Matthew 14

Matthew 14:2

The three following parables are proposed, not to the multitude, but peculiarly to the apostles: the two former of them relate to those who receive the Gospel; the third, both to those who receive, and those who preach it. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hid in a field - The kingdom of God within us is a treasure indeed, but a treasure hid from the world, and from the most wise and prudent in it. He that finds this treasure, (perhaps when he thought it far from him,) hides it deep in his heart, and gives up all other happiness for it.

Matthew 14:3

The kingdom of heaven - That is, one who earnestly seeks for it: in verse Matthew 13:47 it means, the Gospel preached, which is like a net gathering of every kind: just so the Gospel, wherever it is preached, gathers at first both good and bad, who are for a season full of approbation and warm with good desires. But Christian discipline, and strong, close exhortation, begin that separation in this world, which shall be accomplished by the angels of God in the world to come.

Matthew 14:10

Every scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven - That is, every duly prepared preacher of the Gospel has a treasure of Divine knowledge, out of which he is able to bring forth all sorts of instructions. The word treasure signifies any collection of things whatsoever, and the places where such collections are kept.

Matthew 14:11

He departed thence - He crossed the lake from Capernaum: and came once more into his own country - Nazareth: but with no better success than he had had there before.

Matthew 14:12

Whence hath HE - Many texts are not understood, for want of knowing the proper emphasis; and others are utterly misunderstood, by placing the emphasis wrong. To prevent this in some measure, the emphatical words are here printed in capital letters. Mark 6:1; Luke 4:16,22.

Matthew 14:13

The carpenter’s son - The Greek, word means, one that works either in wood, iron, or stone. His brethren - Our kinsmen. They were the sons of Mary, sister to the virgin, and wife of Cleophas or Alpheus. James - Styled by St. Paul also, the Lord’s brother, Galatians 1:19. Simon - Surnamed the Canaanite.

Matthew 14:15

They were offended at him - They looked on him as a mean, ignoble man, not worthy to be regarded. John 4:44; Luke 7:23.

Matthew 14:16

He wrought not many mighty works, because of their unbelief - And the reason why many mighty works are not wrought now, is not, that the faith is not every where planted; but, that unbelief every where prevails.

Matthew 14:18

At that time - When our Lord had spent about a year in his public ministry. Tetrarch - King of a fourth part of his father’s dominions. Mark 6:14.

Matthew 14:19

He is risen from the dead - Herod was a Sadducee: and the Sadducees denied the resurrection of the dead. But Sadduceeism staggers when conscience awakes.

Matthew 14:20

His brother Philip’s wife - Who was still alive. Mark 6:17.

Matthew 14:21

It is not lawful for thee to have her - It was not lawful indeed for either of them to have her. For her father Aristobulus was their own brother. John’s words were rough, like his raiment. He would not break the force of truth by using soft words, even to a king.

Matthew 14:22

He would have put him to death - ln his fit of passion; but he was then restrained by fear of the multitude; and afterward by the reverence he bore him.

Matthew 14:23

The daughter of Herodias - Afterward infamous for a life suitable to this beginning.

Matthew 14:25

Being before instructed by her mother - Both as to the matter and manner of her petition: She said, Give me here - Fearing if he had time to consider, he would not do it: John the Baptist’s head in a charger - A large dish or bowl.

Matthew 14:26

And the king was sorry - Knowing that John was a good man. Yet for the oath’s sake - So he murdered an innocent man from mere tenderness of conscience.

Matthew 14:27

And he sent and beheaded John in the prison, and his head was given to the damsel - How mysterious is the providence, which left the life of so holy a man in such infamous hands! which permitted it to be sacrificed to the malice of an abandoned harlot, the petulancy of a vain girl, and the rashness of a foolish, perhaps drunken prince, who made a prophet’s head the reward of a dance! But we are sure the Almighty will repay his servants in another world for what ever they suffer in this.

Matthew 14:30

Jesus withdrew into a desert place - To avoid Herod: Because of the multitude pressing upon him, Mark 6:32: and To talk with his disciples, newly returned from their progress, Luke 9:10: apart - From all but his disciples. John 6:1.

Matthew 14:32

The time is now past - The usual meal time. Mark 6:35; Luke 9:12.