Mark 7

PLUS

      31. He came . . . through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. A district east of the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan, so called because it contained ten cities. Only Mark gives the account of the following miracle.

      32. One that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech. Probably had not been born deaf, as he was not dumb.

      33, 34. Put his fingers in his ears. The manner of the Lord in this miracle was peculiar. I understand that he used signs instead of words in order to arouse faith in the deaf man. He touched the organs that had lost their office and then looked to heaven. This would be deeply significant to one who had learned to understand by signs. Ephphatha. A word in the common language of Judea at that time, meaning "Be opened."

      35. His ears were opened. At once both his difficulties were removed.

      36. He charged them that they should tell no man. Consult note on Matt. 8:4.

      37. He hath done all things well. Compare Gen. 1:31 . He maketh both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak. Christ, ever since, has been engaged, spiritually, in the same work.