But when he saw the multitudes
As he took his circuit through the several cities, towns, and
villages, he made his observations upon the large numbers that
flocked to his ministry, and seemed to be desirous of spiritual
instructions, in what an unhappy and melancholy situation they
were; and
he was moved with compassion on them:
his bowels yearned for them, he was touched with a feeling of
their infirmities, as the merciful high priest, the good
shepherd, and faithful prophet; being heartily concerned for the
souls of men, their comfort here, and everlasting happiness
hereafter:
because they fainted;
being fatigued and tired, not in their bodies, through journeying
from place to place, to hear the word, but in their minds; being
burdened and wearied with the various traditions and doctrines of
the Scribes and Pharisees:
and were scattered abroad;
thrown and tossed about, and divided through the different sects
of religion among them; no due care was taken of them, to gather
and keep them together, and feed them with wholesome doctrine;
but were as abjects, outcasts, that no man regarded, and in great
danger of the loss and ruin of their immortal souls: being
as sheep without a shepherd;
that was good for anything, or did the office and duty of a
shepherd to them: the Scribes and Pharisees were shepherds
indeed, such as they were, but very bad ones; like the shepherds
of Israel of old, who fed themselves, and not the flock; who
strengthened not the diseased, nor healed the sick, nor bound up
that which was broken; nor brought again that which was driven
away, nor sought that which was lost: but on the contrary, caused
them to go astray from mountain to hill; whereby they forgot
their resting place, in the Messiah promised them, and who was
now come.
