Mat 19:13, Mar 10:13 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 13. Then were there brought unto him little children . See also . Probably these were brought by some of his followers, who desired not only to devote themselves to Jesus, but all that they had--their children as well as themselves. All the Jews were accustomed to devote their children to God by circumcision. It was natural, therefore, under the new dispensation, that it should be done. Luke says, they were infants . They were undoubtedly those who were not old enough to come by choice, but their coming was an act of the parents. Put his hands on them, and pray . It was customary among the Jews, when blessings were sought for others in prayer, to lay the hands on the head of the person prayed for, implying a kind of consecration to God. See . They had also much confidence in the prayers of pious men; believing that those blessed by a saint or a prophet would be happy. See . The disciples rebuked them . That is, reproved them, or told them it was improper. This they did, probably, either (1.) because they thought they were too young; or, (2.) because they thought they would be troublesome to their Master.

Matthew 19:13

Verse 13. Then were there brought unto him little children. See also Mk 10:13-16, Lk 18:16-17. Probably these were brought by some of his followers, who desired not only to devote themselves to Jesus, but all that they had--their children as well as themselves. All the Jews were accustomed to devote their children to God by circumcision. It was natural, therefore, under the new dispensation, that it should be done. Luke says, they were infants. They were undoubtedly those who were not old enough to come by choice, but their coming was an act of the parents.

Put his hands on them, and pray. It was customary among the Jews, when blessings were sought for others in prayer, to lay the hands on the head of the person prayed for, implying a kind of consecration to God. See Gen 48:14, Mt 9:18. They had also much confidence in the prayers of pious men; believing that those blessed by a saint or a prophet would be happy. See Nu 22:6, Lk 2:28.

The disciples rebuked them. That is, reproved them, or told them it was improper. This they did, probably, either

(1.) because they thought they were too young; or,

(2.) because they thought they would be troublesome to their Master.

Mark 10:13

Verses 13-16. Mt 19:13 and Mt 19:14-15

Verse 13. Should touch them. That is, should lay his hands on them, and pray for them, and bless them. Compare Mt 19:13. It was common to lay the hands on the head of a person for whom a blessing was asked. See the case of Jacob, Gen 48:14.

(k) "And they" Mt 19:13, Lk 18:15