Matthew 12:7

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 12:1-8

The Sabbath and legal observance 12:1-8 (cf. Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5)The immediate connection between this section and what precedes is twofold. The first is the theme of rising opposition (Matthew 11:2 to Matthew 13:53), and the second is the heavy yoke of Pharisaic tradition that made the Israelites weary and heavy laden (Matthew 11:28-30). The aim of the Sabbath was to provide rest, which Jesus said those who took His yoke upon themselves would find. It was not to provide a burden, which... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 12:1-21

1. Conflict over Sabbath observance 12:1-21The first two instances of conflict that Matthew recorded arose over Sabbath observance. Sabbath observance was very important to the Jews. [Note: See Edersheim, The Life . . ., 2:777-87, for discussion of the ordinances and law of the Sabbath as laid down in the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud.] It was a uniquely Israelite institution that commemorated the creation of the cosmos and the creation of Israel. Jewish rules of conduct concerning the... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 12:1-50

B. Specific instances of Israel’s rejection of Jesus ch. 12Matthew has shown that opposition to Jesus came from two main sources: the animosity of the religious leaders, and the indifference of the common Israelites. In this chapter he presented five instances in which opposition manifested itself and increased. In each situation the approach to Jesus was negative, but Jesus responded positively. [Note: Toussaint, Behold the . . ., p. 158.] "Central to the plot of Matthew’s story is the element... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 12:7-8

Jesus again criticized the Pharisees for failing to understand the Scriptures (cf. Matthew 12:3), and He quoted Hosea 6:6 again (cf. Matthew 9:13). Previously Jesus had cited this verse to show the Pharisees that they failed to recognize their own need. Now He used it to show them that they failed to recognize Him. The Jews in Hosea’s day relied on mere ritual to satisfy God. The Pharisees were doing the same thing. They had not grasped the real significance of the Law, as their criticism of... read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - Matthew 12:7

12:7 is. (e-7) See ch. 9.13. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 12:1-50

Plucking Corn on the Sabbath. Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost1-8. Plucking the corn on the sabbath (Mark 2:23; Luke 6:1). This chapter begins the period of active conflict with the Pharisees. It is characteristic of the pedantry of the Pharisees that their opposition turned more upon minute points of legal observance than upon broad principles. The Fourth Gospel agrees with the synoptists in making the sabbath controversy of leading importance in the development of hostility to Christ (John... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Matthew 12:7

(7) I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.—Yet a third argument follows from the Old Testament (Hosea 6:6). The teachers or interpreters of the Law had failed to catch the meaning of the simplest utterances of the prophets. “Mercy and not sacrifice,” moral and not positive duties, these made up the true life of religion, and were alone acceptable to God. It was because they had inverted the right relation of the two that they had, in this instance, condemned those whom our Lord now declares to... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Matthew 12:1-50

Matthew 12:19-20 'Not strive,' not 'cry,' not lift up His voice 'in the streets,' not break 'the bruised reed,' not quench 'the smoking flax'! These are some of the rarest and finest features of a character that is altogether lovely. They are negative characteristics. The character of the Christ is no less unique in its striking absences than in its majestic presences. Its valleys are as conspicuous as its mountains. The Holy Ghost works in the way of a certain exclusion. His handiwork is... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Matthew 12:1-50

Chapter 10The Shadow of the Cross - Matthew 11:1-30; Matthew 12:1-50I-DISCOURAGEMENTS. {Matthew 11:1-30}HITHERTO almost everything has been hopeful and encouraging in our Evangelist’s record of the Saviour’s ministry. It began like daybreak on the shores of the sea of Galilee. Great multitudes followed Him wherever He went; and those whom He called to be with Him cheerfully responded to the summons. When He preached the Gospel of the kingdom, the people were astonished at His doctrine, and... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Matthew 12:1-50

9. The Rejection Consummated and the Broken Relationship. CHAPTER 12 1. The Hungry Disciples and the Accusing Pharisees. (Matthew 12:1-9 .) 2. The Man with the Withered Hand Healed.(Matthew 12:10-13 .) 3. The Hatred of the Pharisees.(Matthew 12:14 .) 4. The King in Rejection. (Matthew 12:15-21 .) 5. The Demon Possessed Man Healed. (Matthew 12:22-23 .) 6. The Blasphemy of the Pharisees and the King's Answer. (Matthew 12:24-37 .) 7. The Sign of Jonas and his Warning Prediction. (Matthew... read more

Group of Brands