Mat 15:21-28 | Barnes | STEP | Verses 21-28. This narrative is also found in . The coasts of Tyre and Sidon . These cities were on the sea-coast or shore of the Mediterranean. . He went there for the purpose of concealment, perhaps still to avoid Herod. (n) "Then Jesus"

Matthew 15:21-28

Verses 21-28. This narrative is also found in Mk 7:24-30.

The coasts of Tyre and Sidon. These cities were on the sea-coast or shore of the Mediterranean. Mt 11:21. He went there for the purpose of concealment, Mk 7:24 perhaps still to avoid Herod.

(n) "Then Jesus" Mk 7:24 Verse 22. A woman of Canaan. This woman is called also a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, Mk 7:26. Anciently the whole land, including Tyre and Sidon, was in the possession of the Canaanites, and called Canaan. The Phoenicians were descended from the Canaanites. The country, including Tyre and Sidon, was called Phoenicia, or Syro-Phoenicia. That country was taken by the Greeks under Alexander the Great, and those cities, in the time of Christ, were Greek cities. This woman was therefore a Gentile, living under the Greek government, and probably speaking the Greek language. She was by birth a Syro-Phoenician, born in that country, and descended, therefore, from the ancient Canaanites. All these names might with propriety be given to her.

Coasts. Regions, or countries.

Thou Son of David. Descendant of David. Mt 1:1. Meaning the Messiah.

Is grievously vexed with a devil. Mt 4:24. The woman showed great earnestness. She cried unto him, and fell at his feet, Mk 7:25.

(o) "Son of God" Lk 18:38,39 Verse 23. But he answered her not a word. This was done to test her faith, and that there might be exhibited to the apostles an example of the effect of persevering supplication. The result shows that it was not unwillingness to aid her, or neglect of her. It was proper that the strength of her faith should be fully tried.

(p) "not a word" Ps 28:1, Lam 3:8 Verse 24. But he answered---I am not sent, etc. This answer was made to the woman, not to the disciples. The lost sheep of the house of Israel were the Jews. He came first to them. He came as their expected Messiah. He came to preach the gospel himself to the Jews only. Afterwards it was preached to the Gentiles; but the ministry of Jesus was confined almost entirely to the Jews.

(q) "I am not sent" Mt 10:5,6, Acts 3:26 Verse 25. She came and worshipped. That is, bowed down to him, did him reverence. Mt 8:2.

Lord, help me. A proper cry for a poor sinner, who needs the help of the Lord Jesus. Verse 26. But he answered and said, It is not meet, etc. That is, it is not fit or proper.

Children's bread. The Jews considered themselves as the peculiar children of God. To all other nations they were accustomed to apply terms of contempt, of which dogs was the most common. The Mohammedans still apply the term dogs to Christians, and Christians and Jews to each other. It is designed as an expression of the highest contempt. The Saviour means to say that he was sent to the Jews. The woman was a Gentile. He meant, that it did not comport with the design of his personal ministry to apply benefits intended for the Jews to others.

Our Saviour did not intend to justify or sanction the use of such terms, or calling names. He meant to try her faith. As if he had said, "You are a Gentile. I am a Jew. The Jews call themselves

children of God. You they vilify, and abuse, calling you

a dog. Are you willing to receive of a Jew, then, a

favour? Are you willing to submit to these appellations,

to receive a favour of one of that nation, and to

acknowledge your dependence on a people that so despise

you?"

It was a trial of her faith, and not lending his sanction to the propriety of the abusive term. He regarded her with a different feeling.

(r) "to dogs" Mt 7:6, Rev 22:15 Verse 27. And she said, Truth, Lord, etc: "What you say is true. Let it be that the best food should he given to the children. Let the Jews have the chief benefit of thy ministry. But the dogs, beneath the table, eat the crumbs. So let me be regarded as a dog, a heathen, as unworthy of everything. Yet grant one exertion of that almighty power, displayed so signally among the Jews, and heal the despised daughter of a despised heathen mother." Verse 28. Great is thy faith. That is, thy trust, confidence. The word here seems to include, also, the humility and perseverance manifested in pressing her suit. The daughter was healed then. Going home, she found her well and composed, Mk 7:30.

(s) "Then Jesus" Job 13:15, 23:10, Lam 3:32 (t) "be it" Ps 145:19