Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 12:17
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying,
17. spoken by Esaias the prophet ] Isa 42:3. The original is not accurately followed; the words are probably quoted from memory.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Christ did this, that is, he withdrew himself when he heard what counsels the Pharisees and Herodians had taken, he charged those whom he had cured that they should not publish it abroad, he did those good acts before spoken of,
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet; that he might show himself to be the very person whom the prophet Isaiah long since did foretell, Isa 42:1-4. The words in the prophet are thus: Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my Spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. Thus far that prophet; let us now consider his words, or prophecy, as repeated by the evangelist. (see Mat 12:18)
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
17. That it might be fulfilled whichwas spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying (Isa42:1).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying. Isa 42:1 not that Christ gave the above charge with this view, that this passage in Isaiah might have its accomplishment: but this is an observation of the evangelist, that what was now done by Christ, by his private departure from the Pharisees, being unwilling to irritate them more; by his preaching to the Idumeans, Tyrians, and Sidonians; by healing their diseases, and shunning all ostentation and popular applause; and prohibiting to tell who and where he was, was a fulfilling of this prophecy; in which the Holy Spirit foreknowing the disposition and actions of Christ, predicted them: which, when considered, must be looked upon as a very large proof of the truth of his being the Messiah. For that this prophecy belongs to the Messiah, is owned by the Jews themselves k.
k Targum & Kimchi in loc. Abarbinel Mashmia Jeshua, fol. 9. 1, 2. & 10. 1, 2. & 21. 2. & in Is. fol 64. 3, 4. R. Isaac Chizzuk Emuna, p. 299.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
That it might be fulfilled ( ). The final use of and the sub-final just before (verse 16). The passage quoted is Isa 42:1-4 “a very free reproduction of the Hebrew with occasional side glances at the Septuagint” (Bruce), possibly from an Aramaic collection of Testimonia (McNeile). Matthew applies the prophecy about Cyrus to Christ.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “That it might be fulfilled,” (hina plerothe) “in order that it might be fulfilled,” come to occur or happen, as everything spoken by true prophets concerning the Messiah was and is fulfilled in Christ, Rev 19:10.
2) “Which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,” (to hrethen dia Isaiou tou prophetou legontes) “The thing (event) spoken by Isaiah the prophet who said,” concerning what they (the great multitudes) had just observed, Isa 42:1-4.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
17. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken Matthew does not mean that this prediction was entirely fulfilled by Christ’s prohibiting loud and general reports to be circulated respecting his power (93), but that this was an exhibition of that mildness which Isaiah describes in the person of the Messiah. Those wonderful works which Christ performed in presence of a few, and which he did not wish to be announced in pompous terms, were fitted to shake heaven and earth, (Heb 12:26.) It was, therefore, no ordinary proof, how widely he was removed from the pomp and ostentation of the world.
But it will be proper for us to examine more closely the design of Matthew. By this circumstance he intended to show, that the glory of Christ’s divinity ought not to be the less admired, because it appeared under a vail of infirmity. This is unquestionably the very object to which the Holy Spirit directed the eyes of the prophet. The flesh is constantly longing for outward display, and to guard believers against seeking any thing of this description in the Messiah, the Spirit of God declared that he would be totally different from earthly kings, who, in order to draw admiration upon themselves, produce great noises wherever they go, and fill cities and towns with commotion. (94) We now perceive how appropriately Matthew applies the prediction of the prophet to the case in hand. God appointed for his Son a low and mean appearance, and that ignorant persons may not take offense at an aspect which has no attraction, and is fitted to awaken contempt, both the prophet and Matthew come forward to declare, that it is not by accident, but in consequence of a decree of Heaven, that he assumes such a character. (95) Hence it follows, that deep blame attaches to all who despise Christ, because his outward condition does not correspond to the wishes of the flesh. We are not at liberty to imagine to ourselves a Christ that corresponds to our fancy, but ought simply to embrace him as he is offered by the Father. He who is offended by the low condition of Christ, which God declares to be agreeable to his will, is unworthy of salvation. I now come to examine the words of the prophet, (Isa 42:1.)
(93) “ Les miracles et signes qu’il faisoit par sa vertu Divine;” — “the miracles and signs which he performed by his Divine power.”
(94) “ Ils font faire de grans bruits: il semble que les villes et citez doyvent tourner ce que dessus dessous, tant y a grande esmotion;” — “they cause great noises to be made; and so great is the commotion, that it would seem as if towns and cities were to be turned upside down.”
