sick. 3 13 When Jesus heard of it, | ward them, and he healed their he1 departed thence by ship into a desert place apart and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. death. 2. It is not unreasonable to suppose that in their affliction they came to him for consolation; nor is it improper in our affliction to follow their example, and go and tell Jesus. 3. Their master had been slain by a cruel king; Jesus was engaged in the same cause, and they probably supposed that he was in danger. They, therefore, came to warn him of it, and he sought a place of safety. Ver. 13. 13-21. A full narrative of the feeding the five thousand is given in each of the other evangelists; in Mark vi. 32-44; in Luke ix. 10-17; in John vi. 1-14. 13. And when Jesus heard of it he departed. He went to a place of safety. He never threw himself unnecessarily into darger. It was proper that he should secure his life, till the time should come when it would be proper for him to die. By a ship into a desert place. That is, he crossed the sea of Galilee. He went to the country east of the sea, into a place little inhabited. Luke says, ch. ix. 10, he went to a place called Bethsaida. See Note, Matt. xi. 21. A desert place means a place little cultivated, where there were few or no inhabitants. On the east of the sea of Galilee there was a large tract of country of this description, rough, uncultivated, and chiefly used to pasture flocks. 14. Was moved with compassion. That , pitied them. Mark, ch. vi. 34, says he was moved with compassion because they were as sheep having no shepherd. A shepherd is one who takes care of a Rek. It was his duty to feed it, to defend it from wolves and other wild beasts; to take care of the young and feeble; to lad it by green pastures and still waters. P. xxii. In eastern countries this was a principal employment of the inhabit2318. When Christ says the people were as sheep without a shepherd, he means 15¶ And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals 16 But Jesus said unto them, 3 Ch. ix. 36. Mark vi. 34. John xi. 33-35. Heb. iv. 15. that they had no teachers and guides who cared for them, and took pains to instruct them. The Scribes and Pharisees were haughty and proud, and cared little for the common people; and when they did attempt to teach them, they led them astray. They therefore came in great multitudes to Him who preached the gospel to the poor, Matt. xi. 5, and was thus the good Shepherd. John x. 14. That is, 15. The time is now past. the day is passing away; it is near night; and it is proper to make some provision for the temporal wants of so many. Perhaps it may mean, it was past the usual time for refreshment. 16. Jesus said, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. John adds, that previous to this, Jesus had addressed Philip, and asked, "Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? This he said to prove him;" that is, to try his faith; to test the confidence of Philip in himself. Philip, it seems, had not the kind of confidence which he ought to have had. He immediately began to think of their ability to purchase food for them. Two hundred pennyworth of bread, said he, would not be enough. In the original it is, two hundred denarii. These were Roman coins, amounting to about seven pence halfpenny each. The whole two hundred, therefore, would have been equal to about six pounds five shillings. In the view of Philip, this was a great sum; a sum which twelve poor fishermen were by no means able to provide. It was this fact, and not any unwillingness to provide for them, which led the disciples to request that they should be sent into the villages around, in order to obtain food. Jesus knew how much they had, and he required of them, as he does of all, implicit faith, and told them to give them to eat. He 1 They need not depart; give ye them to eat. 17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. 18 He said, Bring them hither to me. 19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, 12 Kin. iv. 42-44. Heb. v. 2. requires us to do what he commands; and we need not doubt that he will give us strength to accomplish it. 17. We have here but five loaves, &c. These loaves were in the possession of a lad, or young man, who was with them, and were made of barley. John vi. 9. It is possible that this lad was one in attendance on the apostles to carry their food; but it is most probable he was one who had provision to sell among the multitude. Barley was a cheap kind of food, scarcely one-third the value of wheat, and was much used by poor people. A considerable part of the food of the people in that region was probably fish, as they lived on the borders of a lake that abounded in fish. 19. And he commanded the multitude to sit down. In the original it is, to recline on the grass, or to lie as they did at their meals. The Jews never sat, as we do at meals, but reclined, or lay at length. See Note, Matt. xxiii. 6. Mark and Luke add, that they reclined in companies by hundreds and by fifties. ¶ And looking up to heaven, he blessed. Luke adds, he blessed them; that is, the loaves. The expression to bless, means often to give thanks; sometimes to pray for a blessing; that is, to pray for the divine favour and friendship; to pray that what we do may meet God's approbation. Seeking a blessing on our food means, to pray that it may be made nourishing to our bodies; that we may have proper gratitude to God the giver, for providing for our wants; and that we may remember the Creator, while we partake of the bounties of his providence. Our Saviour always sought a blessing on his food. In this he was an example for us. What he did we should do. It is right thus to seek the blessing of God. He provides for us; he daily opens his hand, and satisfieth our wants; and it is proper that we should render suitable acknowledgments for his goodness. The custom among the Jews was