Mat 4:25, Mar 3:7, Joh 6:2 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 25. From Decapolis. Decapolis was the name of a region of country in the bounds of the half tribe of Manasseh, mainly on the east of Jordan. It was so called because it included ten cities --the meaning of the word Decapolis in Greek. Geographers generally agree that Scythopolis was the chief of these cities and was the only one of them west of the Jordan; that Hippo, (Hippos,) Gedara, Dion, (or Dios,) Pelea, (or Pella,) Gerasa, (or Gergesa,) Philadelphia and Raphana, (or Raphanae,) were seven of the remaining nine, and the other two were either Kanatha and Capitolias, or Damascus and Otopos. These cities were inhabited chiefly by foreigners (Greeks) in the days of our Saviour, and not by Jews. Hence the keeping of swine by the Gergesenes, ( ,) which was forbidden by the Jewish law. (u) "great multitudes"

Matthew 4:25

Verse 25. From Decapolis. Decapolis was the name of a region of country in the bounds of the half tribe of Manasseh, mainly on the east of Jordan. It was so called because it included ten cities--the meaning of the word Decapolis in Greek. Geographers generally agree that Scythopolis was the chief of these cities and was the only one of them west of the Jordan; that Hippo, (Hippos,) Gedara, Dion, (or Dios,) Pelea, (or Pella,) Gerasa, (or Gergesa,) Philadelphia and Raphana, (or Raphanae,) were seven of the remaining nine, and the other two were either Kanatha and Capitolias, or Damascus and Otopos. These cities were inhabited chiefly by foreigners (Greeks) in the days of our Saviour, and not by Jews. Hence the keeping of swine by the Gergesenes, (Mt 8:30-33,) which was forbidden by the Jewish law.

(u) "great multitudes" Lk 6:17,19

Mark 3:7

Verses 7,8. To the sea. The sea of Galilee. Or, to the desert and lonely regions which surrounded the sea, where he might be in obscurity, and avoid their designs against his life. His time had not yet come, and he prudently took care of his life; thus showing that we are not needlessly to throw ourselves into danger.

Galilee. See Mt 2:22.

Judea. See Mt 2:1.

Jerusalem. Jerusalem was in Judaea. It is mentioned particularly to show that not only the people of the surrounding country came, but also many from the capital, the place of wealth, and honour, and power.

Idumaea. The country formerly inhabited by the Edomites; in the time of the Saviour, the most southern part of the land of Canaan. The word Idumaea is a Greek word, made from the Hebrew Edom. It signifies the land of Edom, a name given to Esau, one of the sons of Isaac, Gen 25:30. The word signifies red, and was given to him because he sought of Jacob red pottage, as the price of his birthright. He settled in Mount Seir, (De 2:6,) on the south of the land of Canaan, and the country of Idumaea was bounded by Palestine on the north. During the Babylonish captivity, the Edomites spread themselves into the country of Judaea, and occupied a considerable part of the south of Palestine. They had, however, submitted to the rite of circumcision, and were incorporated with the Jews. From them sprang Herod the Great.

From beyond Jordan. From the east coast of the river Jordan. The sacred writers lived on the west side of Jordan ; and by the country beyond Jordan, they meant that on the east side.

Tyre and Sidon. Mt 11:21.

(e) "great multitude" Lk 6:17

John 6:2

Verse 2. Because they saw his miracles, &c. They saw that he had the power to supply their wants, and they therefore followed him. See Jn 6:26. Comp. also Mt 14:14.