--who hast so just a view of the requirements of the law--canst easily become a follower of me, and art almost fit to be numbered among my disciples. This shows that a proper understanding of the Old Testament, of its laws and requirements, would prepare the mind for Christianity, and fit a man at once to embrace it when presented. One system is grafted on the other, agreeably to Gal 3:24.

No man durst ask him any question. That is, no one of the scribes, the Pharisees, or the Sadducees, durst ask him a question for the purpose of tempting him, or entangling him. He had completely silenced them. It does not appear, however, but that his disciples dared to ask him questions for the purpose of information.

(m) "and there is" De 4:39, Isa 45:5,6,14, 46:9 Verse 33.

(n) "is more than" 1Sam 15:22, Hos 6:6, Mic 6:6-8 Verse 34.

(o) "ask him any question" Mt 22:46