The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:19
The power that may be in silent farces. This passage from Isaiah is given to show that one most characteristic feature of our Lord's ministry was anticipated in prophecy. He avoided publicity; he shrank from contentions; he would not thrust himself into danger; he was absolutely content to do a quiet work, by personal influence, daily teachings, and kindly deeds of helpfulness, and of "heavenly, Divine charity." Silent forces are the mightiest. Silent light does more than bursting lightning;... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:19
He shall not strive, nor cry . In Isaiah the clause is, "He shall not cry aloud nor lift up his voice ( אשי אלו קעצי אל );" and so the LXX . But "strive" would represent one very frequent connotation of "cry aloud" and its synonyms, for in Eastern lands disputants use their voice much more loudly than we do. This close connexion between the two ideas is seen also in the Syriac Version of Isaiah,. where "lift up his voice " is translated narib , a word meaning... read more