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Matthew 15:32-39

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

32. Then Jesus called his disciples [unto him], and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. 33. And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? 34. And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. 35. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. 36. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake [them], and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 37. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken [meat] that was left seven baskets full. 38. And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. 39. And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.

Matthew 15:32-39 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 15:32

Theological / Devotional

Called his disciples. [Feeding the Four Thousand, Matt. 15:32-39=Mark 8:1-10. Major comment: Matthew. See Retirement from Public Ministry; The Ministry of Our Lord; on miracles pp. 208-213.] For events immediately preceding this see on v. 15:21. For the vicinity of this miracle, and for a previous miracle in the same locality and the relationship between the two incidents, see on Mark 5:1, 18-20. For a comparison of the two incidents see Additional Note at end of chapter. The time was probably early summer, A.D. 30, perhaps late June or early July.

Have compassion. The Saviour is ever touched by human suffering and woe (Heb. 4:15).

Multitude. Mostly if not exclusively Gentiles (DA 405). Originally prejudiced against Jesus, they now seem not only friendly but intensely interested in what He has to say.

Three days. According to Oriental reckoning this would be one full day, and any parts of the day preceding and of the day following (see pp. 248-250). The people had brought food for at least one, if not two, days, for Jesus felt no concern until the third day.

I will not. Literally, “I am not willing.”

Lest they faint. They were hungry, and Jesus was concerned about their physical well-being, as He had been about their spiritual welfare.

By SdaBc