Matthew 4:4
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But he answered and said, It is written-- (Deu 8:3). Man shall not live by bread alone--more emphatically, as in the Greek, "Not by bread alone shall man live." but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God--Of all passages in Old Testament Scripture, none could have been pitched upon more apposite, perhaps not one so apposite, to our Lord's purpose. "The Lord . . . led thee (said Moses to Israel, at the close of their journeyings) these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or no. And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only," &c., "Now, if Israel spent, not forty days, but forty years in a waste, howling wilderness, where there were no means of human subsistence, not starving, but divinely provided for, on purpose to prove to every age that human support depends not upon bread, but upon God's unfailing word of promise and pledge of all needful providential care, am I, distrusting this word of God, and despairing of relief, to take the law into My own hand? True, the Son of God is able enough to turn stones into bread: but what the Son of God is able to do is not the present question, but what is man's duty under want of the necessaries of life. And as Israel's condition in the wilderness did not justify their unbelieving murmurings and frequent desperation, so neither would Mine warrant the exercise of the power of the Son of God in snatching despairingly at unwarranted relief. As man, therefore, I will await divine supply, nothing doubting that at the fitting time it will arrive." The second temptation in this Gospel is in Luke's the third. That Matthew's order is the right one will appear, we think, quite clearly in the sequel.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he answered and said, it is written,.... The passage referred to, and cited, is in Deu 8:3 the manner of citing it is what was common and usual with the Jews; and is often to be met with in the Talmudic writings; who, when they produce any passage of scripture, say "as it is written". The meaning of this scripture is; not that as the body lives by bread, so the soul lives by the word of God, and doctrines of the Gospel; though this is a certain truth: or that man lives by obedience to the commands of God, as was promised to the Israelites in the wilderness, and in the land of Canaan; but that God, in satisfying man's hunger, and in supporting and preserving his life, is not tied to bread only, but can make use of other means, and order whatever he pleases to answer these ends; as, by raining manna from heaven, which is mentioned in the passage cited; and therefore there was no occasion to change the nature of things, to turn stones into bread; since that was not so absolutely necessary to the sustenance of life, as that it could not be maintained without it. Our Lord hereby expresses his strong faith and confidence in God, that he was able to support him, and would do it, though in a wilderness, and destitute of supply; whereby he overcame this temptation of Satan. Christ, in this, and some following citations, bears a testimony to, and establishes the authority of the sacred writings; and though he was full of the Holy Ghost, makes them the rule of his conduct; which ought to be observed against those, who, under a pretence of the Spirit, deny the scriptures to be the only rule of faith and practice and at the same time points out to us the safest and best method of opposing Satan's temptations; namely, by applying to, and making use of the word of God. the manner of citing it is what was common and usual with the Jews; and is often to be met with in the Talmudic writings; who, when they produce any passage of scripture, say "as it is written". The meaning of this scripture is; not that as the body lives by bread, so the soul lives by the word of God, and doctrines of the Gospel; though this is a certain truth: or that man lives by obedience to the commands of God, as was promised to the Israelites in the wilderness, and in the land of Canaan; but that God, in satisfying man's hunger, and in supporting and preserving his life, is not tied to bread only, but can make use of other means, and order whatever he pleases to answer these ends; as, by raining manna from heaven, which is mentioned in the passage cited; and therefore there was no occasion to change the nature of things, to turn stones into bread; since that was not so absolutely necessary to the sustenance of life, as that it could not be maintained without it. Our Lord hereby expresses his strong faith and confidence in God, that he was able to support him, and would do it, though in a wilderness, and destitute of supply; whereby he overcame this temptation of Satan. Christ, in this, and some following citations, bears a testimony to, and establishes the authority of the sacred writings; and though he was full of the Holy Ghost, makes them the rule of his conduct; which ought to be observed against those, who, under a pretence of the Spirit, deny the scriptures to be the only rule of faith and practice and at the same time points out to us the safest and best method of opposing Satan's temptations; namely, by applying to, and making use of the word of God. Matthew 4:5 mat 4:5 mat 4:5 mat 4:5Then the devil taketh him up,.... This was done, not in a visionary way, but really and truly: Satan, by divine permission, and with the consent of Christ, which shows his great humiliation and condescension, had power over his body, to move it from place to place; in some such like manner as the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, Act 8:39 he took him up, raised him above ground, and carried him through the air, "into, the holy city": this was Jerusalem; for Luke expressly says, he brought him to Jerusalem, Luk 4:9 called so, because of the presence, worship, and service of God, which had been in it, though then in a great measure gone; and according to the common notions of the Jews, who say (b) Jerusalem was more holy than any other cities in the land, and that because of the Shekinah. The inscription on one side of their shekels was , "Jerusalem, the holy city" (c). Satan frequents all sorts of places; men are no where free from his temptations; Christ himself was not in the holy city, no nor in the holy temple; hither also he had him, and setteth him upon a pinnacle, or "wing of the temple". In this place (d) the Jews set James, the brother of Christ, and from it cast him down headlong: this was the "the summit", or "top" of it; and intends either the roof encompassed with battlements, to keep persons from falling off; or the top of the porch before the temple, which was 120 cubits high; or the top of the royal gallery, built by Herod, which was of such an height, that if a man looked down from it, he soon became dizzy (e). The view Satan had in setting him here appears in the next verse. (b) Bemidbar Rabba, fol. 183. 4. & Maimon. Hilch. Beth. Habechirah, c. 7. sect. 14. & 6. 16. (c) Waserus de Antiq. Numm. Heb. l. 2. c. 5. (d) Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 2. c. 23. (e) Joseph. Antiq. Jud. l. 15. c. 14.