universal. The form of prayer which they used in the time of Christ has been preserved by jewish writers, the Talmudists. It is this: "Blessed be thou, O Lord our God, the King of the world, who hast produced this food and this drink, from the earth and the vine." And brake. The loaves of bread among the Jews were made thin and brittle, and were therefore broken and not cut. He 20. And they did all eat and were filled. This was an undoubted miracle. The quantity must have been greatly increased, to have supplied so many. that could increase that small quantity so much had the power of creation; and he that could do that could create the world out of nothing, and had no less than divine power. Twelve baskets full. The size of these baskets is unknown. They were probably such as travellers carried their provisions in. They were used commonly by the Jews in their journeys. In travelling among the Gentiles or Samaritans, a Jew could expect little hospitality. There were not, as now public houses for the entertainment of strangers. At great distances there were caravansaries, but they were intended chiefly for lodging places for the night, and not to provide food for travellers. Hence in journeying among strangers, or in deserts, they carried baskets of provisions; and this is the reason why they were furnished with them here. It is probable that each of the apostles had one, and they were all filled. John, ch. vi. 12, says that Jesus directed them to gather up these fragments, that nothing be lost: an example of economy. God creates all 21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. 22¶ And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he 1 went up into Ch. vi. 6. Mark vi. 46. Luke vi. 12. Acts vi. 4. food; it has, therefore, a kind of sacredness; it is all needed by some person or other, and none should be lost. 21. Five thousand men, besides, &c. Probably the number might have been ten thousand. To feed so many was an act of great benevolence, and a stupendous miracle. The effect was such as might be expected. John says, ch. vi. 14, that they were convinced by it that he was that prophet that should come into the world; that is, the Messiah. 22, 23. And straightway Jesus constrained, &c. See Mark vi. 45, 56; John vi. 15–21. The word straightway means immediately; that is, as soon as the fragments were gathered up. To constrain, means to compel. It here means to command. There was no need of compulsion. They were at this time on the east side of Gennesareth. He directed them to get into a ship, and cross over to the other side; that is, to Capernaum. Mark adds, that he sent them to Bethsaida, ch. vi. 45. Bethsaida was situated at the place where the Jordan empties into the lake on the east side of the river. It is probable that he directed them to go in a ship or boat to Bethsaida, and remain there till he should dismiss the people, and that he would meet them there, and with them cross the lake. The effect of the miracle on the multitudes was so great, John vi. 15, that they believed him to be that prophet which should come into the world; that is, the Messiah, the king that they had expected, and they were about to take him by force and make him a king. To avoid this, Jesus got away from them as privately as possible. He went into a solitary mountain alone. In view of the temptation, a mountain apart to pray and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.2 Job ix. 8. Psa. xciii. 3, 4. when human honours were offered to him, and almost forced upon him, he retired for private prayer; an example for all who are pressed with human honours and applause. Nothing is better to keep the mind humble and unambitious, than to seek some lonely place; to shut out the world, with all its honours; to realize that the great God, before whom all creatures and all honours sink to nothing, is round about us; and to ask him to keep us from pride and vain-glory. 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea. John says they had sailed about twenty-five or thirty furlongs. About seven and a half jewish furlongs made a mile; so that the distance they had sailed was not more than about four miles. At no place was the sea of Tiberias more than ten miles in breadth, so that they were literally in the midst of the sea. 25. And in the fourth watch of the night. The Jews anciently divided the night into three divisions of. four hours each. The first of these watches is mentioned in Lam. ii. 19; the middle watch in Judg. vii. 19; and the morning watch in Exod. xiv. 24. In the time of our Saviour they divided the night into four watches; the fourth having been introduced by the Romans. These watches consisted of three hours each. The first commenced at six, and continued till nine; the second from nine till twelve; the third from twelve to three; and the fourth from three to six. The first was called evening; the second midnight; the third cockcrowing; the fourth morning. Mark xiii. 35. It is probable that the term watch was given to each of these divisions, from the practice of placing sentinels around the camp in the time of war, or in cities 26 And when the disciples saw | stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt ?8 him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be 3 of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and be ginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.6 31 And immediately 7 Jesus John vi. 19. 1 Job ix. 8. 3 Acts xxiii. 11. 6 Psa. lxix. 1, 2. to watch or guard the camp or city; and that they were at first relieved three times in the night, but under the Romans four times. It was in the last of these watches, or between three and six in the morning, that Jesus appeared to the disciples. So that he had spent most of the night alone on the mountain in prayer. ¶ Walking on the sea. A manifest and wonderful miracle. It was a boisterous sea. It was in a dark night. The little boat was four or five miles from the shore, tossed by the billows. 