(95) “ Quand Christ vient au monde sans pompe exterieure;” — “when Christ comes into the world without external pomp.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(17) That it might be fulfilled.The quotation of Isa. 42:1 (not from the LXX., but in a free translation from the Hebrew) in reference to this reserve and reticence, and therefore in a sense which seems to us to fall far short of its full meaning, shows how deep an impression it had made on the mind of the Evangelist in connection with our Lords conduct. One who united thus the attributes of divine power with such entire freedom from the ostentation of ambition could be none other than the true ideal King.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
17. By Esaias the prophet The evangelist considers this quietude of our Lord as going to fulfil Isa 43:1-4, a passage in which the Messiah is described, under the image of one of the ancient Hebrew judges, as establishing righteousness in the earth by the most silent and spiritual means and influences. It predicted these things:
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘That it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,’
The whole of Jesus’ ministry (from Mat 3:3 to Mat 20:28) is at this point seen by Matthew to be a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy, leading up to Mat 20:28. He continually and distinctively cites Isaiah’s prophecies by name, while outside this cluster he only mentions Jeremiah (even when citing Isaiah), who, as the one who was called from the womb (Jer 1:5), and was famed as the weeping prophet (Jer 9:1), was most suitable to connect with the commencement and end of the life of Jesus (Mat 12:17; Mat 27:9). See introduction. This particular quotation from Isaiah covers the points made in the above summary. It is also a summary of all that is to follow.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Mat 12:17-21. That it might be fulfilled, &c. Concerning this prophesy, we refer the reader to the notes on Isa 42:1; Isa 42:25 just observing, that it is not quoted here exactly according to the Hebrew original, the Evangelist having contracted it.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
Ver. 17. That it might be fulfilled ] The Old Testament is the New foretold; the New Testament is the Old fulfilled. Ezekiel saw a wheel within a wheel. This is, saith Bonaventure, the one Testament in the other.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
17. ] On , see note on ch. Mat 1:22 . Neither it nor . must be understood ‘ and thus was fulfilled ,’ as Webster and Wilkinson: both are used only of the purpose, not of the result, here or any where. It is strange that any should be found, at this period of the progress of exegesis, to go back to a view which is both superficial and ungrammatical. The prophecy is partly from the LXX, partly an original translation. The LXX have , but the Rabbis generally understood it of the Messiah.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
That = To the end that.
spoken. As well as written.
by = by means of. Greek. dia.
Esaias = Isaiah (App-79). Quoted from Isa 42:1-4. See App-107. From the Hebrew direct; but the last clause differs, because the Holy Spirit is recording the act of fulfillment, and varying it by way of Divine comment.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
17.] On , see note on ch. Mat 1:22. Neither it nor . must be understood and thus was fulfilled, as Webster and Wilkinson: both are used only of the purpose, not of the result, here or any where. It is strange that any should be found, at this period of the progress of exegesis, to go back to a view which is both superficial and ungrammatical. The prophecy is partly from the LXX, partly an original translation. The LXX have , but the Rabbis generally understood it of the Messiah.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
it: Mat 8:17, Mat 13:35, Mat 21:4, Isa 41:22, Isa 41:23, Isa 42:9, Isa 44:26, Luk 21:22, Luk 24:44, Joh 10:35, Joh 12:38, Joh 19:28, Act 13:27
saying: Isa 42:1-4
Reciprocal: Mat 1:22 – that Mat 4:14 – it
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2:17
That it might be fulfilled is explained at Mat 4:14.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Mat 12:17. That it might be fulfilled, etc. While Mark details the occurrences, Matthew only declares that the retirement of our Lord was a fulfilment of prophecy, however contrary to the popular notions about the Messiah.
Isaiah the prophet. (Chap. Isa 42:1-4). A translation from the Hebrew, made by the Evangelist
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
That is, our blessed Saviour did those good acts before spoken of, that it might appear that he was the true Messias prophesied of by Isaias the prophet, Isa 42:1-2. Behold my servant whom I have set apart for accomplishing the work of salvation for a lost world; he by the fulness of my Spirit shall teach the nations the way of truth and righteousness; he shall not subdue men by force and violence, but, as the Prince of Peace, shall deal gently with the weak, and cherish the least measures of grace, and degrees of goodness.
Observe here, 1. A description of Christ as a Mediator; he is God the Father’s Servant, employed in the most noble service, namely, of instructing and saving a lost world.
Observe, 2. With what meekness and gentleness Christ sets up his spiritual kingdom in the world; he doth not with noise and clamour, with force and violence, subdue and conquer; but with meekness and gentleness gains person’s consent to his government and authority.
Observe, 3. The gentle carriage of Christ in treating those of infirmer grace; he doth and will graciously preserve and tenderly cherish the smallest beginnings, the weakest measures, and the lowest degrees, of sincere grace, which he observes in any of is children and people. By the bruised reed and smoking flax, understand such as are broken with the sense of sin, such as are weak in faith, such as are so much overpowered by corruption, that they do rather smoke than burn or shine; such as are thus low and mean in spirituals, Christ will not break with his power, not quench with his rebukes, till he has perfected their conversion, and their weak grace is become victorious.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Verse 17
Esaias; Isaiah 42:1-4.