Matthew 4:4
The Temptation of Jesus
3The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Authority and God's Word - Part 1
By Derek Prince10K26:06PSA 12:6MAT 4:4MAT 5:17JHN 10:35JHN 14:26JHN 16:13EPH 6:172TI 3:16This sermon emphasizes the authority of Scripture, highlighting that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. It discusses the importance of accepting the entire Bible as profitable and authoritative, not just selective parts. The sermon also delves into Jesus' attitude towards Scripture, showcasing how He used it to overcome temptation and fulfill God's Word. Additionally, it explores the role of the Holy Spirit as the ultimate interpreter and guide in understanding Scripture.
1 Kings 16-18 - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill8.4K1:27:21Christian Life1KI 17:1MAT 4:4JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the venue and encourages the audience to attend more frequently. The sermon then focuses on the book of James, specifically chapter 5. The speaker mentions the growth of a soul and the growth of a work, referring to biographies and autobiographies of Christians. The example of Hudson Taylor, a missionary in China, is highlighted as someone who started as a young boy and eventually founded the China Inland Mission. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer, especially in times of poverty and need. The sermon concludes by mentioning Elijah as an example of a man with similar passions as us who prayed fervently.
(The Testimony of Jesus Is the Spirit of Prophecy) Ascending the Holy Hill
By Art Katz8.0K1:11:26Personal HolinessPSA 119:105ISA 55:11MAT 4:4ROM 10:172TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching and the need for it to be restored to its exalted status in the church. He shares the story of a Swiss pastor named Calbot who took his preaching obligation seriously and sought God for understanding. The speaker highlights the need for believers to spend time in the Holy Word and to contemplate its message. He also references the story of Moses ascending the mountain to receive the tablets of the law, emphasizing the significance of someone daring to make the ascent and open the gate for the King of glory to enter the world.
(Basics) 11. God's Word Helps Us Overcome Satan
By Zac Poonen7.9K12:51CondemnationMAT 4:4MAT 4:7EPH 6:17HEB 8:121PE 1:231PE 2:21JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and believing in the forgiveness and acceptance offered by God through Jesus Christ. He explains that God not only forgives our sins but also declares us righteous, justifying us through faith. The preacher uses the analogy of being accused of a crime and being forgiven by a judge, highlighting that God does not remember our sins and does not view us with shame or condemnation. He encourages believers to combat the attacks of Satan by using the weapon of God's word, which is compared to a seed that brings new life, milk that helps us grow, and a sword to fight against spiritual enemies.
(John) 09 - Bread From Heaven
By Alan Redpath7.2K50:39JohnMAT 4:4JHN 6:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the universal spiritual hunger that exists in society. He emphasizes that Jesus is the bread of life and the water of life, and that He has come down from heaven to satisfy this hunger. The preacher encourages the audience to take notes and meditate on the message, as there is deep meaning in the text. He also mentions an interruption in the sermon, where the disciples encounter a storm at sea, highlighting the fact that being a Christian does not guarantee a smooth journey, but promises a safe landing.