2 Luke xxiv. 37. 4 Phil. iv. 13. 5 Or, strong. Lam. iii, 57. 7 Isa. lxiii. 12. 26. They were troubled. They were afraid. The sight was remarkable. It was sufficient to awe them. In the dark night, amidst the tumultuous billows, appeared the form of a man. They thought it was a spirit; an apparition. It was a common belief among the ancients that the spirits of men after death frequently appeared to the living. 28-31. And Peter answered, &c. Here is an instance of the characteristic ardour and rashness of Peter. He had less real faith than he supposed; more ardour than his faith would justify; he was rash, headlong, incautious, really attached to Jesus, but still easily daunted, and prone to fall. He was afraid, therefore, when in danger, and, sinking, cried 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.9 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.10 34 ¶ And 11 when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; 9 Psa. cvii. 29. 10 Dan. iii 25. John i. 49; vi 69; xi. 27. Acts Mark vi. 53. Jas. i. 6. Luke iv. 41. viii. 37. Rom. i. 4. again for help. Thus he was suffered to learn his own character, and his dependence on Jesus : a lesson which all Christians are permitted to learn by dearbought experience. 32. And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Here was a new proof of the power of Jesus. He that has power over winds and waves has all power. John adds, ch. vi. 21, that the ship was immediately at the land whither they went ;-another proof, amidst this collection of wonders, that the Son of God was with them. They came, therefore, and worshipped him, acknowledging him to be the Son of God. That is, they gave him homage, or honoured him as the Son of God. A.D. 32. 36 And besought him that they | garment: and as many as touched might only touch the hem 1 of his were made perfectly whole. 1 Ch. ix. 20. Num. xv. 38. Luke vi. 19. Acts xix. 12. Mark iii. 10. John the Baptist had risen. At another time he would altogether have disbelieved it. Consciousness of guilt will at some period infallibly torment a man. II. The duty of faithfulness. Ver. 4. John reproved Herod at the hazard of But he his life. And he died for it. had the approbation of conscience and of God. So will all who do their duty. Here was an example of fidelity to all ministers of religion. They are not to fear the face of man, however rich, or mighty, or wicked. III. The righteous will command the respect of the wicked. Herod was a wicked man, but he respected John, and feared him. Mark vi. 20. The wicked profess to despise religion, and many But their consciences tell really do so. them that religion is a good thing. In times of trial they will sooner trust Christians than others. In sickness and death they are often glad to see them, and hear them pray, and desire the comfort which they have; and, like Balaam, say, "Let me die the death of the righteous," Num. xxiii. 10. No person, young or old, is ever the less really esteemed for being a Christian. IV. Men are often restrained from great sins, by mere selfish motives, as Herod was, by the love of popularity. Ver. 5. Herod would have put John to death long before, had it not been that he feared the people. His constantly desiring to do it was a kind of prolonged murder. God will hold men guilty for desiring to do evil; and will not justify them, if they are restrained, not by the fear of him, but by the fear of men. V. We see the effect of what is called the principle of honour. Ver. 9. It was in obedience to this, that Herod committed murder. This is the principle of duelling and war. No principle is so foolish and wicked. The great mass of men disapprove it. The wise and good This have always disapproved of it. principle of honour is often the mere love of revenge. It is often the fear of being laughed at. It produces evil. God cannot and will not love it. The way to prevent duels and murders is to restrain 2 John vi, 37. the passions, and cultivate a spirit of VI. Men should be cautious about promises, and especially about oaths. Herod made a foolish promise, and confirmed it by a wicked oath. Ver. 9. Promises should not be made without knowing what is promised, and without knowing that it will be right to perform them. Oaths are always wicked, except when made before a magistrate, and on occasions of real magnitude. The practice of profane and common swearing, like that of Herod, is always foolish and wicked, and sooner or later will bring men into difficulty. VII. Amusements are often attended with evil consequences. Ver. 6-11. The dancing of a gay and profligate girl was the means of the death of one of the holiest of men. Dancing, balls, parties, and theatres, are thought innocent by But they are a profitless waste of many. time. They lead to forgetfulness of God. They nourish passion and sensual desires. They often lead to the seduction and ruin of the innocent. They are unfit for dying creatures. From the very midst of such scenes, the gay may go to the bar of God. How poor a preparation to die! How dreadful the judgment-seat to such! VIII. Jesus will take care of the poor. Ver. 14-21. He regarded the temporal as well as the spiritual wants of the people. Rather than see them suffer, he worked a miracle to feed them. So rather He causes the than see us suffer, God is daily doing what man cannot do. grain to grow; he fills the land, and seas, and air, with living creatures; nay, he provides, in desert places, for the support of man. How soon would all man and beasts die, if he did not put forth continued power and goodness for the supply of our wants! IX. It is the duty of Christians to be By solicitous about the temporal wants of the poor. Ver. 15. They are with us. regarding them, and providing for ther we have an opportunity of showing car 177 attachment to Christ and our resem N |