For vv. 1-10, see notes in Matt. 15:32-39.

The Slave-Savior's virtues of compassion, sympathy, and tender care were vividly and sweetly displayed here in His humanity.

See note Mark 8:2¹.

See note Mark 6:43¹.

Some MSS read, those who had eaten.

Dalmanutha was probably a village in the districts of Magadan (Matt. 15:39). It was likely a place west of the Sea of Galilee.

For vv. 11-21, see notes in Matt. 16:1-12.

See note Mark 2:6¹. So in v. 15.

A sign is a miracle that has some spiritual significance.

This too is a virtue of the Lord in His humanity, showing His sentiment toward man.

Lit., If a sign shall be given. A Hebraism, as in Heb. 3:11.

See note Matt. 13:33^1b. The leaven of the Pharisees was their hypocrisy (Luke 12:1); the leaven of Herod was his corruption and injustice in politics (see note Mark 6:27^1b).

Some MSS read, that they had no bread.

Signifying one who has lost his inner sight, one who is blind spiritually (Acts 26:18; 2 Pet. 1:9).

The Slave-Savior's humanity was expressed here in His intimate and loving care for the needy one. See note Mark 9:36¹.

This may indicate that the Slave-Savior would not allow what He intended to do for this blind man to be seen and known by the crowd, since He charged him not even to enter into the village (v. 26). Spiritually, this may indicate that the Slave-Savior wanted the blind man to have a private and intimate time with Him so that He could infuse him with the element by which his sight could be recovered. All who are spiritually blind need such a time with the Slave-Savior.

Blindness is related to darkness (Acts 26:18). To see, there is the need of light. The Slave-Savior's spittle may signify the word that proceeds out of His mouth (see note John 9:6¹), a word that conveys the divine light of life to the receiver for the recovery of his sight. Such spitting by the Slave-Savior, accompanied by His laying on of hands, was much richer than His mere touch, which had been requested for the blind man by his helpers.

Indicating that the Slave-Savior identified Himself with the blind man in order to transfuse His healing element into him.

This may illustrate a person's spiritual seeing. In the initial stage of his spiritual recovery, a person may see spiritual things as did this blind man, who saw men as trees, walking. After a further recovery, he sees all things clearly.

See note Mark 1:31¹.

Throughout His ministry the Slave-Savior, the Slave of God, did not want publicity. See note Mark 1:44¹. Shunning publicity was one of the virtues that He displayed. Such a virtue was sweet and lovely.

Some MSS add, nor tell it to anyone in the village.

For vv. 27-29, see notes in Matt. 16:13-16.

The Slave-Savior did not want to promote Himself.

For Mark 8:31-38; 9:1, see notes in Matt. 16:21-28.