Revival Series 4
By Leonard Ravenhill6.8K45:58RevivalPSA 119:1MAT 4:4HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on God and His Word rather than being distracted by worldly desires, such as relationships with girls. He shares his own experience of prioritizing his health and exercise for the sake of his ministry. The speaker also highlights the need for believers to diligently seek God and build themselves up in faith through the Word of God. He emphasizes the refining and testing process that God uses to strengthen our faith and encourages believers to embrace challenges and combat in order to grow spiritually. The speaker references biblical passages such as Hebrews 11:6 and encourages believers to have a fixed heart and allow God to cleanse and correct them.
Die, Wait, and Get Alone
By Leonard Ravenhill6.0K1:12:13Dying To SelfMAT 4:4JHN 12:23JHN 15:7JHN 17:22TI 2:152TI 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that believing in Jesus is not enough, there is something more that God needs to do in us. The preacher refers to the Gospel of John and explains that there is one Gospel told by four different people. He compares the Gospels to the different parts of the Tabernacle, with John being the holy place and John 17 being the holy of holies. The primary purpose of Jesus coming into the world was not just to save sinners from hell, but to bring glory to the Son of man. The preacher also encourages the audience to seek God's vision and be willing to give their all for Him.
Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Puts Life Together
By Warren Wiersbe5.6K47:35PSA 119:89PSA 119:105MAT 4:4JHN 6:35ROM 12:12CO 3:18HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of man as a trinity, drawing from Hebrews 4:12. He explains that just as the Old Testament priest cut the sacrifice into different parts, the word of God can separate between the soul and the spirit. The speaker uses the analogy of the tabernacle in the Old Testament, which had three parts: an outer court, a tent with two parts, and the Holy of Holies. He emphasizes that our will should be controlled by our mind and emotions, and that love is the greatest power for doing good. The speaker also highlights the importance of both Jesus Christ and the Bible in our lives, as they are interconnected and provide guidance and sustenance.
The Morning Watch - Part 2
By Oswald J. Smith5.3K21:09Morning DevotionsEXO 16:21DEU 8:3JOS 1:8PSA 5:3PSA 119:105PRO 8:17MAT 4:41PE 2:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time in both reading the Word of God and praying. He encourages listeners to start their day by immersing themselves in the sacred pages of the Bible, just as the Israelites gathered manna daily. The speaker emphasizes that reading the Word of God daily is essential for spiritual growth and protection from sin. He also highlights the significance of morning prayer, using Psalm 5:3 as a reference. The speaker concludes by discussing the enemies of the prayer life, specifically interruptions that can hinder one's time with God.
(A Heavenly Church) 5. Faith When We Have Failed
By Zac Poonen4.7K54:19PSA 119:11MAT 4:4MAT 22:37JHN 8:31ACT 2:422TI 3:16JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering our past and the pit from which God has pulled us out. He uses the example of Jacob, who was broken and made lame by God before becoming Israel. Forgetting our past and the purification from our former sins can lead to spiritual blindness. The speaker also highlights the need to humble ourselves and allow God to do a thorough work in our lives, even when faced with misunderstandings and criticism. Additionally, he discusses the temptation of Jesus and the importance of resisting the urge to use our gifts and anointing for personal gain, instead encouraging selflessness and giving freely.
Enjoying Your Bible
By Alan Redpath4.6K21:58BiblePSA 1:2PSA 119:11MAT 4:4JHN 17:172TI 3:16JAS 1:221JN 5:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of admitting the word of God into our minds and lives. He encourages listeners to let the word of God soak in, take root, and become a part of their character. The preacher also emphasizes the need to submit to the authority of the word of God in daily living, making it the final word in all decisions. He highlights the danger of merely studying the Bible objectively and encourages a slow, thoughtful approach to reading and digesting its teachings. The sermon concludes with a practical suggestion of reading Scripture Union notes daily and engaging in constant, systematic, and prayerful study of the word of God to strengthen one's faith.
That I May Know Him
By J. Sidlow Baxter4.5K1:07:31Knowing GodMAT 4:4MRK 10:45LUK 9:23JHN 14:6PHP 3:10HEB 9:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of getting to know Jesus through the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He describes these gospels as the most important and extraordinary documents under the sun, as they allow us to understand Jesus as the Son of God incarnate. The speaker encourages younger people to immerse themselves in these gospels, as the Holy Spirit can make Jesus come alive in their minds. He also warns against relying on supposed likenesses of Jesus, as there are no authentic images of him in existence.
