Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - Matthew 19:3 - 19:3
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Observe here, 1. That wheresoever our blessed Saviour went, the Pharisees followed him; not out of a sincere intention, but with a design to ensnare him: and accordingly, they propound a question to him concerning divorce, Whether a man might put away his wife on any occasion, as the manner of the Jews was? Concluding that they should intrap him in his answer, whatever it was. If he denied the lawfulness of divorce, then they would charge him with contradicting Moses, who allowed it. If he affirmed it, then they would condemn him for contradicting his own doctrine, Mat_5:32, for favouring men's lusts, and for complying with the wicked custom of the Jews, who, upon every slight and frivolous occasion, put away their wives from them.
Learn thence, 1. That wheresoever our Lord went, as he had disciples and sincere followers, so the devil stirred him up bitter and malicious enemies, who sought to render his person unacceptable, and his doctrine unsuccessful.
2. That of all Christ's enemies, none had such a bitter hatred and enmity against his person, ministry, and miracles, as the Pharisees. Men of great knowledge, who rebelled against the light of their own consciences, and the clear convictions of their own mind.
3. That such was the wisdom of our Saviour in all his answers to his enemies, that neither their wit nor malice could lay hold upon anything to insnare him: but observe the piety and prudence of his answer to the Pharisees in the next words.