Authority and the Power of God's Word - Part 1
By Derek Prince4.5K26:06GEN 3:1PSA 12:6MAT 4:4MAT 5:18MAT 22:31JHN 10:35JHN 14:26JHN 16:13EPH 6:172TI 3:16This sermon emphasizes the authority of the Bible, highlighting that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit, making it profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. It stresses the importance of consulting the author, the Holy Spirit, for interpreting Scripture and addresses the fallibility of human authors by showcasing how the Word of God is purified by the Holy Spirit. Jesus' attitude towards the Bible is examined, showcasing His reliance on Scripture to combat temptation and His acknowledgment of the written Word's absolute authority. The sermon also delves into how Jesus' life fulfilled Scripture and the authority behind the New Testament, which is the Holy Spirit guiding the apostles into all truth.
(John - Part 25): He departed...into a Mountain Himself Alone
By A.W. Tozer4.4K52:04ExpositionalPSA 139:1ISA 43:2MAT 4:4MAT 14:22MAT 28:20EPH 1:22HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the word of God has multiple meanings and adapts itself to the needs of different individuals. The story of Jesus walking on water is presented as a divine drama, showing his power and authority over the church. The speaker urges the audience not to apologize for or soften the gospel, as Jesus is the head of the church and holds it in his hand. The sermon concludes by highlighting Jesus as the supreme poet, artist, and musician, emphasizing that everything he does is extraordinary and not common.
How to Effectively Resist Temptation
By Greg Laurie4.1K50:45DEU 8:3JOS 1:8PSA 119:11PSA 119:105MAT 4:4LUK 4:1COL 2:14JAS 1:22In this sermon, Pastor Greg Glory teaches on how to effectively resist temptation, using Luke chapter 4 verses 1-14 as the basis for his message. He begins by acknowledging that temptation is prevalent in the world and that we need God's help to resist it. Pastor Greg then explores four key questions: when does temptation come, who does it come to, where is the best place to be when temptation comes, and what is the primary weapon to use when tempted. He emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their spiritual maturity, will face temptation and provides practical guidance on how to effectively resist it.
(God and Man) Entering God's Sabbath Rest
By Zac Poonen4.0K33:21SabbathEXO 20:8EXO 21:2PSA 46:10PSA 119:105MAT 4:4MAT 11:28HEB 4:9In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of dedicating Wednesdays and Saturdays to fasting and prayer. He and another brother would spend hours in prayer after their half day of work, and then go out to the streets to preach the gospel and sell gospels. The speaker also reflects on the importance of sacrifice and blood in approaching God, highlighting how Jesus' death brought an end to the need for animal sacrifices. He encourages the audience to come up higher and approach their actions from a place of rest and love, rather than from a legalistic mindset. The sermon also references Exodus 20 and discusses the concept of Sabbath rest and the freedom of a Hebrew slave after six years of service.
Creatures Out of the Fire
By A.W. Tozer3.9K33:30PreachingISA 42:1MAT 4:4MAT 22:37JHN 5:39COL 1:16HEB 1:3REV 4:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus Christ as the ultimate model of humanity. He describes how sin can distort and mar the true beauty of humanity, but Jesus Christ embodies perfect humanity without any pretense or pose. The preacher also discusses the significance of the four creatures mentioned in the Bible, which represent different facets of Jesus' character. These creatures complement each other and serve as models for believers to strive towards being like Christ. The ultimate goal is to reflect the glory and character of Jesus Christ in our own lives.
The Preacher
By Vance Havner3.7K19:18PreacherEXO 30:32MAT 4:4MAT 22:37ROM 6:4EPH 4:122TI 3:16REV 21:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the role of the preacher in today's society. He emphasizes that despite the push towards celebrity and entertainment, the Bible still states that people need a preacher to hear the word of God. The preacher argues that the kind of preaching we need is the same as it has always been. He criticizes a radio preacher who focused on worldly matters instead of the true message of redemption. The preacher urges believers to preach the truth of the Bible and to be aware of the apocalyptic times we are living in, referencing various biblical events and symbols.
Christian Revolution
By Alan Redpath3.6K50:06RevolutionEXO 20:2DEU 8:2MAT 4:4MAT 5:17MAT 6:33JHN 10:18In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of the message of the living Christ in today's world. He highlights the current state of revolt and unrest in various countries and emphasizes that the message of Jesus is the only answer to the problems of humanity. The preacher expresses gratitude for knowing the Lord Jesus and urges others to awaken their conscience to the truth. He also discusses the moral vacuum that exists in society, where the word of God and the Ten Commandments have been eliminated. The preacher concludes by emphasizing that the gospel is not an easy escape from reality, but rather God's plan to fulfill His law in the lives of believers.
A Big Neighbourhood
By Jim Cymbala3.6K35:53Christian LifeMAT 4:4MAT 15:11MRK 7:19LUK 9:3ACT 16:31ROM 3:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a good neighbor and following the example of Jesus. He shares a personal story about encountering someone in need and highlights the need for discernment when helping others. The preacher then delves into the story of the Good Samaritan from Luke chapter 10, emphasizing the depth and significance of the parable. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of loving God and growing in our love for Him, while also recognizing the importance of reaching out to others and being a neighbor to those in need.
Marriage in the Christian Home - Part 1
By Keith Daniel3.5K1:24:10MarriagePSA 119:114PRO 3:5MAT 4:4TIT 2:11HEB 13:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of marriage and the Christian home. He starts by mentioning a verse from the Bible, Hebrews 13:4, which he believes would have significant consequences if read in every church. He shares how his message on marriage had a profound impact on people's lives, bringing healing and restoration to broken marriages. The preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's word and being in submission to one's spouse, particularly wives being in subjection to their husbands.
Prayer 08 Certainty - Answered Prayer
By Alden Gannett3.4K50:17Answered PrayerGEN 1:1DEU 8:3PSA 23:1MAT 4:4MAT 7:7LUK 11:9REV 22:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving attention to the Word of God and applying it to our lives. He suggests four A's to help us in this process: attention, application, prayer, and action. The speaker also discusses the significance of prayer and how it should include worship, adoration, and confession. He shares a story from the book of John to illustrate the power of God's quick answer to prayer. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the faithfulness of God's word and the need to believe in its promises.
(Exodus) Exodus 25:31-40
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K06:16ExpositionalEXO 25:31MAT 4:4JHN 1:9JHN 16:14EPH 5:8COL 2:81TI 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God and walking in the light. He compares the lampstand in the tabernacle to Christ, describing it as a perfect picture of his deity. The preacher explains that true worship involves feeding on Christ, rather than being entertained or discussing social issues. He also highlights the need to avoid being deceived by worldly philosophies and vain deceit. The sermon references verses from the Bible, such as John 1:9 and Colossians 2:8, to support these teachings.
(Guidelines) Begin With Prayer
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K08:22GEN 1:1DEU 8:3PSA 119:105PRO 3:5MAT 4:4JHN 14:262TI 3:16REV 22:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unique nature of the Bible as a closed book, authored by the Holy Spirit. He highlights the need for the Spirit of God to teach and make the Bible real to believers. The speaker shares a story about Sir Walter Scott, who, when on his deathbed, requested the Bible as the only book that mattered in that moment. The sermon also touches on the importance of humility and prayer when approaching the Bible, as well as the speaker's personal experience of realizing his own ignorance during his college years.
Bakht Singh Funeral - Part 2
By Bakht Singh3.0K06:00PSA 119:105MAT 4:4ACT 2:42EPH 4:161TI 4:13HEB 10:24This sermon is a powerful testimony of Baksh Singh's journey in Christian ministry, from humble beginnings of sharing his faith on the streets to impacting thousands with the word of God. It highlights the importance he placed on personal Bible possession, prayer, and dedication to serving the Lord and His people. The establishment of Hebron Church with its unique characteristics and emphasis on equality in Christ is a testament to Baksh Singh's deep faith and commitment to a simple, prayerful, and community-focused church life.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But he answered and said, It is written-- (Deu 8:3). Man shall not live by bread alone--more emphatically, as in the Greek, "Not by bread alone shall man live." but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God--Of all passages in Old Testament Scripture, none could have been pitched upon more apposite, perhaps not one so apposite, to our Lord's purpose. "The Lord . . . led thee (said Moses to Israel, at the close of their journeyings) these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or no. And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only," &c., "Now, if Israel spent, not forty days, but forty years in a waste, howling wilderness, where there were no means of human subsistence, not starving, but divinely provided for, on purpose to prove to every age that human support depends not upon bread, but upon God's unfailing word of promise and pledge of all needful providential care, am I, distrusting this word of God, and despairing of relief, to take the law into My own hand? True, the Son of God is able enough to turn stones into bread: but what the Son of God is able to do is not the present question, but what is man's duty under want of the necessaries of life. And as Israel's condition in the wilderness did not justify their unbelieving murmurings and frequent desperation, so neither would Mine warrant the exercise of the power of the Son of God in snatching despairingly at unwarranted relief. As man, therefore, I will await divine supply, nothing doubting that at the fitting time it will arrive." The second temptation in this Gospel is in Luke's the third. That Matthew's order is the right one will appear, we think, quite clearly in the sequel.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he answered and said, it is written,.... The passage referred to, and cited, is in Deu 8:3 the manner of citing it is what was common and usual with the Jews; and is often to be met with in the Talmudic writings; who, when they produce any passage of scripture, say "as it is written". The meaning of this scripture is; not that as the body lives by bread, so the soul lives by the word of God, and doctrines of the Gospel; though this is a certain truth: or that man lives by obedience to the commands of God, as was promised to the Israelites in the wilderness, and in the land of Canaan; but that God, in satisfying man's hunger, and in supporting and preserving his life, is not tied to bread only, but can make use of other means, and order whatever he pleases to answer these ends; as, by raining manna from heaven, which is mentioned in the passage cited; and therefore there was no occasion to change the nature of things, to turn stones into bread; since that was not so absolutely necessary to the sustenance of life, as that it could not be maintained without it. Our Lord hereby expresses his strong faith and confidence in God, that he was able to support him, and would do it, though in a wilderness, and destitute of supply; whereby he overcame this temptation of Satan. Christ, in this, and some following citations, bears a testimony to, and establishes the authority of the sacred writings; and though he was full of the Holy Ghost, makes them the rule of his conduct; which ought to be observed against those, who, under a pretence of the Spirit, deny the scriptures to be the only rule of faith and practice and at the same time points out to us the safest and best method of opposing Satan's temptations; namely, by applying to, and making use of the word of God. the manner of citing it is what was common and usual with the Jews; and is often to be met with in the Talmudic writings; who, when they produce any passage of scripture, say "as it is written". The meaning of this scripture is; not that as the body lives by bread, so the soul lives by the word of God, and doctrines of the Gospel; though this is a certain truth: or that man lives by obedience to the commands of God, as was promised to the Israelites in the wilderness, and in the land of Canaan; but that God, in satisfying man's hunger, and in supporting and preserving his life, is not tied to bread only, but can make use of other means, and order whatever he pleases to answer these ends; as, by raining manna from heaven, which is mentioned in the passage cited; and therefore there was no occasion to change the nature of things, to turn stones into bread; since that was not so absolutely necessary to the sustenance of life, as that it could not be maintained without it. Our Lord hereby expresses his strong faith and confidence in God, that he was able to support him, and would do it, though in a wilderness, and destitute of supply; whereby he overcame this temptation of Satan. Christ, in this, and some following citations, bears a testimony to, and establishes the authority of the sacred writings; and though he was full of the Holy Ghost, makes them the rule of his conduct; which ought to be observed against those, who, under a pretence of the Spirit, deny the scriptures to be the only rule of faith and practice and at the same time points out to us the safest and best method of opposing Satan's temptations; namely, by applying to, and making use of the word of God. Matthew 4:5 mat 4:5 mat 4:5 mat 4:5Then the devil taketh him up,.... This was done, not in a visionary way, but really and truly: Satan, by divine permission, and with the consent of Christ, which shows his great humiliation and condescension, had power over his body, to move it from place to place; in some such like manner as the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, Act 8:39 he took him up, raised him above ground, and carried him through the air, "into, the holy city": this was Jerusalem; for Luke expressly says, he brought him to Jerusalem, Luk 4:9 called so, because of the presence, worship, and service of God, which had been in it, though then in a great measure gone; and according to the common notions of the Jews, who say (b) Jerusalem was more holy than any other cities in the land, and that because of the Shekinah. The inscription on one side of their shekels was , "Jerusalem, the holy city" (c). Satan frequents all sorts of places; men are no where free from his temptations; Christ himself was not in the holy city, no nor in the holy temple; hither also he had him, and setteth him upon a pinnacle, or "wing of the temple". In this place (d) the Jews set James, the brother of Christ, and from it cast him down headlong: this was the "the summit", or "top" of it; and intends either the roof encompassed with battlements, to keep persons from falling off; or the top of the porch before the temple, which was 120 cubits high; or the top of the royal gallery, built by Herod, which was of such an height, that if a man looked down from it, he soon became dizzy (e). The view Satan had in setting him here appears in the next verse. (b) Bemidbar Rabba, fol. 183. 4. & Maimon. Hilch. Beth. Habechirah, c. 7. sect. 14. & 6. 16. (c) Waserus de Antiq. Numm. Heb. l. 2. c. 5. (d) Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 2. c. 23. (e) Joseph. Antiq. Jud. l. 15. c. 14.